Sunday, July 21, 2013

Facts About Fused Glass Tiles

By Kelli Townsend


Fused glass tiles are formed by arranging pieces of glasses to create a specific design. It is then heated at a very high temperature to be able to reach the desired look of the output. A couple of thin glasses are stacked to have the thickness that is desired. It will be cut depending on its use. In order to achieve a colorful outcome, different colors must be used for every layer. Each will then be categorized according to the manufacturing style it was made. Smalti, sintered, cast and fused glass tile is among the many categories it may belong.

Long ago, glasses were made into beautiful artworks such as mosaics and other handicrafts. Many claims to have started the craft but according to studies, there is no specific place of which it had originated. But it was proven to exist for many years already. Craftsmen had transformed it into tiles. It became more popular nowadays in many fields already.

In the fused method of manufacturing such, the material is cut into small tiles and placed in a heated furnace. The output is usually clear therefore adding of different colors at the top or under is necessary. This is then treated by the use of etching and coating. The output is used in creating various artworks and mosaic.

A series of quick heating intervals is needed in the said strategy. The stack will easily fuse if higher temperatures are being applied to it. Once the desired fuse is reached, it is necessary to lower its temperature. Allow it to cool and then soak it again to another series of temperature. A shiny result will be attained if higher temperature is applied.

There are simple steps that can be done to be able to make one. Every tile may have up to seven layers that are cut accordingly. It will be placed on an opaque base. One could have a black or white base though. Make sure that is is durable enough to provide a strong hold of the whole product.

One could create as many as he can. You can now arrange everything by stacking it again to form different colored layers. Heat it in a kiln. Make sure to have the precise temperature. After having it, wait until room temperature is reached.

Nowadays, many industries are into the production of such colorful products. This art requires much skill and imagination. Many revisions are made to the old craft for it to add more beauty to different interior and exterior surroundings.

To install it will be another tiring job compared to installing clay. The property of a glass is brittle that makes it break easily if not taken seriously. Proper skill in installing and drilling is needed for an installer so as to avoid it from being broken.

Fused glass tiles are not recommended for your floors at home. It becomes slippery when exposed to water. Many use it in creating artworks and crafts. Others use it to produce ornamental panels for walls. Bead and jewelry making also is joining the trend by using such.




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