Glass Frequently Asked Questions

For ease of use and posting, canes will be cut into 1/3 lengths (into approx. 30 cms) unless otherwise requested.

However, these are not compatible with Bullseye.

Approximate quantity of rods (approx. 30 - 33 cm) depending on diameter of the glass --e.g. Moretti & Vetrofond :

Czech Glass length & diameter

• The canes (vary from ~70- to 82cm) are shorter than Moretti & Vetrofond (~98 - 105 cm), however, they are sold by weight, so the length is really irrelevant.

• Each cane will be cut into third (~27.33cm) or half lengths (~35cm) for ease of postage, unless requested otherwise

• The Czech glass is very soft and great to work with. As a beadmaker, I LOVE the beautiful colours !!

• The diameter ranges from 6-10mm, but mostly 7mm.

Czech Glass Compatibility with Moretti & Vetrofond

• I have only stocked the Czech Soda Lime glass which can be used with Moretti & Vetrofond. However, as the COE's are not identical please mix these glass types with caution. A safe ratio is between 25 to 50%.

• I can recommend from my own experience and that from many other prominent bead makers that you can encase Moretti/Vetrofond with Czech glass.  I do not recommend the reverse.   

• I have made encased florals with & without Moretti & Vetrofond white in the centre, using Moretti & Vetrofond white for petals, etc.

• As a comparison, I have made many beads with Gaffer, Kugler, Reichenbach frits which has COE of 90-96, encased and unencased with Moretti or Vetrofond transparents & not have any problems.  As I am pedantic :o) and come from a science background, I NEVER batch anneal any of my beads to be on the safe side.

Czech Glass Annealing

• Many beadmakers have batch annealed their Czech glass sussessfully, however I always play safe, so I would not recommend batch annealing if mixing the two different glass types as they may have different stress properties.  I would hate to see your beads crack. You may like to experiment.

• The same annealing program as Moretti & Vetrofond can be used.  Some beadmakers prefer to anneal slightly hotter. Be sure to ramp down slowly.

• The Czech glass has higher lead content than the Italian glass, and different viscosity.  Many beadmakers have batch annealed their Czech glass sussessfully, however I always play safe, so you may need to try it yourself.

Encasing Tourmaline Pink

• I have managed to do this quite successfully.  The "secret" is using Czech Clear to encase.
  To strike the colour, you make the bead, let it cool until the glow is gone, then reintroduce it into the flame briefly to change the colour. You will be pleasantly surprised with the result.  It can very from a purplish pink to deep ruby depending on the length of time you strike it for.
  

HOT TIP

•  Always clean your rods before use to remove any dust and grime from handling & packaging by wiping with a damp cloth wetted with a mixture of methylated spirit and water.  Keep metho away from flame.

Wet Canvas references & feedback

A number of threads can be found on wet canvas applauding the beautiful colours and clarity of Czech glass.

An example of a wet canvas Czech Glass thread