Luster

Latest revision as of 23:11, 12 June 2010

[edit] Luster

Available commercially in a variety of colors as well as metallics, luster is a chemical pigment applied to cool (or warm) glass than fired on in the kiln or flame. Commercially available lusters tend to be highly toxic and produce highly toxic fumes while being fired, so adiquate ventilation is manditory for this process.

A simple to prepare luster commonly called mother of Pearl can be made by mixing a small amount of finely powdered tin oxide with either distilled water or alcohol in a spray bottle. If you use water you can apply the luster to hot glass from the flame or kiln. Use a very light misting spray so you don't thermal shock the glass. Quickly reduce the resulting thin layer of oxide in the flame and you should get a rainbow luster. Of course you should only do this if you have excellent ventilation, and I would recomend wearing a respirator anyways.

The alcohol based solution can be sprayed or painted on to cold glass and kiln fired. Often the luster wont be as strong this way unless you can reduce the environment of your kiln.

Another important luster family is the metallics. These are available in Gold, Silver, and Platinum and are very exspensive, they fire on in the kiln (don't use a torch with these) and they don't rub off easily once fired. A gold luster pen is available from Kemper tools through your supplier that is great for signing special work.