We import glass rods from a manufacturer in the Czech Republic who has formulated this glass to be more compatible with itself than in the past.
There are 2 types of glass that they produce.
1. Soda lime glass with an average COE of 104, where they have added some extra lead to give it that sparkle and allow a long working time.
2. Lead glass with an average COE of 95 in the transparet colors and COE of 103 in the opaque glass. In the lead line there is also a glass I call Shampoo glass with a COE of 95. It has the look of Pert shampoo, very unique and beautiful. As with lead base glass it’s very soft and melts at a very low temperature. Stainless steel works best for a marver for lead glass instead of graphite. Graphite can cause sizzling of the glass.
As a bead maker I appreciate the sparkle and clarity of this glass and its smooth workability. It does have a learning curve and as any new tool you will have to work with it and see how it performs for you.
When you can work this glass with other 104 COE glass; test it first to see how compatible it is. Some colors will work better than others. I try to keep to the 15% rule when adding other 104 glass to the matrix of the bead. When applying surface work have fun, if it pops off then that color does not work.
When using the Czech soda lime opaque glass keep it to 25% of the bead if you are going to encase it. I will make a frit or powder, then make a clear center and roll your bead in the frit and encase your bead.
Annealing Temps
Soda lime 968 – 1000
Lead glass 850 – 900
