When coppers are fired, the resulting material possesses different colors such as red, blue, black and brown. These colors may vary based on the copper used, the temperature during firing as well as the air exposure during that time.
The mesh can be bought in different dimensions and pattern size. There are also many choices available online. The copper mesh should be cut in pieces smaller compared to the glass. By cutting this way, you will make sure that the glass will be able to totally cover the entire mesh. If not, the edges of the wire will be sticking out which is not ideal.
To start, here are the materials you will need:
- Safety glasses
- Copper mesh
- Clear and base glass
- Kiln and its prepared shelf
- Glass cutter and scissors
- Oil for cutting
- Towel for cleaning (lint-free) and glass cleaner
- Put cutting oil into the base of the glass piece and with the use of a glass cutter, cut it into the desired shape. The color of the base is any color that you prefer. The top glass however should stay clear and must be bigger in size compared to the base. This way, the bottom of the glass piece will be fully encase once the top is fusing down.
- Cut the copper mesh to be used as screening and remember that it should be smaller than the glass. Use a pair of scissors to cut.
- Apply some glass cleaner on a dry towel (lint-free) and clean the glass thoroughly.
- Hold the edge of the base and carefully put aside in the kiln shelf you have prepared.
- With caution, position the copper mesh and place it on top of the base and put the clear glass on top of them. The wire mesh should be sandwiched inside with no wires sticking out.
- After closing the kiln, you may start it. Full fuse must be applied to the piece.
- After full fuse is reached, the kiln may be turned off before disconnecting. Let it cool down if it is the type of kiln with fire bricks embedded on it. If employed with ceramic fiber then it should stay on and it’s cooling must be regulated to 300 degrees F every hour.
- The kiln may be opened once more if the temperature is down to 100 degrees F.