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.

Before, glasses were used to create unique crafts and artworks such as handicrafts and mosaics. There were many claims about where the craft originated but studies had already proven that this existed many years ago. Some artisans started making it into tiles. Today, it is becoming more popular due to its uniqueness and beautiful output.

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.

In this strategy, a series of fast heating cycles is needed. The longer it stays in a high temperature kiln, the more will the stack fuse. If the desired fuse is achieved, one can slowly lower the temperature of the kiln. Allow the output to cool down after it will be soaked in a particular range of temperature. The higher the heat that will be applied, the glossier the result will be.

Some steps are provided so that one can easily make a simple product. There are more or less seven layers of the same size in every tile. It must be stacked in an opaque base though. One can have a white or black base but it will not really matter. Just see to it that your base is durable enough to hold your output.

After having several of those output, you can now assemble each piece by placing it with other different layers. Heat everything in a furnace. These tiles are heated at accurate temperatures. Once through, wait until it reaches room temperature.

Lots of industries are now getting into the trend of producing such colorful products. Imagination and skills are the key to have a great and unique output though. The whole craft has undergone a lot of revisions already but still making its way to the very present era.

Installation of such is indeed a very tedious job rather than having clay. Glass is so brittle that it could break easily if it will fall. It would take proper skills for one to be able to install it properly.

Fused glass tiles are not recommended to be used in different floors. These may become extremely slippery especially when wet. Otherwise, it can be utilized in creating great artworks or designs for specific parts of the home. It can be used to make decorative panels and coasters. This can even be used in making beads and jewelries.




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