Materials:
- Bisque Beads
- Pipe cleaners (for holding beads)
- Styrofoam (for holding beads)
- Sanding paper
- PMC 3 paste
- PMC syringe and sheet for embellishing.
Tools and Equipment:
- Paint Brush
- Programmable kiln or torch
- Kiln bead tree
- Stainless steel brush and burnishing tool or tumbler
Procedure:
- Using the sandpaper, sand off any imperfections on the surface of the bead. Wipe down with a damp sponge to remove any dust.
- Begin painting the bisque beads, ends first, with the paste. Make sure you
paint as far down into the hole of the bead as possible. Paint each end, allow
to dry and repeat the procedure 6 times (a total of 7 coats each end).
- Fold the top part of the pipe cleaner over and place the bead on. This will ensure that the bead does not slip down the pipe cleaner while you are painting it.
- Apply a coat of the paste on the surface of the bead. Stick the end of the pipe cleaner into the Styrofoam to hold the bead while drying. Repeat 6 times.
- To embellish your bead use PMC syringe and/or sheet. Punch out your PMC Sheet pieces and attach them to the bead using the PMC paste as glue.
- Remove the bead from the pipe cleaner and place on bead tree in the kiln. Fire on PMC+ Fast programme (1650oF for a 10 minute hold). The total firing time will be approximately 25 mins. You may crack open the door of the kiln very slightly to speed up the cooling after the firing is completed.
- Polish by hand with a stainless steel brush for a mat finish or with a burnisher for a high shine.
- Alternatively tumble for a mirror finish. To tumble, place the pipe cleaner back into the bead and curl each end to prevent shot from getting stuck in the bead.
Warning:
If you apply fewer coats or if you apply the paste too thinly you may experience
shivering or peeling off of the silver from the bead. This can be repaired by
adding more paste and refiring. Ensure the entire bead is covered with each coat.
Do not be tempted to water down the paste. PMC3 paste should be the consistency
of custard.
To purchase any of the products featured in this project, please visit our online
store
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