000403 Opaline Opalescent

Cold Characteristics

Appears transparent and clear in its cold form. Occasional wisps of white are possible.

Working Notes

Requires a full fuse to strike to a hazy, milky white that transmits warm-hued light. Transmitted light varies based on thickness: Thinner pieces result in a yellow-ish hue, thicker pieces in a warmer almost orange hue. Opacity increases with extended heatwork.

Opaline may remain clear or largely unstruck at temperatures in the tack fuse range (1275°F – 1425°F). To achieve target color and opacity when used in tack fuse projects a single sheet can be pre-struck at higher temperatures (1470/1480°F for :10). Expect the edges of the sheet to pull in from the original footprint and consider firing on 1/16” fiber paper topped with ThinFire for sheets larger than 10×10”. This allows air to escape laterally, thus preventing it from gathering between the sheet glass and kiln shelf in the form of a large bubble. The resulting struck sheet can then be cut and used in tack fused or other lower temperature works.

Take note that the resulting struck sheet will have trace amounts of ThinFire/Shelf Primer on the shelf side, which can affect the results in secondary firings. Additionally, the opacity of the Opaline sheet may continue to develop in subsequent firings.

Overlay Information

Opaline has great potential to expand the color palette in kilnforming because it has the ability to create new colors with distinct properties. For more information, see Opaline Overlays.

Helpful Resources

• Make It: Opaline Sushi Set
• Quick Tip: Frit Balls (includes info on working with Opaline frit)
• Quick Tip: Put a Ring on It
• What to Expect from Opaline Frit
• Video lesson: Expanding the Color Palette: Opaline Overlays (subscription required)

Bullseye Compatible.

Working Notes

Read What to Expect from Opaline Frit.