90 COE DichroMagic [9]
DichroMagic® dichroic glass is made by Austin Thin Films Inc in Austin, Texas. After fusing or lampworking dichroic glass, the color will shift towards the left on the visible color spectrum, depending on the thickness of the dichroic coating, the amount of time and temperature fired for a specific kiln, the number of firings, the type of base glass, and the exact application of the DichroMagic® in the project. Austin Thin Films recommend fusing a test palette using the color sample set to see how much firing temperature will affect the color shift. The best way to see what the color shift should be is to view the dichroic at a 45-degree angle. That color whether it is from the reflection or the transmission will be the shifted color.Upon firing, DichroMagic® produces a unique crazing pattern depending on the color, glass texture, glass thickness, coating color, and fusing technique. The dichroic coating will fuse readily to uncoated glass. In general, two dichroic layers will not fuse directly to each other. For hot glass processes such as blown, lamp work, and cast glass, DichroMagic® should be used with care. At extended temperatures above 1800 degrees F dichroic coatings can oxidize rapidly causing drastic shifts in color. It is suggested that at temperatures at or above 2000 degrees F the glass be applied with the dichroic layer away from the flame. By gathering or fusing a layer of clear over the coating, the dichroic can be encased and protected from destruction. When glass is blown and stretched, the dichroic coating will be fractured into smaller pieces. Bead making using the dichroic-coated side out of clear glass DichroMagic® works well provided you do it with care.
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