I thought I'd better get a handle on the colour, the reactions, and oh yeah, as I remember - it reduces in the kiln.
This is a self-coloured spacer - Copper Green. It comes out of the kiln with a dull, grey layer - quite unappealing.
As with the turquoise glasses - when they do this, I soaked the beads in CLR. I was a little short of it, so I actually used a solution of about 50% CLR and 50% water. Generally - I only have to soak beads for an hour or so - this diluted solution (and maybe the layer on the copper green is tougher?) took longer - I let them soak for about 2-3 days. I could see improvement after the first 3 hours - but I wanted more - so I left them longer.
Above, this is the same bead, post CLR'ing. (CLR is a cleaning solution for removing Calcium Lime and Rust. It is now also a brand for other cleaning products. You want the original. I've tried cheaper brands - they don't work as well.)
The colour is very close to what I had in mind - a soft, pale green.
Next - also a solid Copper Green bead - this one was deliberated reduced. Note the large patch of red that it has developed.
And, here is the same bead, post-CLR. The red patch is much more vivid and vibrant. I like the hue much better.
This is a base of copper green, with EDP (Effetre Purple) dots.
And below - post CLR. I actually like it less now - less character.
This is a base of EDP, with copper green dots. Note the truly magnificant separation effect - making the single copper green dots look like a dot on dot effect.
Post CLR, again, I think it has lost some character.
Ivory base, with Copper Green dots, and ivory dots again.
Post CLR - the copper green is brighter, but I think I liked the first version better.
So - an extended soak in CLR will take off the dull, metallic haze - which is what I wanted to know.
Wow, so many options. Thanks for the informative blog on copper green. I love your experiments.... much more fun than chemistry class was.
ReplyDeleteI love copper green, despite its price. Sometimes I use a cheaper glass as the base, and encase with cg. I use my acid etch to clean off the reduction. It just takes a quick dip, rinse, then wipe with paper towel. But sometimes the reduction does enhance the bead. As always, thanks for your blog. I always enjoy it.
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