Glass Bead Makers

Here's Maggies bead release....it seems to have gotten lost somewhere and it is an awesome recipe. I've been using it for ages and don't have any problems:


I've re-typed it....


"Here's the secret recipe for Maggie's Magic Mix bead release"

"I got the base recipe from Micael Barley

I added:

*Bentonite, it keeps things from settling into an unmovable lump at the bottom of the jar, not a strictly necessary ingredient, you can leave it out.
*Graphite powder, it makes the bead easier to take off the mandrel, I didn't have all that much graphite when I made my batch of release, I might increase the amount to 7 parts ISO 5, Brian Kerkvliet reckons you can go to about 10 parts.

As with any recipe, try it in a small quantity first, this lot makes just over 100 grams. A 5 x batch makes a good quantity of release once you're happy with the brew!

SILICA 30 PARTS
KAOLIN 30 PARTS (CHINA CLAY)
ALUMINA HYDRATE 30 PARTS
GRAPHITE 5-10 PARTS
BENTONITE 5 PARTS

- Weigh out all the materials, mix them very well while dry
****************WEAR A DUSK MASK*************************
- add it to as much water (in volume) as you have powder
- let it stand overnight to allow the materials to slake properly.

I then put this lot through a 100# sieve (I'm an ex potter, I have all that stuff). Michael Barley has an old blender that he uses. Just get the lumps out.

If the mix is too thin I let it stand a day or so, then pour off the water at the top. I keep doing this as I use the mix sometimes.

At 'normal' thickness it should only take a single dip, if it's a bit thin I double dip. I let my mandrels dry overnight.

Heat the dipped mandrel up in the flame to orange heat, also next to where the actual bead is going to be.

Then your ready to go!! I'm well known for abusing my beads, poking and rolling those Bi-cones etc! but I haven't had one break since I started using this release.

The materials are standard pottery materials so any pottery supply place will be able to help you. The graphite powder you can get from Bunnings or other hardware stores.

I know Claycraft in Brisbane will send things anywhere - so look them up if you need to. Oh and the materials are very cheap and what you get will make a LOT of bead release!!!!!

GOOD LUCK!!!
Maggie"



P.S. I've been using this recipe for a while now and it's fantastic....hope you enjoy it.

Tracy

Thanks for the recipe Maggie - I am going to give it a try I am in need of new bead release - I found a Pottery Supplier in Milton who has all but the graphite in stock so will pick it all up tomorrow and let you know how I went with it.
Christine
aufolkart@optusnet.com.au

Hi Tracey,
I mixed up this bead release last night and have coated a few mandrels this morning. I dont have a chance to get onto the torch to this afternoon so I will let you know how I went with it then. I got all of the "ingredients" at a pottery shop at Milton in Brisbane everything cost $19.40 and then the graphite from Bunnings for $6. Ive made up a large coffee bottle (I think maybe 900gm) and probably you could make that about 4 more times but you would have to buy more graphite.

Hi christine,
How much of the original ingredients did you get? I spent about that much, but got kilo bags of everything, mine is going to last me for AGES - I have made about 4 batches so far, and have barely dented the quantities.

hey, funny story, I posted a link to this thread on WC, because someone was complaining about bead release getting dear, and foster fire pm'd me and offered a free maple of their new dry product for me to try. I said I was happy to try, but I love this recipe, so I cant see myself swapping (and I told them that). But, I would be happy to let peeople know what I think of it. They didnt get back to me, so not sure if I am expectig a sample in the mail or not. I did notice they had joined here though. Hi guys *wave*

Suz

Hi Suz,
It was all kg bags except the silica which I think was 300gm so I probably underestimated how much I could make.

Hi all,
For those who want to try this new recipe -
Mix the Bentonite separately.
The secret for mixing bentonite is MIX IT WITH BOILING WATER.
If this is not successful just let the bentonite and water sit over night.
Then you can blend in all the other ingredients quite easily.
Happy mixing.
I'll give the recipe a try over the week end. Please post your results if you try the boiling water trick.
Bev.B

I had no trouble mixing at all didnt use hot water. I do have an old blender though and it made it all nice and whipped up and creamy. I knew I was keeping it for some reason apart from paper mache.

Is this release air dry overnight only, or can it be flame dried?

Thanks in advance,
Myra

Hi Myra,
Welcome aboard. Definately air dry overnight - I tried to flame dry and it just cracks up and flakes off. But definately try it - apart for the downside regarding mixing chemicals if you be sensible it its the best bead release I have ever tried.

Christine:

Have been using Sludge Plus and I really love it; but, when I start running low, I'm definately going to try this.
Thanks
Myra

I know I'm bumping an old thread but... whats a part? I'm a decimal minded person and I'm not too sure on the parts...

I struggle with my bead release and I'm determined to make it myself, I modified Pauline Delaney's mix and added graphite and I'd been thinking to get Kaolin last time I was down at Northcote Pottery... this recipe is just perfect... although, I tend to bung everything in with measuring cups.

I know I'm bumping an old thread but... whats a part? I'm a decimal minded person and I'm not too sure on the parts...

I struggle with my bead release and I'm determined to make it myself, I modified Pauline Delaney's mix and added graphite and I'd been thinking to get Kaolin last time I was down at Northcote Pottery... this recipe is just perfect... although, I tend to bung everything in with measuring cups.

PARTS - If you are measuring in grams it's grams, ozs it's ozs.
I add a '0' to all and measure 300 grams. (about 1kg of dry ingredients).Easier to measure if you only have kitchen scales.
This is the recipe I use, but I have halved the graphite, and I am thinking or trying a new batch with only quarter the amount of graphite.
Bev.B

Ahhh! *jerries* Okay yep, I've got kitchen scales. Thanks heaps for explaining.

Ok You Guys?
I'm curious.
Are you still using the original recipe?
How long did the first lot of ingredients you bought last?
Tania.