Mandrel Release

How to use Mandrel release

Molten glass will stick to a metal mandrel. To prevent this, you must coat the metal mandrel with a release.

1. Dip the end of a metal mandrel into the mandrel release.
2. Dry completely. Some types may need hours of dry time.
3. Flame dry the coated area with your torch for 10 seconds.
   Over heating while flame drying will make your bead stick to the metal mandrel!
4. You are ready to apply the molten glass.

Removing the bead from the mandrel

1. Grab the metal mandrel with a pliers that has teeth.
2. Grab the bead with your fingers.
3. Twist the bead off the mandrel

Tricks and Tips

If your glass does not come off the mandrel when cool:

Causes and solutions:

• Your mandrel release may be to thin. Double coat or let it evaporate a bit to make it thicker.
• If you flame dry the coating too much, your beads may stick to the mandrel. Don't fry the coating! Flame dry the coating just enough to change the coating color to a lighter color.
• Long beads are harder to remove, simply because there is more bead grabbing the metal mandrel. Different releases grip differently.
• Black coat grips the least
• Blue coat grips medium
• Soaking the beads on the mandrel in water for a few minutes may help in removing the bead.
• Try putting the bead on the mandrel in the freezer for an hour. The metal shrinks away from glass bead for easier removal.