Once you've fused a flat piece of glass, slumping is how you give it shape, into a bowl, plate, or dish. The mold does the shaping, and choosing and preparing it correctly is the difference between a clean curve and a stuck, marked, or torn piece.
| Mold type | Best for |
|---|---|
| Ceramic / bisque molds | Most common; bowls, plates, dishes |
| Stainless steel molds | Durable, reusable, sharp forms |
| Drop-out / ring molds | Deep vessels where glass drops through |
| Drape molds | Glass draped over the outside (see draping) |
Glass will stick to a bare mold, ruining both. Every mold needs a release layer:
Re-coat kiln wash whenever it looks worn or flaky. A patchy release layer transfers texture to the back of your glass or causes sticking.
Slumping happens at a much lower temperature than fusing, typically in the 1150–1250°F range. You want just enough heat for the glass to soften and settle into the mold under gravity, no more. Overheat and you'll get thinning, marks from the mold surface, or glass pulling away from the rim. A gentle, watchful slump with a good soak gives the cleanest result.
Your fused blank should suit the mold, not overhang wildly or float in the center. Too large and it drapes past the edges; too small and it won't reach the form. Plan the blank size around the finished shape you want.
The right molds, kiln wash, and a kiln with enough depth make slumping easy. I'll help you gear up. Spencer — (801) 839-5882.
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