Melt 45
Suppliers of Gaffer casting glass and Reichenbach 15% casting glass.
Gaffer casting glass originated in New Zealand and is a specific type of 45% lead crystal glass that is specifically formulated for glass casting. This high-quality glass is favoured by artists because it flows at low temperatures, allowing for the creation of intricate designs in cast glass work, and is available in various colors, including dichroic varieties that change colour depending on the light. Gaffer is a reliable glass which does not have to be taken up to a high temperature for it to flow, making it advantageous for molds. The high lead content in Gaffer crystal glass gives it a brilliant, refractive quality, making it visually appealing as it catches the light in a unique way.
Reichenbach casting glass is a specific type of coloured glass manufactured by the German company Farbglashütte Reichenbach GmbH that is designed for the glass casting process. Reichenbach 15% casting glass is known for its uniform melting behaviour, consistent colour palette and high quality for creating glass products. Due to its lower lead content, Reichenbach is a more cost-effective casting glass, making it perfect for beginners. The relative lightness of this product makes creating large scale works more achievable, allowing higher volume for less weight. Reichenbach is ideal for open molds and flows well, though at a higher annealing point than glasses with a greater lead content. The clarity and high refractive index of this glass result in a bright sparkle in the finished product.
Ordering Instructions
Choose your preferred colour(s) from the shop page.
Email us with the following information:
- Your name (and business name if applicable).
- Your email address for invoicing.
- Your postal address for delivery.
- Your phone number.
- Colours: code, name and quantity of blocks (minimum purchase is one block per colour.)
Gaffer glass is roughly 1.7 kilograms per block and Reichenbach glass roughly is 1.3 kilograms per block. Each order is weighed and charged by the gram.
Clicking the order button confirms you have read and accepted the terms and conditions set out in our FAQ page.
Colours
Striking glass changes colour when heated, transforming from one colour to another during the firing process.
Dichroic glass appears to change colour when viewed from different angles due to ultra-thin and multi-layered metallic coatings.
Quality & Compatibility
As glass artists, we use Gaffer and Reichenbach glass because their commitment to quality control ensures consistency and reliability for artists, reducing issues during the casting process.
Educators
There are many incredible glass teachers throughout New Zealand who can guide you through the process of beginning your glass journey.
Kelda Morris
Dirt Child Design studio offers unique one day workshops in Wellington to introduce students to the fundamentals of open faced glass casting.
Evelyn Dunstan
Weekly classes to coincide with school terms, or short workshop and individual tutoring by arrangement.
Carmen Simmonds
Carmen is a professional artist, tutor and mentor, working from her rural studio in Whanganui, New Zealand.
Sofia Athineou
Sofia currently teaches at the Glow Room of the Corban Estate Arts Centre in Tamaki Makaurau, a newly designed studio dedicated to glass casting
