Northstar Glassworks
Red Exotic
High-intensity striking boro that oxidizes to bright metallic reds, reduces to earthy tones, and darkens to a deeper red in the kiln. Work on a superoxidizing flame; bathe briefly in reducing flame at the end for mirror sheen.
Outcomes
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Bright metallic red with mirror-like sheenWork in a superoxidizing flame throughout. At the very end, bathe the piece in an extremely reducing flame for only a few seconds to develop the brilliant mirror-like sheen.
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Earth tones — muted, reduced surface with no metallic sheenReducing the color during working locks in earth tones instead of the bright red strike. Can then be encased in clear; dragging clear over the surface creates interesting patterns.
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Darker, deeper red from kiln strikingUnlike other Exotic family members, NS-029 Red Exotic does change in the kiln, darkening to produce a deeper red hue.
Working notes
Preheat / heat slowly
- Work on a superoxidizing flame — reducing during working will prevent the bright red strike and pull earth tones instead.
- Heat slowly and gently — these colors are sensitive to heat.
- Anneal with care — evenly saturated metal oxides make cracking a risk.
- Heavy encasement is not recommended.