TEST: Can I Create Permanent Rigid Templates out of Fiber Paper for Glass Fusing?

While this didn’t go exactly as I hoped, it still will be a good solution for me to extend the life of the fiber paper templates that I make. I suspect I can get double the life out of them if I treat them with this rigidizer first.
You can find SilkeMat and rigidizer at just about any glass supply retailer, in person or online, and the list of distributors can be found at www.SilkeMat.com. Or you can go straight to Barbara at www.bjcashman.com.

[@dlarson9850]

Win some loose some. You pal, win way more than you loose. Keep experimenting and showing the results. You’re the best. Thanks Jamaison.

[@kathiekarancz964]

Wow Jamison! You are so giving with info. I would never have thought about doing that but… it didn’t surprise me that it didn’t work. Please keep on giving! Kathie from Mexico 🐢

[@dicooper4240]

Thanks for sharing and saving us a lot of time and Frustration!❤❤❤❤

[@helenstubbs8282]

Hi. Thank you for trying this out, a really good thought using the Rigidiszer on fibre paper! Great video, thanks.

[@renes4302]

I love your experiments and that you share them with us!

[@hayley6905]

Love watching your videos especially your experiments. I was thinking that plaster of Paris with small amount 5% of binder (I’ve read fribreglass strands work well) creates a great mould material for glass fusing.

[@JudithMcFadden]

I was thinking plaster also.

[@kennaboyer1489]

Thanks for the experiment!

[@debbieburton5362]

Great test Jamaison - maybe it would be better if you didn’t remove so much of the rigidiser before firing?

[@jokappel2430]

I just got a papermachi leaf bow (sorry about the spelling) I’m going to use the silk mat and liquid ridgidizer to make a mold

[@monicadarby8894]

I wonder if it would work better if you wet the fiber paper first with a little bit of water to make it more absorbent? Maybe spray the water on? Results would probably be the same. I haven’t purchased any Silke mat yet, so I don’t know what it looks or feels like, but maybe the hardener works on that because the fibers are more loosely packed to make the blanket and that allows the water based hardener into the core of the material? Interesting experiment just the same. Thank you.

[@mellisa9459]

We think alike, I am always trying things that made it do with fusing glass and or stain glass, I never have always followed rules. I like trying what may or may not work. Really now since things are so expensive.i am just afraid to put it on video or tell anyone.

[@JP-ru4ux]

I cut the fiber paper for kiln carved templates. Once they have been fired they are much softer and potentially more absorbent. Sorry, I may have missed it if you tried this, but why not fire it first then try the rigidizer?

[@JamaisonSchuler]

I tried that in the video and it turned to mush. Completely unusable.

[@winterwhitechocolate]

I wonder, if you used something like a FoodSaver container to pull a vacuum on your piece, then when you release the vacuum, if it would force more rigidizer into the fiber paper?

[@JamaisonSchuler]

Interesting thought!

[@mellisa9459]

What about acrylic molds like making your patterns out of acrylic molds or stencils I should say stencils not molds

[@JamaisonSchuler]

That won’t work for my intensions: I fuse these in the kiln. Like in this video: Fused Glass Cross Art Using Millefiori kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXWZp3qvmNedb7c

[@acprive]

Are you able to share links to the ridgidizer videos? I have never heard of this product and would like to learn more about it?

[@JamaisonSchuler]

Just do some KZbin searches, but also start here: www.bjcashman.com/tutorials.html

[@lkoho2090]

Cricut?! What settings did you use? Do you ever cut thin fiber board on the Cricut?

[@JamaisonSchuler]

Cricut Maker. I followed this great video: kzbin.info/www/bejne/sH2qXoSXiZuiiKc

[@lkoho2090]

Thanks! Opens a whole new world of options. ❤️

[@magali44276]

I’m sorry I’m confused as to what this is for? Newbie here

[@JamaisonSchuler]

I use fiber paper to make templates for pieces like this: Fused Glass Cross Art Using Millefiori kzbin.info/www/bejne/oXWZp3qvmNedb7c

[@Karin_A_023]

i think you can make a template out of the SilkeMat, why didn't you just use that?

[@JamaisonSchuler]

Because I specifically want a 3mm thickness. And while Silkemat is cool, it also costs quite a bit more.