What is your favorite bead release?

[Former_Member]

List your favorite bead release and why you like to use it!

[Former_Member]

I have gone through this question many times in the past 12 years and I have to say, although it can be a bit thin for really large beads I love love using Fusion bead release from Frantz Art Glass...

[Former_Member]

Thanks Jelveh! I have never heard of Fusion before! Off to check it out!


I haven't found a bead release that I can say that I LOVE. I keep trying new ones to try and find the perfect fit.

[Former_Member]

I prefer Dip-N-Go Sludge. Sometimes I have a little trouble getting good heat near the end of a cylinder on my hothead and it takes a lot of abuse!

[Former_Member]

That is mostly what i use too Carol- I have found that it holds up pretty good. Thanks for the input!

[Former_Member]

Foster Fire smooth and tuff - holds well, doesn't break unless I forget to preheat the mandrel, and ..... I can actually get the blimmin beads off it once they are annealed. I was using Fireline Pink Slipper - hopeless stuff. Wouldn't let go of the beads. The only thing I did like about it was that it changed colour from pink to white when it was heated in the flame.

[Former_Member]

Yes on the Foster Fire-no on the Pink Slipper. Thanks Nikki! :) Off to check both of them out.

[Former_Member]

I found Sludge Plus about ten years ago, and have never found anything else that is so versatile. I don't think Mike carries it at Frantz anymore, but you can still get it from Craig at Arrowsprings. I've alway preferred it because you can control the thickness on the mandrel easily and avoid having to double dip for larger coverage!

[Former_Member]

Nice-I like tha ttoo about the control of thickness. Thanks M&S! :)

[Former_Member]

I use a blend of Foster Fire and Fusion. I read on the glass forums that combining these two seems to give the best results and so far I have to agree.

I've never heard anything good about Pink Slipper. I've never even seen it but I sure won't be trying it!

[Former_Member]

I am stuck on Bucket O Mud. It never gives me any trouble. It is good to know some other sources though. I like to hear what others use.

[Former_Member]

MT- I never thought about mixing two releases together! Kinda getting the best of both releases. Good idea.

[Former_Member]

Ema- I like to hear what others use as well. Keeps me on my toes. :)

[Former_Member]

I like Arrow Springs Dip-n-go Blue Sludge. Even a thick coating can be flame dried, I love this because I am very impatient!! LOL :)

[Former_Member]

I love it when you can flame dry- I am also very impatient! :)

[dancingfrogjewels]

I am also a Bucket O'Mud fan. I use it for focal beads and Big Hole Beads. For spacer beads, I use a concoction from powder and Fusion. For my Leaf focal beads I use Sludge Plus because I have to pull and stretch the glass quite a bit and can't have the bead release break on me.

[Former_Member]

WOW a combo of bead releases-nice work MJ!

[Former_Member]

another vote for dip-n-go blue sludge from arrow springs. very sturdy for sculptural work and rings.

[Former_Member]

I was a Bucket-o-mud junkie until the formula was changed for a time. It became so flaky. I switched to Universal Bead Release which I like a lot. I have heard that BoM is once again being made and sold by the original creator so i may go back and try it again.

[Former_Member]

Wish we had a poll so we can see the most popular! :) The bucket o mud and dip n go both seem to be the most popular. But I am sure that each and every artist out there has their pros and cons for each kind of bead release! Awesome input everyone-keep them coming!

[Former_Member]

I've been experimenting a bit for making my rings with a clear shank and finding that mixing my favorite dip n go blue sludge about 50/50 with Alice's Bead Release helps the bead release come off cleaner leaving a less "etched" surface.

It does not make the rings easier to get off the mandrel - the sticking power is as good as usual.

This was my first try of Alice's - I have not used it straight up. It comes as powder and I have heard people say they can't get the lumps out of it. I find it doesn't matter - super easy to smooth the surface before you start (after it's dry) with just a corner of t-shirt.

[Former_Member]

I never think to pre-dip mandrels, so flame dry is def'ly best for me! I had a container of sludge plus, but I don't think it was good for flame drying (please correct me if I am mistaken!)~ The person who used my studio before me left a small container of blue sludge, I gave it a try and it was all right~ I bought a big container of Hotline Flame Dry and is *usually* ok, I get so frustrated when the bead release breaks away~ between me getting a little better about controlling the glass and tweaking the moisture level in the container, I don't have quite so much of an issue with the release flaking away now. :)

[Former_Member]

They now have flame dry sludge and blue sludge but you are right that it didn't use to be flame-dry.

[Former_Member]

Flame Dry Release is my friend! :)

[CreationsbyKatUrato]

I have been using fosterfire since I started 7 years ago and still love the stuff. I currently use smooth and tuff.