Lusters for Brushing for Glass
MKL 2100 Green
MKL 2200 Blue
MKL 2250 Deep Blue
MKL 2000 Iris
MKL 2300 Turquoise
MKL 2700 Pink
MKL 2150 Emerald Green
MKL 2400 Beige
MKL 2500 Amber
MKL 2550 Yellow
MKL 2600 Brown
MKL 2650 Dark Brown
MKL 2701 Light Pink
MKL 3122 Violet
MKL 2800 Fuchsia
MKL 2850 Ruby
Melis Kimya is the market leading manufacturer of lusters for glass in the world and Teka Color is the parent company of Melis Kimya.
These products are flowing liquid inks that are specifically designed for brushing on the glass substrate that fire as a lustrous reflective film with variety of different colors. The products contain precious metal compounds (Gold, Silver, Palladium, Platinum) in combination with a mixture of resins and solvents.
Application
These range could be diluted between 10-200% with T 61, the intensity of the shade is directly correlated with the diluent rate.
These products can be applied by brush at a range of thicknesses, although trials should be carried out to establish the weight range. The thickness of the liquid precious metal applied is critical in achieving satisfactory and economical results and application should be as even as possible. Spray painting will ensure an even layer but economical aspect should be considered.
Good quality brushes should be used and these are obtainable in various shapes and sizes according to the need, whether for lining, banding or tracing.
Reasonable precautions should be taken to keep both wares to be decorated and the liquid precious metal as free from dust as possible. Once applied, the product can be left to dry naturally or force dried. Dust settling on the wet film can give rise to pinholes and blemishes; therefore, the freshly decorated pieces should be protected until dry.
Firing
Firing conditions are as important as good application, color shade is affected by firing conditions and the composition of the glaze. Good results can be obtained with most types of kilns using either gas or electricity. The kiln should be well ventilated to ensure the maintenance of an oxidizing atmosphere, particularly during the early stages of firing 250-400°C, at which temperature the gold film first displays a metallic appearance. Sudden changes in temperature should be avoided. The temperature should be raised steadily to the maximum required and held at peak for at least 10 minutes.
Peak temperatures of 470 to 580°C can be used depending on the type of kiln, the quantity, size and shape of the ware, the softening point of the glaze and the duration of the firing cycle (typically 11⁄2 hours cold to cold). The higher the peak temperature can be set the better the durability of the decoration of the glass. Increasing the soak time (typically 15 minutes) also leads to better durability. This effect is strongest at low firing temperatures and some lusters are not stable at higher temperatures and the color shade could be affected.
