Even Frit Distribution

A light and uneven distribution of frit that provides a pleasing image.
image credit: Donna Brown

It is often difficult to get an even distribution of frit across a background with already placed glass.

It is possible to lay down a ground of frit and build the objects (in this case bees) over the frit. It is easiest to lay down an even layer of frit with no interruptions in surface levels.

Putting the whole piece on a light sheet allows you to see the dense and light areas more easily. Use a screen mesh of similar size to the frit and sift the grit through onto the piece. The brighter light shows where the thinner application is.

Another possibility is to build the objects first, add the minimum of fusing glue to the edge and wait a while for the glue to stiffen. Then sprinkle frit evenly over everything. Sweep the frit off the objects with a soft brush into the background. View the frit distribution from a shallow angle to see the thick and thin areas, which will appear as bumps and shallows.

A possible patch to an already fired piece with an uneven spread, is to add a complimentary or contrasting colour of frit to the gappy areas and refire to exploit the uneven cover.