The Northstar NS-005 Orange rod is a vibrant and transparent glass. It is perfectly suited for sculptures, beadwork, and thin-blown pieces. Its bright orange color appears through a process called striking, which depends on temperature. To achieve a pure and luminous shade, a neutral or slightly oxidizing flame is required. This prevents any alteration of the color. After working with the flame, it’s recommended to finish the striking process in a kiln. This step ensures a uniform and brilliant color.
NS-005 Orange pairs well with other colors. For example, applying it over NS-54 Star White creates stunning contrasts. You can also layer NS-13 Amber/Purple over NS-005 Orange for richer effects. These combinations play with light and depth, offering striking visual results.
Each Northstar ruby glass has a different striking rate depending on its intended use. To achieve a brilliant ruby color, work the glass at high temperatures without boiling it. This allows the ruby to return to a clear state before kiln-striking. During this process, it’s important to monitor the piece to prevent it from becoming too dark. If you have a digital controller, set a precise holding time to achieve the desired color without over-striking.
To estimate striking time, heat a piece of ruby until it becomes clear. Then, place it in a preheated kiln and time the striking process. The darker and more saturated the color, the faster it will strike.
The Northstar Orange rod offers flexibility and a rich color palette. It allows glass artists to create bright and dynamic works by playing with temperature and layering colors for unique results.
