Guide: Pipettes

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Test for the tin side of float glass
If painting silver stains or transparent glass paints on float glass (window glass), be aware that tin side of the glass affects these paints.
Residual tin on the glass will increase the uptake of the silver stain – the stain will appear more intense after firing. Copper red must be painted on the tin side of float glass. Test for the tin side with either the waterdrop method or use a short-wave UV lamp. With the UV lamp, the tin side will glow with a milky white coating.

How to check the tin side with a drop of water?

Clean your glass thoroughly, both sides.
Drop a single drop of water gently onto your float glass from a height of approximately 2-3 cm (1-1.5 inches). Do not touch the glass while dropping the water.
See how the water drop spreads out – or doesn’t.
Repeat on the other side of the glass and compare the results.

When the water drop spreads out, it’s the non-tin side. If the water drop remains tight on the glass, that’s the tin side.

Create drop patterns in glass paint (especially silver stains)

Mix silver stain with water to a consistency like thin yogurt.
Apply silver stain thickly to the glass and spread with badger brush.
Stipple. (Work quickly, do not allow silver stain to dry)
Use a pipette to artfully drop your liquid of choice.
The drop will spread out.
Allow to dry naturally, don’t use a hair dryer.
Fire.

As liquid of choice, we often use spiritus (ethanol / methanol mix).
Consider also using isopropyl alcohol, vinegar, methyl ethyl ketone
(MEK).