Best True Black

[David Paterson]

I am looking for a true black, either transparent or opaque.

Most blacks are deep purple or blue, not a true black.

I use 96 expansion clear.

Any suggestions appreciated.

[Jim Vormelker]

The Very Best is Flying Colors Extra Dense, but it is rarely available.

My personal second choice is Gaffer

[Eben Horton]

kuglar black is the best purple i have ever used.

[Scott Young]

I like G-50 (Gaffer) or Reichenbach Dense Black (I think it is R-54)

[Wes Hunting]

Ive used Gaffer, stiff dence black G 049, for pulling thin cane. It holds up pretty good. The black I make is dencer. If you can melt your own I will give you the recipe.
I would go with Peter's when he gets going again.

[David Paterson]

I could melt my own. Does your recipe fit 96 expansion? If so I am interested.

Thanks for the offer.

[Drew Fritts]

I've tried the Gaffer Nero Duro "Stiff" Black G-049. It turns out that, although it doesn't "web" like other blacks (which is why I wanted it), it doesn't work well for lampwork because it turns grey when worked for extended periods in the flame.

At the same time that I got the black I bought two bars (~10" and ~15") of Gaffer Opalo Duro "Stiff White" G-150 that I'll sell at Gaffer's price of $58/kg with free shipping in the US. It's extremely stiff and doesn't spread, just like advertised, but it boils too easily in the flame, so it's also not good for lampwork. If you're interested, you can PM me or Email me directly at drew[]frittsartglass[]com.

Drew <+><

Edit: sold the black

[Pete VanderLaan]

I haven't been following the color market lately. Are rods getting that pricey in general? (58 per KG). I am assuming this is for premium colors. My black is really expensive to make.

[Drew Fritts]

No Pete,

It's just those two premium colors. They're the most expensive colors Gaffer sells as far as I know.

Drew <+><

[David Patchen]

I've been on the hunt for a killer black for a while for use in zanfirico cane and the occasional murrine pull. Note that I don't use it for overlays so my notes below are only in regard to my application. Here's what I've found:

Pete's Black: Excellent stuff. But he's not making it and as soon as he even *suggests* that he may be near a hot shop and making color I'm going to bug his ass to make me a pot. Hear that Pete--I'll take a pot's worth! :)

Gaffer Nero Duro: Very good black, good tightness, holds up well but I find it's dark greyish for me vs. jet black. John mentioned that it strikes blacker, but since I'm using SP batch in a Stadelmelter, I don't think I can anneal high enough to get it back to super-dark without my piece moving. I'm talking an anneal temp of 915F. It would be interesting if others using this color have had it strike and what temps/time they're using.

G-50: A very nice black good for blowing and for murrine, but has loser edges when used in twisty cane. When I used it for overlays it was great to work with. Be generous with it in overlays and it's probably the only black you'll ever need.

I don't use any Reichenback because I've been burned too many times w/incompatability using their color and I'm a fan of Gaffer because they design to be compatible w/SP, colors are all nice to work with and they're really responsive. Next time I'm in NZ I'm buying them a beer.

Super-secret black: I know someone making their own black who recently sent me a chunk of bar and it's excellent. I used it in zanfirico and blew out a piece this weekend and it's pretty tight and very black. The density doesn't seem to be quite as good as Pete's, but very close. I'm going to do more experimentation and if it continues to work well I'm going to see if I can buy a bunch from him just for canework. Maybe there's an opportunity for a group order? dunno.

[Wes Hunting]

Originally posted by David Paterson
I could melt my own. Does your recipe fit 96 expansion? If so I am interested.

Thanks for the offer.

David,
I will email it to you tues, or wed, just have to look through my notes.

[Pete VanderLaan]

I anticipate making color by christmas.

[David Paterson]

"I will email it to you tues, or wed, just have to look though my notes."


Thanks very much.