Glass bead making is a captivating art form, but it requires proper safety glasses to protect your eyes from the intense heat and light produced during the process. Whether you’re a seasoned artist or a beginner, understanding the type of glass you work with and the appropriate safety eyewear is crucial. Phillips Safety offers a range of products specifically designed to ensure maximum protection while you unleash your creativity.
Understanding the Basics: Glass Types and Corresponding Risks
The type of glass you use largely determines the risks involved and the kind of eye protection you need. The two common types of glass used in bead making are soft glass (like Moretti) and borosilicate glass, each posing different challenges:
Soft Glass (e.g., Moretti)
This type of glass typically melts at a lower temperature and is popular among hobbyists and professionals alike for its ease of use and vibrant colors. However, working with soft glass still requires protection against sodium flare, a bright yellow light emitted when sodium vaporizes during heating. Sodium flare can be harsh on the eyes and lead to discomfort or long-term damage if proper eyewear is not used.
Borosilicate Glass
Known for its durability and higher melting point, borosilicate glass is favored for more intensive bead-making projects, including larger beads and sculptures. This type of glass emits sodium flare and exposes the artist to harmful ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) radiation, which can be detrimental to eye health.
Choosing the Right Safety Eyewear
To address these risks, Phillips Safety has developed specialized glasses that cater to different needs:
For Soft Glass Bead Making
The Phillips 202 Glass Lenses and Phillips Sodium Flare Polycarbonate Lenses are perfect choices if your work primarily involves soft glass. These glasses are designed to filter out the bright sodium flare, ensuring comfort and protection during long crafting sessions. The lenses are lightweight, durable, and offer excellent optical clarity, making them a go-to for glass bead artists.
For Borosilicate Glass Bead Making
Artists venturing into borosilicate glass bead making need eyewear that handles sodium flare and shields the eyes from UV and IR radiation. Phillips Safety recommends the BorotruView 3.0 lenses for standard projects, providing robust protection and accurate color recognition. For artists working on larger objects, where the heat and radiation are more intense, the BorotruView 5.0 lenses are the best option. These glasses offer superior protection and are designed to help you work comfortably under extreme conditions.
Why Choose Phillips Safety Products?
Phillips Safety has been a leader in protective eyewear for over a century, combining innovation with safety to meet the specific needs of various industries, including glass bead making. Here’s why our products stand out:
Tailored Protection
Our eyewear is specifically designed to meet the needs of different glass working environments.
Comfort and Durability
We understand the importance of comfort, especially for artists who spend long hours at their craft. Our glasses are designed to be comfortable for prolonged use without compromising safety.
High-Quality Standards
All our products adhere to rigorous safety standards, ensuring you receive only the best protection available.
Whether you are just starting in glass bead making or are looking to upgrade your safety gear, Phillips Safety provides the reliable protection you need to create beautiful art safely. Explore our range of safety glasses tailored for glass bead making and find the perfect fit for your artistry. Remember, protecting your vision is as important as the beautiful art you create. Choose wisely, stay safe, and keep crafting fantastic beadwork with peace of mind.