Stand Up Tree Mold: How to Cast a Flat or Free-Standing Glass Tree
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The Stand Up Tree mold makes two different trees. Cast it like any other mold for a flat tree, or load it with more glass for a stand-up tree that stands on its own.
This mold has been fired to 1900°F during production and is compatible with COE 96 and Bullseye/COE 90 glass.
Prep your mold
Wipe the mold with a damp cloth to remove any dust and let it dry. Prep with ZYP BN spray (aerosol preferred). For the first prep, apply 3–4 even coats, following the manufacturer's directions. Change the angle of your spray as you go to get good coverage. Let each coat dry thoroughly, and reapply as needed.
Refer to the manufacturer for more details on using their product.
Casting a flat tree
How much glass
- Tack fuse: 85–100 g
- Full fuse: 100–120 g
Building tips
- 2–3 layers of ¼" pieces of glass work beautifully. Keep the pieces relatively flat.
- Avoid sharp points pressing into the mold walls. If glass points directly into the sidewalls, it can grip and make removal difficult.
- Add interest with medium frit, small cut pieces, or clear frit on top.
- Don't be afraid to fire a second time (outside of the mold) to add embellishments like murrini or frit for texture.
- Using frit for a full fuse tree? Mound the frit in a peak slightly above the mold before firing. It will settle into the mold as it fuses. Reaching the recommended weight with frit alone can be challenging.
Firing schedules
No need to raise the mold; it has notches that allow for air flow.
Tack fuse (COE 96, side elements)
| Segment | Rate (°F/hr) | Temperature (°F) | Hold (min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 400 | 1000 | 10 |
| 2 | 900 | 1350 | 10 |
| 3 | AFAP | 960 | 60 |
| 4 | 500 | 500 | Off |
Full fuse (COE 96)
| Segment | Rate (°F/hr) | Temperature (°F) | Hold (min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 400 | 1000 | 10 |
| 2 | 900 | 1460 | 30 |
| 3 | AFAP | 960 | 60 |
| 4 | 400 | 500 | Off |
AFAP = as fast as possible. For tack fuse you may need small temperature adjustments depending on how your kiln fires. Test your kiln to make sure you're getting a true tack fuse.
Side vs. lid elements
If your kiln fires with lid elements, you may need to bring your top temperature down slightly for a tack fuse. Lid elements send directional heat, which can overfire the glass and leave you with more of a contour result. Fire a test sample first so you know your true tack fuse temperature.
Casting a stand-up tree (advanced)
A tree that stands on its own needs considerably more glass.
- Weight: 170–180 g
- For a nice flow, stack glass on edge and exceed the height of the mold.
- Load the stem with enough glass. If there isn't enough, the tree won't stand. Don't rely on the glass to "flow" into the stem; load the mold evenly.
- Frit alone makes it hard to reach the weight. If you'd like to use frit, cast a flat tree first, then add more glass in a second firing to build the thickness needed.
Firing schedule (COE 96)
| Segment | Rate (°F/hr) | Temperature (°F) | Hold (min) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 300 | 1000 | 10 |
| 2 | 900 | 1460 | 30 |
| 3 | AFAP | 960 | 120 |
| 4 | 200 | 800 | 10 |
| 5 | 300 | 300 | Off |
Notice the longer 120-minute anneal hold: the thicker casting needs it.
Bullseye / COE 90 users: swap in the appropriate tack or full fuse temperatures for your glass and anneal at 900°F.
Show me what you make!
I would absolutely love to see what you create. Tag me @themichellefrost so I can cheer you on and share your work.
Warmly,
Michelle