Nano Beads Casting Mold

The Nano Beads Casting Mold from Colour de Verre produces fourteen pieces in a single firing: six square beads, six round beads, and two cabochons. Each bead measures approximately 5/8 inch (15 mm) across. The mold is engineered to minimize the cold work needed after firing, keeping grinding and polishing to a minimum.

The mold footprint is 4.5 by 7 by 1 inch (11.5 by 18 by 2.5 cm). Fill weights are light: square beads take 2 to 3 grams of frit each, round beads take 1 to 2 grams each, and cabochons take 1 gram each. Like all ceramic casting molds, it is COE agnostic and reusable across many firings when properly prepped. The finished beads and cabochons can be strung on leather, rubber, silk, or stainless steel ball chain.

What does the Nano Beads mold make?
It casts six square beads, six round beads, and two cabochons in one firing. Each bead is approximately 5/8 inch (15 mm) across. The pieces are designed to need minimal grinding or polishing after firing.

What COE glass can I use in this mold?
Any COE. Ceramic casting molds are COE agnostic, so the same mold works with COE96, COE90, or other fusible glass. Match your firing schedule to the glass you are using.

How much glass do I need per piece?
Colour de Verre lists 2 to 3 grams per square bead, 1 to 2 grams per round bead, and 1 gram per cabochon. Weigh your frit and test a first run when the result matters.

How do I prep the mold before casting?
Prime every cavity with a boron nitride release agent before each firing and let it dry completely before adding glass. Colour de Verre specifies a boron nitride aerosol for this mold.

Specifications

• SKU: 181062
• Manufacturer: Colour de Verre
• Makes: 6 square beads, 6 round beads, and 2 cabochons per firing
• Finished piece size: approximately 5/8 inch (15 mm) diameter each bead
• Mold size: 4.5 x 7 x 1 inches (11.5 x 18 x 2.5 cm)
• Suggested fill weights: square beads 2-3 grams each, round beads 1-2 grams each, cabochons 1 gram each
• Material: ceramic kiln casting mold, reusable
• Glass: any COE (COE agnostic)

Working Notes

These are guidelines, not guarantees. Every kiln fires a little differently, so test a small run first when the result matters and follow the Colour de Verre project sheet for this mold.

• Prime every cavity before each use with a boron nitride release agent. We carry ZYP Boron Nitride Mold Primer and Hotline Primo Primer, both featured in Colour de Verre's own priming guides. Let the primer dry completely before adding glass.
• Fill each cavity with frit or crushed glass to the suggested weights: 2 to 3 grams per square bead, 1 to 2 grams per round bead, and 1 gram per cabochon.
• The mold is COE agnostic. Use a full fuse schedule matched to your glass type and adjust the anneal soak accordingly.
• Let the kiln cool fully before removing the cast pieces. Re-prime the mold as needed between firings.

Colour de Verre Suggested Firing Guidelines

This is a suggested starting point, not a guarantee. Every kiln fires differently. Follow the Colour de Verre project sheet for this mold and test a small run first.

• Prime the mold before every firing.
• Heat no faster than about 350 F (195 C) per hour.
• Fire to no more than about 1450 F (785 C).
• Add a controlled cool: hold at the anneal point appropriate for your glass, then ramp down slowly.

Helpful downloads: How to Make Nano Beads (PDF) · Making Nano Drops (PDF) · Beads as Contemporary Embellishments (PDF) · Tricks of the Trade (PDF) · Priming with ZYP Spray (PDF)

Description updated: July 6, 2026

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