Open Hands Mold

The Open Hands mold from Colour de Verre casts a single pair of hands in one firing, with the finished piece measuring 5.5 inches (about 15 cm) in length. The mold cavity measures 8.5 inches by 7.5 inches by 1.5 inches deep, providing enough room for the detail work that makes this a recognizable and meaningful shape.

Fill the cavity with 250 to 275 grams of frit in a single color or a custom blend, fire, and the glass takes the shape of the hands. The finished casting works as a decorative centerpiece on a mantel, dresser, or bath surround, and can also be placed in a shallow bowl slumper for a second firing to add a gentle curve. Like all ceramic casting molds, this one is COE agnostic and reusable across many firings when primed and cared for properly.

What does the Open Hands mold make?
It casts one pair of open hands, 5.5 inches long, in a single firing. The piece can be displayed flat or slumped into a shallow curve in a second firing.

How much glass do I need?
Colour de Verre lists 250 to 275 grams of frit per casting. Weigh your glass and test a first run when the result matters.

What COE glass can I use?
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.

Can I slump the finished casting?
Yes. After the initial casting fires and cools fully, you can place the finished piece in a shallow bowl slumper and fire a second time to add a gentle curve to the hands.

How do I prep this mold before casting?
Prime the cavity with ZYP BN Aerosol or another boron nitride mold primer before every firing, and let it dry completely before adding frit. Re-prime before each subsequent firing.

Specifications

• SKU: 181801
• Manufacturer: Colour de Verre
• Makes: 1 open hands casting
• Finished piece size: 5.5 inches (15 cm) long
• Mold size: 8.5 inches L x 7.5 inches W x 1.5 inches deep (21 x 19 x 4 cm)
• Suggested fill weight: 250 to 275 grams
• Recommended separator: ZYP BN Aerosol
• 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 the cavity before every firing with ZYP Boron Nitride Mold Primer or Hotline Primo Primer. Let it dry completely before adding frit. Colour de Verre recommends ZYP BN Aerosol for best results with this mold.
• Fill the cavity with 250 to 275 grams of frit in your chosen color or blend. The mold is COE agnostic, so COE96, COE90, and other fusible glass all work; choose a firing schedule matched to your glass.
• Let the kiln cool fully before removing the casting. Re-prime the mold before the next firing.
• To add dimension, place the finished casting in a shallow bowl slumper and fire a second time at a slumping temperature suited to your glass.

Colour de Verre Suggested Firing Guidelines

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

• Ramp rate: heat no faster than about 350 F (195 C) per hour
• Top temperature: fire to no more than about 1450 F (785 C)
• Anneal soak: hold at about 950 F for COE96 glass, or about 900 F for COE90 glass
• Cool the kiln in a controlled manner and do not open until the kiln is below 100 F

Helpful downloads: Priming with ZYP Spray (PDF) · Tricks of the Trade (PDF)

Description updated: July 6, 2026

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