Tropical Leaves Mold

The Tropical Leaves mold from Colour de Verre casts two glass leaves in a single firing: one 4 inch leaf and one 5-1/2 inch leaf, each with detailed surface texture. The mold footprint is 10 inches by 6 inches by 1.5 inches deep, so both leaf sizes fire together in one pass.

A second function is built into the reverse side: an undulating slumping surface. After casting the leaves, place them on this surface and refire at a lower temperature to add natural curves and a more three-dimensional, organic form. Colour de Verre recommends 60 grams of glass for the small leaf cavity and 105 grams for the large leaf cavity. Like all ceramic casting molds, this one is COE agnostic and reusable across many firings when prepped and cared for properly.

What does the Tropical Leaves mold make?
It casts one 4 inch leaf and one 5-1/2 inch leaf per firing. Both cavities sit in the same 10 by 6 by 1.5 inch mold, so they fire together. The leaves come out flat and can be refired on the reverse slumping surface to add curves.

How does the slumping surface on the reverse side work?
After casting and cooling your leaves, place them on the undulating surface on the back of the mold and refire at a lower temperature. This allows the flat cast leaves to settle into the surface contours, adding curves and a more organic, three-dimensional appearance.

How much glass do I need per leaf?
Colour de Verre lists 60 grams for the small leaf cavity and 105 grams for the large leaf cavity. Weigh your glass before loading and test a first run when the result matters, as fill weight can vary with frit size and how full you pack each cavity.

What COE glass can I use and how do I prep the mold?
Any COE works. Ceramic casting molds are COE agnostic, so the same mold accepts COE96, COE90, or other fusible glass. Prime the cavities before every firing with ZYP BN Lubricoat or Hotline Primo Primer and let the primer dry completely before adding glass.

Specifications

• SKU: 181802
• Manufacturer: Colour de Verre
• Makes: 1 small leaf (4 inch) and 1 large leaf (5-1/2 inch)
• Finished piece size: 4 inch (small leaf), 5-1/2 inch (large leaf)
• Mold size: 10 inches L x 6 inches W x 1.5 inches deep
• Suggested fill weight: 60 grams (small leaf), 105 grams (large leaf)
• Reverse side: undulating slumping surface for refiring cast leaves
• 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 both leaf cavities with ZYP Boron Nitride Mold Primer or Hotline Primo Primer before every firing. Colour de Verre specifically recommends these two primers for their molds. Let the primer dry completely before adding glass.
• Fill the small leaf cavity with about 60 grams of glass and the large leaf cavity with about 105 grams. Frit, small billets, or stacked sheet scrap all work.
• The mold is COE agnostic. Use a fusing schedule suited to the glass you are working with.
• Let the kiln cool fully before removing the cast leaves. Re-prime the mold cavities before the next firing.
• To use the slumping surface, place cooled cast leaves on the reverse side of the mold and refire at a lower temperature. Follow the Colour de Verre project sheet for the slump refiring schedule and temperature.

Colour de Verre Suggested Firing Guidance

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 before committing to a batch.

• Heat rate: no faster than about 350 F (195 C) per hour
• Maximum firing temperature: no more than about 1450 F (785 C)
• Fill weights: 60 grams for the small leaf, 105 grams for the large leaf
• Anneal soak: hold at about 950 F for COE96, or about 900 F for COE90, then cool slowly to room temperature
• Primer required before every use: ZYP BN Lubricoat or Hotline Primo Primer

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

Description updated: July 6, 2026

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