Getting rid of chill marks

[Ant]

Has anyone got some advice on removing chill marks from pressed beads without distorting the shape please?  I've just bought a SS lentil press which I love but am finding it really difficult to remove the chill marks without heating the glass too much and losing the crispness of the shape.  (I seem to remember I had similar problems when I used a grooved bead roller at the Lusherie!)  I expect it must be something to do with heat control!

[awrylemming]

It is I'm afraid.  I tend to hold the bead at the edge of the flame for a few seconds then let it cool and do the other side.  It takes a few goes to get rid of the chill marks but this keeps the shape intact.

[sea-thistle]

It is I'm afraid.  I tend to hold the bead at the edge of the flame for a few seconds then let it cool and do the other side.  It takes a few goes to get rid of the chill marks but this keeps the shape intact.

Exactly what I do too

[Kaz]

Think of it like ironing out the creases - a light touch and keep the bead moving quickly around in the torch. You only want to polish it out not melt it.
Kazx

[Redhotsal]

To remove chill marks you need to heat the surface of the bead rather than heating the bead all the way through and thereby destroying the shape.
To do this, flash the bead slowly quite low in the flame. This will give you a short sharp heat which will only reach to just under the surface of the bead. Heat quickly and hard, and then pull out of the flame before you see the bead start to glow. Once out of the flame give the bead a chance to solidify before you flip over to the other side and repeat the process. Keep doing this, flipping over each time. I reckon I probably have to heat each side about three times to remove the chill marks. Don't try and do it all in one "hit" or that is when you'll lose the shape.

[Dee Dee]

I find also that if I keep the area to be flame polished upwards after flash heating, gravity helps it sink in and level out too!

[jammie]

helpful advice here for me too! I find my bigger lentils are sometimes slightly lumpy/ridged  in places where I have added glass, obviously not flame polishing them enough at the end.

[Ant]

All fab advice - thanks everyone!  Will try and put it all into practice next time I torch, so look out for my new improved shapes and polish!!! (Fingers crossed!  )