How to Prevent Bloom on Your Glass
Bloom affects all glass; from your favorite rig getting wear and tear through use, to faded windows getting hit by the sun. Luckily, there are some easy ways to prevent this, but first we have to understand: what is bloom?
What is Bloom?
“Bloom” (also known as weatherization) is the formation of Carbonate Crystals. Most of the time these crystals are made up of Sodium Carbonate (Na2C03) or Calcium Carbonate (CaCO3). Both of these form Bloom. Although it seems to go away when the tube is filled with water, don’t be tricked! It will show again once it dries – unless something is done to prevent it!
Preventing Bloom
The easiest way to prevent Bloom is to use distilled water as much as possible. When using your glass, use distilled water. When cleaning your glass, use distilled water. Always rinse with distilled water to get those leftover minerals out! Although Borosilicate glass naturally has a resistance to Calcium and Sodium Carbonates, it doesn’t mean that it’s invincible to it. You can also add Fluorine Gas to reduce the risk of bloom forming in your piece.
The environment your glass is kept in can also have a large impact on Bloom. Sometimes, it can show up randomly depending on how the glass was made. After you clean a piece and rinse with distilled water, fully dry it before you store it. When you put it away, make sure it’s in a place with stable temperature and humidity. This helps reduce the possibility of Bloom forming from leftover water.
The Final Verdict
To summarize, the easiest way to prevent Bloom in your glass is to:
- Make sure you replace your distilled water regularly,
- Clean with 99% Isopropyl Alcohol & non-iodine natural salts,
- Fully dry before storing,
- Store in a stable and dry climate
There is no guaranteed way to avoid bloom, and sometimes it may never even show! But if you follow these steps and take good care of your glass, your piece will thank you!
Have any suggestions or additions to this article? Email riley@glasspass.co!