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Gaffer Color Newsletter April 2008 At Gaffer, we have received many requests to replicate the color properties of some colors made by our competitors. For instance, take the German colors R-019 (or K-019) and R-232, which measure approximately 3 LEC points too low when calculated with a trident seal test and a polarimeter against SP87, Spectrum’s System 96 and Gaffer Batch. Our customers have pleaded with us to make these colors with the high Gaffer standard that guarantees compatibility, the same color shade and density every time, without stones. Now, the requests of the public have been met and Gaffer is pleased to introduce four new colors to our line of blowing colors. GOLD TOPAZ and WINE RED: New Transparents Gold Topaz G-019 offers a beautiful enriched tone which gives a multi-colored luster effect under reducing conditions, all while maintaining the standards of consistency and compatibility of Gaffer color. Wine red G-016 is as rich in coloration as Reichenbach’s R-232, and it upholds our reliable quality glass standards. As always, our pricing is competitive, and it goes without saying that we at Gaffer go to enormous lengths to ensure the high quality of our colors. Gold Topaz and Wine Red make a lovely addition to our transparent line. CARMINE: New Opal Red Since October 2007, Gaffer has sold over 1,000 kgs of the Vermilion G-176 and the Crimson G-178. To us, this indicates that we are doing something right with our opal reds. However, we are also aware that for some, the color difference between Crimson and Vermilion is not sufficient to meet everyone’s needs. To address this issue, we have made a new color that we hope will keep you all satisfied. From this point on, Carmine G-170 is the color between the spectrum width of Vermilion, which is now significantly more orange, and the original Crimson which remains unchanged. Reds are tough to make. We are dependent on variable raw material sources and at the mercy of barometric changes in the weather. Nevertheless, we still believe we offer the most consistent red glass products for glass blowers on the world market. These extremely vibrant reds are not nearly as opaque as others, (such as our Ferrari Red), and more of the color must be used to achieve a greater opacity. PISTACHIO: New Opal Green Pistachio G-140 adds a moody dark olive green to our opal range. Although our new G-140 is similar to the German Pistachios, we feel that it is a more lively and modern representation of the hue. Red and Yellow Casting Crystal We have recently learned that our Yellow/Orange-Red range has the ability to go much darker if these colors dwell for too long in a particular temperature range between casting and annealing. Fortunately it is reversible; however the problem can be avoided simply by ensuring that you traverse the above temperature range rapidly. Please refer to our website under the Technical section for more complete information. Price increases Unfortunately, the time has come for us at Gaffer to raise our prices. We absolutely dread having to increase prices, but rising input costs over the last two years are now too painful to ignore. The cost of raw materials has gone through the roof, due largely to an unprecedented demand from the Chinese. For example: • The cost of lead monosilicate, an important raw material in a lot of our transparent glasses and casting crystal, has doubled in the past year. This adds US$1.60 per kg to the cost of casting crystal alone. • Metals and metal oxides have in most cases doubled or even trebled over the last two years. • Our energy costs have increased 40% in two years. • Rents, wages and freight are all increasing year after year. Check out the recent increase in gas prices. This kind of price inflation is similar to the issues we are facing as a company in our niche commodity world. Unfortunately, we have no choice but to increase our prices. |
