The materials you choose are a core part of your artistic voice. It’s not just about the final piece, but the quality and integrity of every component. For glass artists, compatibility is everything. You want the freedom to mix sheets, powders, and stringers without your project cracking in the kiln. So, what is Bullseye Glass? It’s more than just beautiful glass; it’s a complete, reliable system. Their COE 90 glass is famous for a reason. This article covers what makes their system so trustworthy, the incredible variety available, and why choosing Bulls Eye Glass means investing in a brand that truly supports your work.

Key Takeaways

• Stick to the COE 90 System for Reliable Results: To prevent cracks and ensure a successful fuse, only use Bullseye glass with other Bullseye products in a single kilnforming project. Their COE 90 system is tested for compatibility within their own brand, giving you predictable and beautiful outcomes every time.
• Go Beyond Sheets to Add Detail and Texture: Explore new creative possibilities by incorporating different forms of glass into your work. Use frit and powders for painterly effects and shading, or add fine lines and intricate patterns with stringers, all designed to work seamlessly with Bullseye sheets.
• Prioritize Safety for Yourself and Your Art: Always protect yourself from glass dust by wearing a mask and ensuring good ventilation. When making functional pieces like plates or bowls, cap the top surface with a layer of clear, food-safe glass to create a durable and safe finish.

What is Bullseye Glass?

If you’ve spent any time in the world of glass art, you’ve almost certainly come across Bullseye Glass. Based in Portland, Oregon, this company has been hand-crafting colored glass for artists since 1974. Think of them as a foundational brand in the warm glass community, known for producing some of the most reliable and vibrant glass on the market. Their products are incredibly versatile, serving as the go-to material for everything from kilnforming and fusing to traditional stained glass and intricate mosaics.

What really makes Bullseye stand out is its unwavering reputation for quality and consistency. When you’re investing time and effort into a piece, you need to know your materials will behave predictably. Each sheet of Bullseye glass is made with care, resulting in rich, consistent colors and reliable performance in the kiln. This dependability makes it a favorite for both seasoned professionals creating large-scale architectural pieces and hobbyists working on their first fused dish. The company started with a focus on recycled materials and a creative spirit, and that hands-on, artist-focused approach is still at the heart of what they do. When you buy Bullseye, you’re getting a product designed specifically for creative expression.

Why Do Artists Trust the Bullseye Brand?

Artists trust Bullseye because the company is deeply integrated into the art world. They aren’t just a manufacturer that sells glass; they are an active partner in the creative community. For decades, Bullseye has supported artists by hosting exhibitions, offering educational resources, and even collaborating on custom glass for large-scale projects. This long history of working directly with artists means they understand what you need from your materials. They know that consistency, color variety, and reliability are non-negotiable. This commitment shows in the quality of their products and the support they provide. When you choose Bullseye, you’re choosing a brand that has built its reputation on helping artists like you succeed.

What is COE 90 System, Explained

When you start working with fusible glass, you’ll hear a lot about COE, which stands for Coefficient of Expansion. In simple terms, it’s a measurement of how much glass expands when heated and shrinks when cooled. For glass pieces to fuse together successfully without cracking, their COE must be compatible. Bullseye Glass is known for its system of COE90 glass. It’s crucial to understand that Bullseye tests its glass to be compatible with other Bullseye glass. While other brands might also be labeled “COE 90,” mixing them with Bullseye products is risky because their compatibility isn’t guaranteed. To avoid stress fractures and ruined projects, it’s always best to stick with one manufacturer’s system for all the glass in a single fusing project.

The Story Behind Bullseye Glass

From a Backyard to a Global Brand

Every great brand has an origin story, and Bullseye’s is one that many artists can relate to. It all started in 1974 in Portland, Oregon, with three art school graduates—Ray Ahlgren, Dan Schwoerer, and Boyce Lundstrom. Fueled by a creative drive and a resourceful spirit, they began making sheets of stained glass from recycled bottles. Their first factory wasn’t a state-of-the-art facility; it was a scrappy operation built with repurposed materials. This hands-on, DIY beginning is at the core of the Bullseye identity. They weren’t just business owners; they were makers who understood the artistic process from the ground up. This foundation of ingenuity and passion for the craft is what allowed them to grow from a small backyard operation into a globally recognized name in the art glass world.

Handmade Production at Scale

Even after decades of growth, Bullseye has stayed true to its roots. They still produce their glass by hand, making one sheet at a time to ensure the highest quality and consistency for artists around the world. This commitment to craftsmanship is a huge part of why they’re so trusted. But their support for the arts goes beyond manufacturing. Through their Research & Education team, they help artists explore new techniques and push the boundaries of the medium. They also have Bullseye Studio for collaborating on large-scale architectural projects and Bullseye Projects, which supports artists through exhibitions and residencies. They are deeply woven into the fabric of the glass art community, acting as both a supplier and a partner in creativity.

The Invention of Kiln-Glass

A major turning point in the history of glass art came in 1979 when Bullseye invented “kiln-glass.” This was a revolutionary development: a line of glass specifically formulated to be compatible when melted together in a kiln. Before this, fusing different colored glasses was a risky, unpredictable process often ending in cracked, unusable pieces. The creation of a reliable, compatible system opened up a whole new world of possibilities for artists. This innovation shifted the company’s focus toward educating artists on how to work with this exciting new material. The entire COE 90 system that artists rely on today grew from this single invention, forever changing how we think about and create with glass.

What Types of Bullseye Glass Are There?

One of the best things about working with Bullseye is the sheer variety of forms their glass comes in. Whether you’re building a traditional stained glass panel or experimenting with complex kilnforming techniques, there’s a Bullseye product designed for your project. The company has spent decades developing different types of glass to support artists’ creativity. This means you can find everything from large, uniform sheets to tiny, colorful grains of glass, all designed to work together seamlessly. Let’s look at the main categories you’ll find.

For Kilnforming: Fusible Glass Sheets

If you plan to heat glass in a kiln, you need fusible glass. Bullseye’s fusible line, also known as F-grade, is a soda-lime glass specifically engineered to be compatible for kilnforming. This is the glass you’ll use for fusing, slumping, and casting projects. Because it’s all tested to work together, you can layer different colors and forms without worrying about stress fractures caused by incompatible glass. This reliability is why so many artists depend on Bullseye’s COE90 glass for creating everything from intricate jewelry to beautiful fused glass dishes. It’s the foundation of modern warm glass art.

Understanding F-Grade Glass

When you see Bullseye glass labeled as “F-grade,” it simply means it’s part of their fusible line. This is the glass specifically created for artists who work with kilns. It’s a special type of soda-lime glass that has been carefully engineered to ensure every sheet, color, and form is compatible with one another. This is a huge deal because it takes the guesswork out of your projects. You can confidently layer different F-grade glasses for fusing, or shape them over molds for slumping, knowing they will heat and cool at the same rate. This compatibility is what prevents the dreaded stress fractures that can ruin a piece. It’s this built-in reliability that makes Bullseye’s COE90 system the trusted foundation for so many kilnforming artists, whether they’re making delicate jewelry or functional art.

For Classic Designs: Stained Glass Sheets

Bullseye also produces a standard, non-fusible glass known as P-grade. This glass is not designed for heating in a kiln. Instead, it’s perfect for traditional stained glass and mosaic work where the glass pieces are joined by lead came or copper foil rather than melted together. If you’re creating a classic window panel or a detailed mosaic, this is the glass you’ll want to use. It offers the same brilliant colors and quality as the fusible line but is formulated for cold-working applications. You can find a wide selection of stained glass sheets perfect for your next project.

Understanding P-Grade Glass

The “P” in P-grade can be thought of as standing for “panel” glass, as it’s the ideal choice for traditional stained glass panels. The key thing to remember is that this glass is not fusible and should never be used in a kiln project with F-grade glass. It’s specifically formulated for cold-working techniques where the glass is cut and assembled without heat. This means it’s perfect for your classic stained glass projects, whether you’re using copper foil or lead came, as well as for creating detailed mosaics. You still get access to Bullseye’s incredible range of colors and textures, but in a glass that’s optimized for cutting and shaping rather than melting. Think of it as the perfect material for bringing those timeless, non-kiln-fired designs to life.

Add Texture with Frit, Powders, and Confetti

To add texture, shading, and unique patterns to your work, Bullseye offers glass in granular forms. Frit (crushed glass), powders (finely ground glass), and confetti (thin shards of glass) are essential for many kilnforming techniques. You can use them to create painterly effects, add subtle color gradients, or build up textured surfaces in your fused pieces. The story of Bullseye Glass is rooted in providing artists with a full palette of options, and these granular materials are a perfect example of that commitment. They open up a huge range of creative possibilities beyond simple sheet glass.

Draw with Glass: Stringers and Rods

For artists who love adding fine details, Bullseye provides specialty forms like stringers. Stringers are thin, spaghetti-like rods of glass that you can use to draw lines and create intricate patterns in your fused glass designs. Beyond stringers, Bullseye continues to innovate with other unique forms that give you more tools for your creative expression. These specialized products allow you to achieve a level of detail that would be difficult with sheet glass alone. They are perfect for adding delicate linework, creating borders, or building complex geometric patterns in your glasswork.

Why Should You Choose Bullseye Glass?

When you’re pouring your heart into a piece of glass art, the materials you choose can make all the difference. Bullseye Glass has earned its reputation as a go-to for artists and hobbyists for several key reasons. It’s not just about the beautiful colors or the quality of the glass itself; it’s about the entire experience, from creative potential to final firing. The brand is built on a foundation of reliability, innovation, and a genuine understanding of what artists need to succeed.

Choosing Bullseye means you’re working with a material designed to support your creative process, not complicate it. Whether you’re a seasoned professional creating large-scale architectural pieces or a hobbyist making your first fused glass dish, Bullseye provides a predictable and high-quality canvas for your work. Let’s look at what sets this brand apart and why so many artists trust it for their most important projects.

Get Consistent, Reliable Results Every Time

If you’ve ever lost a piece to cracking in the kiln, you know how crucial consistency is. This is where Bullseye truly excels. Their glass is known for being incredibly uniform, which means it fuses reliably every time. This predictability comes from their strict adherence to the COE 90 standard, ensuring that every sheet, stringer, and piece of frit will expand and contract at the same rate when heated and cooled. This compatibility is everything in kilnforming. It gives you the freedom to mix and match different forms of Bullseye glass in a single project without worrying about stress fractures or breakage, saving you time, materials, and a lot of potential frustration.

Explore a Rainbow of Color Options

Creativity thrives on color, and Bullseye delivers an incredible palette to bring your ideas to life. With over 1,150 styles available, the possibilities are practically endless. Their range includes everything from vibrant, saturated opaques to delicate, transparent tints. This vast selection empowers you to achieve subtle shading, bold contrasts, and complex color layering in your work. Because Bullseye is made by artists for artists, they understand the nuances of color theory and how glass behaves in the kiln. You can find the perfect hue for any project, whether you’re creating a classic stained glass panel or a contemporary fused glass sculpture.

Glass Designed for the Way Artists Work

Bullseye is more than just a glass manufacturer; it’s a company deeply invested in the art glass community. They actively support artists through various initiatives that show they truly understand the creative journey. Their Research & Education team is constantly exploring new techniques and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with glass. Furthermore, the Bullseye Glass story is one of collaboration, with programs that support artists through exhibitions, residencies, and partnerships on large-scale projects. This artist-centric approach means that when you buy Bullseye glass, you’re not just getting a quality product—you’re tapping into a network of innovation and support dedicated to helping you grow as an artist.

Their Commitment to Sustainable Practices

For many artists, creating responsibly is just as important as the art itself. Bullseye has demonstrated a strong and long-standing commitment to sustainable manufacturing practices. They have made significant investments to reduce their environmental impact, from cutting water consumption by 60% to installing systems that slash natural gas use and greenhouse gas emissions. In 2016, they invested another $1.5 million in a system to control factory emissions. Choosing Bullseye means you can feel good about the materials you’re using, knowing they come from a company that prioritizes the health of its community and the planet. This dedication to sustainability makes them a leader not just in glass, but in responsible industry practices.

Investing in a Greener Factory

Bullseye puts its commitment to sustainability into action with significant, ongoing investments in its factory. The company has taken concrete steps to minimize its environmental footprint, successfully cutting its water consumption by an impressive 60%. They’ve also installed advanced systems to reduce natural gas usage and the resulting greenhouse gas emissions. Following environmental concerns in 2016, they made another $1.5 million investment in a state-of-the-art system specifically designed to control factory emissions. These aren’t just empty promises; they are tangible actions that demonstrate a deep-seated dedication to responsible manufacturing and protecting the environment for the long term.

Building a Sustainable Community

When you choose your materials, you’re also choosing to support the companies behind them. Working with Bullseye allows you to feel confident that your art is made with materials from a company that prioritizes the health of its workers, its community, and the planet. This dedication to sustainability makes them a leader not just in the glass industry, but in responsible manufacturing as a whole. By investing in their COE90 glass, you become part of a larger community that values ethical practices and environmental stewardship, ensuring that the art you create is beautiful both inside and out.

Addressing Past Environmental Challenges

Transparency is a key part of trust, and Bullseye has faced its environmental challenges head-on. In early 2016, after harmful heavy metals were detected in the air near its Portland factory, the company took immediate and voluntary action. They ceased the use of certain heavy metals like cadmium and chromium in their glass production, a decision that required them to limit the availability of some of their iconic glass colors. This response shows a willingness to prioritize public health and environmental safety over profits, reinforcing their commitment to being a responsible member of their community and the larger art world.

Your Guide to Bullseye Colors and Finishes

One of the best parts of working with Bullseye glass is the incredible range of colors and finishes available. With a palette of around 150 colors, you have a world of creative possibilities right at your fingertips. Whether you’re aiming for a classic, light-catching design or something with a modern, metallic sheen, Bullseye has a sheet for it. Understanding the different types of glass will help you select the perfect materials for your next project and achieve the exact look you’re imagining.

Transparent vs. Opalescent: What’s the Difference?

At its core, Bullseye glass comes in two main styles: transparent and opalescent. Transparent glass is exactly what it sounds like—clear and see-through, allowing light to pass directly through it. This makes it perfect for projects where you want to play with light, like suncatchers or layered designs. Opalescent glass, on the other hand, is more opaque. It reflects light rather than letting it pass through, giving it a milky, solid appearance. Many artists mix both types in their work to create contrast and depth. Both are made from a high-quality soda-lime glass base, ensuring consistency across the entire COE90 glass line.

Add a Shimmer with Iridescent and Dichroic Glass

If you want to add a little extra sparkle to your work, look for Bullseye’s iridescent and dichroic glasses. Iridescent glass has a shimmery, rainbow-like coating that adds a beautiful metallic sheen to the surface. Dichroic glass is even more dynamic, featuring a special coating that makes the glass appear to change colors when viewed from different angles. It’s worth noting that some of these glasses contain lead or cadmium to create their unique effects. If you’re making a food-bearing piece like a plate or bowl, it’s a good practice to cap these glasses with a layer of clear Bullseye glass to create a food-safe surface.

Create Surprise Effects with Reactive Glass

This is where the real magic happens. Bullseye offers a selection of “reactive” or “striking” colors that transform when fired in a kiln. A sheet that looks pale or unassuming before firing can emerge from the kiln as a vibrant, completely different color. Because the final appearance can change, especially after multiple firings, it’s always a good idea to run a small test piece first. This way, you’ll know exactly what to expect and can use these surprising color shifts to your creative advantage. The potential for unique outcomes makes these glasses a favorite among experimental artists.

Add Dimension with Textured and Patterned Glass

Beyond color, Bullseye also offers glass with various textures and patterns. You can find everything from gentle ripples to bold, geometric patterns pressed directly into the glass surface. These textures add physical depth and visual interest to your artwork before you even start cutting. Using a textured piece can create interesting light refractions in a stained glass panel or add a tactile quality to a fused dish. As a pioneer in testing glass for fusing compatibility, Bullseye ensures that even their most decorative sheets are reliable and easy to work with, giving you the freedom to mix and match with confidence.

What Can You Create with Bullseye Glass?

One of the best things about working with Bullseye Glass is its incredible versatility. Whether you’re firing up a kiln for the first time or you’re a seasoned stained glass artist, this glass opens up a huge range of creative possibilities. From functional kitchenware to stunning window panels, the consistent quality of Bullseye ensures your vision comes to life just as you imagined. Let’s look at some of the amazing things you can create.

Design Fused Glass Art and Serving Dishes

If you love kilnforming, Bullseye is your best friend. It’s famous for its reliability in the kiln, meaning the glass melts and joins together smoothly and predictably every time. This consistency is exactly what you need when creating everything from decorative wall art to functional pieces like bowls, plates, and platters. Because it’s a tested, fusible COE90 glass, you can confidently layer different colors and shapes, knowing they will fuse together beautifully without unwanted reactions or cracks. This makes it a go-to choice for artists who want to produce high-quality, durable fused glass pieces.

Build Timeless Stained Glass Panels

Bullseye has deep roots in the world of traditional stained glass. The company has a long history of producing gorgeous, hand-rolled sheets of glass that are perfect for classic stained glass applications. The rich colors and textures available allow you to design and build breathtaking panels for windows, doors, lampshades, and decorative hangings. Whether you’re recreating a timeless design or crafting a modern masterpiece, Bullseye’s stained glass sheets provide the beauty and workability you need to cut, grind, and solder your project together with ease.

Assemble Intricate Mosaic Art

The vibrant and extensive color palette of Bullseye Glass also makes it an excellent medium for mosaic art. You can cut the sheets into tiny pieces (tesserae) to create detailed images, patterns, and textures on almost any surface. Because the glass is so consistent in color and quality, it’s ideal for both small, delicate projects and large-scale installations. The sheer variety of available colors, from bold opaques to subtle transparents, gives you the freedom to create truly unique and expressive mosaic artwork that will stand the test of time.

Custom Glass Jewelry

Looking to create wearable art? Bullseye Glass is fantastic for making custom glass jewelry. You can easily cut small pieces to create stunning pendants, earrings, and rings. The availability of specialty glass like dichroic adds a captivating sparkle and depth that makes jewelry pop. By layering different colors and firing them in a kiln, you can craft one-of-a-kind cabochons that are ready to be set in findings. It’s a wonderful way to experiment with color and form on a smaller, more intimate scale.

How Do You Choose the Right Bullseye Glass?

Once you’ve decided to work with Bullseye glass, the next step is picking the right sheets and forms for your project. With so many incredible options, it can feel a little overwhelming, but thinking through a few key factors will help you narrow down your choices and set your project up for success. Making the right selections from the start ensures your final piece will be strong, stable, and exactly as you envisioned it. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about the structural integrity of your art.

Before you start adding glass to your cart, take a moment to consider three main things: the glass COE, your color palette, and the final thickness and texture you want to achieve. Each of these plays a crucial role in how your glass behaves in the kiln and how your finished artwork looks and feels. Getting these details right is the difference between a piece you love and a frustrating trip back to the drawing board. Let’s walk through what you need to know to choose with confidence so you can spend less time troubleshooting and more time creating.

First Step: Always Match Your Glass COE

If you’re planning to fuse glass pieces together in a kiln, this is the most important rule to follow. All glass expands when heated and contracts when cooled. The rate at which it does this is called the Coefficient of Expansion, or COE. For pieces to fuse successfully without cracking, all the glass in your project must have the same COE.

Bullseye glass is a COE 90 system. The company rigorously tests its products to ensure every sheet, stringer, and frit is compatible with one another. It’s important to know that you cannot mix Bullseye glass with another brand, even if it’s also labeled “COE 90.” Compatibility is only guaranteed within the Bullseye family of products. Sticking to one brand is the easiest way to prevent stress fractures and ensure your project holds together beautifully.

Next, Pick Your Perfect Color Palette

This is where the fun really begins. Bullseye is famous for its incredible and consistent range of colors, offering more than 1,150 styles to bring your vision to life. Whether you need a specific transparent shade for a suncatcher or a rich, opaque hue for a fused plate, you’ll find it in their catalog. The brand was developed by artists for artists, so you can trust that the colors are reliable and thoughtfully created.

As you browse the options, think about how different colors will interact. Will you use transparent glass to create depth with layers, or will you place opalescent colors side-by-side for a bold, graphic look? Don’t be afraid to experiment with a few small test pieces to see how your chosen colors look after firing.

Finally, Choose a Thickness and Texture

The final thickness of your project is determined by how you layer your glass. When fully fused, most Bullseye sheet glass settles into a uniform thickness of about 6 millimeters. A common practice is to stack two layers of 3mm glass to achieve this standard result. If you want a thicker or thinner piece, you’ll need to adjust your layers accordingly.

You should also consider safety, especially if you’re making functional pieces like plates or bowls. Some glass colors contain lead or cadmium to achieve their specific hue. If you plan to use one of these for a food-bearing surface, be sure to cap it with a layer of clear, food-safe Bullseye glass. This creates a protective barrier and ensures your beautiful creation is safe for everyday use with your favorite molds.

Where Can You Buy Bullseye Glass?

Once you’ve decided which beautiful sheets of Bullseye Glass you need for your next project, the next step is finding a reliable place to buy them. Thankfully, Bullseye Glass is widely available, so you have a few great options. You can purchase directly from the manufacturer, visit one of their dedicated Resource Centers, or shop with an authorized retailer. Each option has its perks, but finding a supplier that offers a great selection, fair prices, and excellent service can make all the difference in your creative process.

Find It Here at ArtGlassSupplies.com

For a seamless shopping experience, we’ve curated a comprehensive collection of Bullseye Glass right here at ArtGlassSupplies.com. We know how important it is to have everything you need in one place, which is why we stock a huge variety of COE90 glass sheets, frits, stringers, and powders. Whether you’re stocking up on your favorite opalescent sheets or searching for that perfect iridescent accent, our inventory is designed to support your vision. We’re artists and hobbyists ourselves, so we focus on providing not just the materials, but the reliability and support you need to bring your ideas to life. Think of us as your creative partner, ready to ship your supplies right to your studio door.

Find Other Authorized Bullseye Retailers

While we’d love to be your one-stop shop, it’s good to know all your options. Bullseye Glass sells directly through their own website and at their physical Resource Center locations, which can be great if you live nearby and want to see the glass in person. You’ll also find other online retailers that carry their products, each with their own unique selection and focus. Exploring different suppliers can sometimes help you find a specific, hard-to-find sheet or a different style of precut shape. The most important thing is to find a retailer you trust who packages glass carefully and provides great customer service.

How to Find the Best Deals on Glass

Every artist appreciates a good deal, and a little savvy shopping can help you stretch your budget further. Many retailers, including us, offer discounted prices on certain items or run special promotions, so it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out for sales. Don’t be afraid to ask if you can’t find something specific; a good supplier may be able to source it for you. Another great tip is to sign up for newsletters from your favorite shops to get first dibs on sales and new arrivals. Buying in larger quantities or during seasonal sales can also lead to significant savings, freeing up more of your budget for what really matters: creating beautiful art.

What Artists Are Saying About Bullseye Glass

It’s one thing for us to tell you about the quality of Bullseye Glass, but it’s another to hear it directly from the artists who use it every day. Across studios, forums, and workshops, the feedback is consistently positive. Artists trust Bullseye not just for the glass itself, but for the entire experience, from the moment they place an order to the final reveal from the kiln. The community of glass artists is built on sharing knowledge and experiences, and their collective voice speaks volumes about why this brand remains a studio staple.

Real Feedback on Quality and Shipping

When you’re excited about a new project, the last thing you want is to open a box of chipped or broken glass. Artists consistently praise Bullseye for its exceptional quality and meticulous packaging. One creator shared, “Great buy, glass came packaged very well, no chips or breaks!” This kind of reliability is crucial. It means you can confidently order the exact COE90 glass you need and have it arrive ready to use, saving you time, money, and frustration. When your materials are handled with care, you can focus on what really matters: bringing your artistic vision to life.

Why Artists Value Great Customer Support

Beyond the product itself, artists value a supportive environment where they can ask questions and get expert advice. The people behind the brand and its retailers make a huge difference. As one artist noted, “Everything was great—the people were friendly and the selection is awesome.” Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just firing up your first kiln, having access to a knowledgeable and approachable team can make your creative process smoother. This sense of community and support is a big reason why so many artists stick with Bullseye for their projects and continue to explore new techniques with confidence.

What They Say About Price and Selection

Creativity thrives on experimentation, and having access to a wide and affordable selection of materials is key. Artists appreciate that Bullseye offers a fantastic variety without a prohibitive price tag. One review mentioned, “The folks who work here are great, accommodating, and fun.” This highlights that a good supplier offers more than just products; they provide a positive experience. When you can find a vast range of colors, textures, and forms—from sheets of stained glass to specialty frits—at a fair price, it empowers you to try new things and push your creative boundaries.

Artist Support and Resources from Bullseye

Bullseye’s commitment to the art glass community extends far beyond manufacturing beautiful glass. They’ve built an entire ecosystem of support designed to help artists at every stage of their journey. This is a company that actively invests in your growth, providing resources that help you learn new skills, tackle ambitious projects, and connect with other creators. Whether you’re just starting out and don’t own a kiln or you’re a professional artist planning a large-scale installation, Bullseye has a program or a team ready to help. This deep level of engagement is one of the key reasons artists don’t just use Bullseye glass—they partner with the brand.

Bullseye Projects and Studio

For artists looking to push their creative boundaries, Bullseye offers dedicated support for large-scale and experimental work. Through Bullseye Projects, the company fosters the arts by hosting exhibitions and offering artist residencies, giving creators a platform to showcase their work and develop new ideas. If you have a massive project in mind, Bullseye Studio is their fabrication arm, collaborating with artists and designers to bring ambitious architectural and fine art installations to life. These programs demonstrate a profound commitment to the evolution of glass as an art form. They show that Bullseye is not just a supplier but an active participant in the art world, championing the artists who use their materials.

In-Person Resource Centers

If you’re someone who loves to see and feel materials before you buy, Bullseye’s physical Resource Centers are a fantastic destination. These are more than just stores; they are community hubs where you can browse glass in person, get expert advice, and connect with other artists. Many locations also offer classes for all skill levels, giving you a chance to learn new techniques in a hands-on environment. Some even provide studio rental time, which is a great option if you need access to professional equipment. While these centers are wonderful places to visit, for day-to-day convenience, you can always find a huge selection of COE90 glass online, ready to be shipped directly to your studio.

Online Tools like KilnSpace

One of the biggest hurdles for new glass fusing artists is the need for a kiln. Bullseye recognized this challenge and created a brilliant solution: KilnSpace. This free online tool is a directory that helps you find kilns available for rent in your area. It connects artists who have kiln space to spare with those who need it, making the art form more accessible to everyone. This resource is a game-changer, allowing you to experiment with kilnforming without the significant initial investment of buying your own equipment. Of course, when you’re ready to have a dedicated setup in your own studio, you can explore a great selection of kilns to find the perfect fit for your needs.

Direct Factory Sales Team

Bullseye provides support for artists working at every scale, including professionals and institutions that require large quantities of glass. For those placing substantial or recurring orders, the company has a dedicated factory sales team ready to assist. This direct line of communication is ideal for production studios, architectural firms, or educational programs that need to source materials in bulk. It ensures a smooth and efficient process for acquiring the specific glass needed for extensive projects. This service underscores Bullseye’s ability to cater to the entire spectrum of the glass art community, from the individual hobbyist to the large-scale professional operation, ensuring everyone has access to the materials they need to create.

Staying Safe While Working with Bullseye Glass

Your studio should be a place of creativity and inspiration, and a big part of that is making sure it’s a safe space to work. Taking a few simple precautions allows you to focus on your art with peace of mind. Like any professional art material, working with glass requires some safety awareness. Whether you’re cutting sheets for a stained glass panel or using a kiln to fuse intricate designs, these practices will help protect you and ensure your finished pieces are safe for others to enjoy. By understanding the materials and protecting yourself from dust, you can confidently handle every piece of beautiful Bullseye glass that comes through your studio.

Working Safely with Lead and Cadmium Glass

It’s important to know that some vibrant glass colors, particularly certain reds, oranges, and yellows, are made with lead or cadmium. Bullseye is transparent about the content of their glass, and you should be aware of it when planning your projects. If you’re creating functional art like plates or bowls that will come into contact with food, it’s a best practice to cap the food-bearing surface. This means adding a layer of clear, food-safe COE 90 glass on top of the colored glass before firing. This creates a safe, durable barrier. If you plan to sell your functional glassware, consider having it professionally tested to confirm it meets safety standards.

How to Protect Yourself from Glass Dust

Any time you cut, grind, or coldwork glass, you create fine dust particles. The same goes for working with powders and frits. Inhaling this glass dust can be harmful to your lungs over time, so it’s crucial to manage it properly. Always work in a well-ventilated area; opening a window and using a fan to direct airflow away from you is a great start. For an added layer of safety, wear a NIOSH-approved respirator or a quality dust mask. This simple step protects your respiratory system and lets you work on your projects for hours, safely and comfortably.

Is Bullseye Glass Food Safe?

When making functional pieces like platters or shallow bowls with molds, food safety is a top priority. As mentioned, the best way to ensure your work is food-safe is to cover the entire top surface with a layer of clear, compatible glass. This technique, known as capping, seals any potentially reactive glasses and creates a smooth, non-porous surface that is easy to clean and safe for serving food. Even if the colors you’re using don’t contain lead or cadmium, capping is still a great habit. It gives your finished pieces a professional, glossy finish and ensures they are completely inert and durable for everyday use.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mix Bullseye COE 90 glass with another brand that’s also labeled COE 90? It’s best to avoid mixing brands, even if they share the same COE number. Bullseye tests its glass to be compatible with other Bullseye glass, creating a reliable system. Another manufacturer’s COE 90 glass might have a slightly different expansion rate that isn’t guaranteed to work with Bullseye’s. Sticking to one brand for a fusing project is the surest way to prevent stress cracks and ensure your piece comes out of the kiln in one piece.

What’s the real difference between Bullseye’s fusible glass and their stained glass? The main difference comes down to heat. Bullseye’s fusible glass is specifically formulated to be heated in a kiln, allowing different pieces to melt and fuse together smoothly. Their standard stained glass is not designed for the kiln and is intended for traditional techniques like copper foil or lead came, where the glass is cut and joined together without being melted.

I’m new to glass fusing. Is Bullseye a good choice for beginners? Absolutely. In fact, Bullseye is an excellent choice when you’re starting out. Its consistency and reliability take a lot of the guesswork out of the process. Because the glass behaves so predictably in the kiln, you can focus on learning techniques and bringing your creative ideas to life without worrying about your materials causing unexpected problems.

How do I know if a piece I make is food-safe? The safest way to create a food-safe dish is to “cap” it. This means you cover the entire top surface of your piece with a layer of clear, food-safe Bullseye glass before the final firing. This technique seals any colored glass that might contain lead or cadmium and creates a smooth, durable, and non-porous surface that is safe for contact with food.

Some Bullseye glass changes color in the kiln. How do I control that? You’ve discovered the magic of “striking” and “reactive” glasses. These colors are designed to transform when fired. Since the final result can be a surprise, the best way to know what to expect is to run a small test. Fire a little scrap of the glass by itself to see its final color before you use it in a larger project. This lets you use the color-changing properties to your creative advantage.