You may have heard the buzz about a shimmering powder that lets you paint with light. The secret is CBS Dichroic Extract. This unique material is the pure, powdered form of a high-quality dichroic coating, carefully separated from its glass base. This gives you the freedom to create your own custom dichroic paint, letting you add that signature color-shifting effect to any glass surface, regardless of COE. This guide will show you exactly why so many artists are adding this versatile powder to their studios and how you can use it to achieve stunning results in your own work.

Key Takeaways

• Add dichroic effects to any glass: Since Dichroic Extract is a pure coating without a glass base, it has no COE. This means you can confidently use it on both COE90 and COE96 glass without worrying about compatibility.
• Get creative with application methods: You have total control over how you use the extract. Mix it with a binder to create a paint for detailed designs, sift it through stencils, or sprinkle it between glass layers for unique textures.
• A little goes a long way: The extract is a highly concentrated powder, making it a cost-effective choice for adding vibrant color. Its powdered form also opens the door to creative techniques, like painting and stippling, that you can’t do with solid dichroic sheets.

The Fascinating Story of Dichroic Glass

The shimmering, color-shifting material we love in our studios has a surprisingly deep and fascinating history. It’s a story that stretches from the artisans of the Roman Empire all the way to the scientists at NASA. Understanding where dichroic glass comes from gives you an even greater appreciation for its unique beauty. It’s not just a material; it’s a piece of history and a marvel of modern science that you get to shape and create with. This journey from ancient artifact to space-age technology is what makes dichroic glass one of the most interesting materials available to artists today.

From Ancient Rome to NASA

Long before it was used in modern glass art, a primitive form of dichroic glass was crafted by Roman artisans. For centuries, the secret to its creation was lost, only to be rediscovered in the 20th century for a completely different, high-tech purpose. This incredible gap in its history highlights just how special and advanced the material truly is. The journey from a single, mysterious cup to its use in space exploration shows a remarkable evolution in technology and our understanding of light and physics.

The Lycurgus Cup: An Ancient Mystery

The most famous example of ancient dichroic glass is the Lycurgus Cup, a 4th-century Roman artifact that continues to amaze historians and scientists. When lit from the front, the cup appears a murky green, but when lit from behind, it glows a brilliant, translucent red. Researchers discovered this effect comes from microscopic particles of gold and silver suspended within the glass. These particles interact with light in a way that changes the glass’s color depending on whether the light is reflecting off the surface or passing through it, a principle that defines dichroic glass.

Modern Dichroic Glass: A Space-Age Innovation

The technology behind modern dichroic glass was developed by NASA in the 1950s and 60s. They needed a way to protect astronauts and sensitive equipment from the harsh radiation of space while still allowing them to see clearly. The solution was to create highly specialized optical filters by coating glass with incredibly thin layers of metal oxides. This coating could selectively filter out harmful wavelengths of light while letting others pass through. This space-race innovation was eventually adapted for commercial use, giving glass artists the stunning material we use today.

How Modern Dichroic Glass is Made

The process for creating modern dichroic glass is a far cry from the methods used by ancient Romans. It’s a highly controlled, scientific process that takes place inside a vacuum chamber and involves manipulating materials at a near-atomic level. This precision is what allows for the consistent and vibrant colors that artists rely on for their work, whether they are creating jewelry, sculptures, or fused glass plates. The technology ensures every sheet has that signature, brilliant shimmer that makes your final piece stand out.

The Vacuum Chamber Process

To create dichroic glass, a sheet of base glass is placed inside a large vacuum chamber. An electron beam is then used to vaporize various metal oxides, such as titanium, magnesium, and silicon, turning them into a cloud of vapor. This vapor then settles on the surface of the glass, molecule by molecule, creating a perfectly even and incredibly thin layer. This process is repeated multiple times with different oxides to build up a stack of layers that will ultimately produce the desired color-shifting effect, ensuring each sheet has a consistent and brilliant finish.

Understanding the Micro-Thin Layers

The magic of dichroic glass lies in the extreme thinness of its coatings. A finished piece might have between 30 and 50 layers of these metal oxides, yet the total thickness of the coating is only about 35 millionths of an inch. For perspective, that’s far thinner than a human hair. This microscopic layering is what allows the glass to manipulate light in such a unique way. The coating is applied to a base glass, which can be anything from clear COE90 glass to black COE96 glass, giving artists endless creative options.

The Science of Shifting Colors

The vibrant, changing colors of dichroic glass don’t come from pigments or dyes. Instead, the effect is created by a phenomenon called thin-film interference. It’s the same principle that creates the rainbow shimmer you see on a soap bubble or in a puddle of oil. As light passes through the many micro-thin layers of metal oxides, certain wavelengths (colors) are reflected back at you, while others pass straight through. Because the layers are so thin, the color you see changes depending on your viewing angle. The specific thickness and type of oxides used determine which colors are reflected, giving each piece of dichroic glass its unique palette.

Beyond Art: Other Uses for Dichroic Glass

While we know and love dichroic glass for its artistic applications, its unique properties make it valuable in many other fields. The same light-filtering capabilities that NASA developed it for are now used in a variety of scientific and commercial technologies. From scientific instruments to modern architecture, the principles behind dichroic glass are used to solve practical problems and create stunning visual effects. It’s a testament to the material’s versatility and the brilliance of its original, space-age design.

Architectural and Optical Applications

Beyond the artist’s studio, dichroic glass is used to create specialized filters for things like fluorescence microscopes and LCD projectors, where precise light control is essential. You can also see it on a much larger scale in modern architecture. For example, the exterior of some of the Amazon Spheres in Seattle is covered in dichroic glass panels, which cause the buildings to change color throughout the day depending on the angle of the sun and the weather. This creates a dynamic, ever-changing facade that brings the building to life.

So, What Exactly is Dichroic Extract?

If you’ve ever wanted to capture the mesmerizing, color-shifting shimmer of dichroic glass without being tied to a specific sheet, you’re going to love Dichroic Extract. Think of it as the magic of dichro, concentrated in a jar. Instead of buying a full sheet of coated glass, you get the pure, high-quality dichroic coating itself, carefully extracted and preserved as a powder. This gives you the freedom to add that signature sparkle to almost any glass art project you can dream up, from intricate jewelry pendants to larger fused art pieces.

This versatile powder opens up a world of creative possibilities that go far beyond what you can do with a standard sheet. You can mix it with a medium to paint it on, sift it over your designs for a dusting of sparkle, or even use it in flame-working to create stunning beads. Because it’s just the coating, you aren’t limited by the properties of a base glass sheet. This means you can apply it to different types of glass, textures, and shapes, giving you complete control over the final look and feel of your piece. It’s a fantastic way to get that brilliant dichroic effect with more flexibility and precision than ever before.

The Artist Behind the Innovation

Every so often, a product comes along that feels like it was designed by an artist, for an artist. That’s exactly the case with Dichroic Extract. This innovative powder is the brainchild of glass artist Brian Serck, who saw an opportunity to separate the stunning dichroic coating from its glass base. His vision was to give fellow creators the freedom to apply that signature color-shifting effect to any glass art project, whether they work with COE90 or COE96, without being limited by a specific sheet. The result is a material that lets you paint, sprinkle, and layer shimmer onto your work with incredible precision. It’s a testament to how one artist’s idea can open up a whole new world of creative possibilities for the entire community.

Dichroic Paint vs. Dichroic Glass: What’s the Difference?

So, what really sets Dichroic Extract apart from the traditional dichroic glass sheets you might be used to? The main difference is that the extract is the coating without the glass. As Rainbow Art Glass explains, “CBS Dichroic Extract is a powdered form of high-quality dichroic glass coatings, separated from the glass base and preserved in a container.” This allows you to apply that lustrous, color-shifting effect to your projects without the restrictions of the glass’s COE. You’re no longer buying a sheet of stained glass with a coating; you’re getting the pure coating itself to use however you see fit.

Why a Concentrated Dichroic Coating Matters

With Dichroic Extract, you get all the sparkle of dichroic with the incredible versatility of a powder. It’s the pure form of CBS’s high-quality dichroic coatings, literally extracted from the glass and ready for your creative touch. Because it’s so concentrated, a small amount can make a big impact, allowing you to add delicate accents or bold, shimmering surfaces to your work. You can mix it with a binder to create a paint-like consistency, making it perfect for detailed designs on beads or fused glass art. This concentrated power gives you precise control over where and how you apply the dichroic effect.

Does It Work with Both COE90 and COE96 Glass?

One of the biggest advantages of Dichroic Extract is its compatibility. Since the powder is just the coating and doesn’t have a glass base, it doesn’t have its own Coefficient of Expansion (COE). This means you can use it with a wide range of glass types without worrying about stress fractures from mismatched COEs. It works beautifully with both COE90 glass and COE96 glass, the two most common standards in glass fusing. This flexibility allows you to experiment freely, adding a touch of dichroic magic to your favorite Bullseye or System 96 projects with total confidence.

What Colors Can You Get?

One of the best parts about working with CBS Dichroic Extract is the incredible range of colors at your fingertips. This isn’t just a static palette; it’s a collection of vibrant, light-shifting powders that bring dynamic life to your glass art. Whether you’re looking for a specific solid hue or want to create a dazzling rainbow effect, the extract gives you the control to make it happen. You can mix, layer, and combine colors to create custom shades that are entirely your own. Let’s look at the colors you can start with and how artists are using them to create stunning effects.

Exploring the Solid Color Palette

If you’re just getting started or want to build a reliable color library, the solid color options are fantastic. CBS offers a core palette that covers a beautiful spectrum. You can find rich, deep tones like Dark Red and Cyan Dark, as well as vibrant options like Emerald and Yellow Blue. There are also complex colors that shift between two hues, such as Red Silver and Green Magenta. The manufacturer even offers a sample set with their eight available solid colors, which is a perfect way to experiment without committing to a large quantity of a single color. It’s a great way to see how each one fires and interacts with your glass.

Stunning Rainbow and Patterned Effects

The real magic of dichroic glass is its ability to shift colors depending on the light and viewing angle, and the extract captures this perfectly. Because it’s a concentrated powder of the dichroic coating, you can apply that lustrous, color-shifting effect to any project, regardless of the glass COE. A single color like Cyan Copper won’t just look copper; it will flash with shades of blue and gold as the light hits it. This allows you to create pieces with incredible depth and movement. You can apply it over any color of COE90 glass or COE96 to produce completely new rainbow variations and custom effects.

Get Inspired: Popular Color Combos

Artists are constantly discovering new ways to use Dichroic Extract, and the creative possibilities are endless. You can achieve amazing results by combining colors and application techniques. For example, try layering Green Magenta over Yellow Blue in your fusing projects to create a unique, iridescent gradient. Many artists use the extract for flame-working and glass blowing, where the colors meld and stretch in beautiful ways. You can also use it like a paint for stippling fine details or try a “spackling” technique to build up texture. The fine powder gives you the precision to add shimmering accents exactly where you want them, which is perfect for detailed work in your kiln.

Exploring Other Dichroic Glass Products

While Dichroic Extract offers incredible freedom, the world of dichroic shimmer doesn’t stop there. Sometimes a project calls for a specific texture that you can’t achieve with a powder, or maybe you’re looking for a more budget-friendly way to experiment with that color-shifting magic. The good news is that manufacturers are constantly innovating, creating specialty products that open up even more creative avenues. From glass with built-in textures that catch the light in unique ways to films and foils that add a touch of dichro to different applications, there are plenty of options to explore beyond traditional sheets and powders.

These alternatives can help you achieve very specific visual effects. Specialty textured glass, for instance, adds a physical dimension to your work, creating a surface that feels as interesting as it looks. On the other hand, materials like dichroic-coated foils are perfect for artists who work in other mediums, like stained glass, and want to incorporate that signature sparkle without changing their entire process. Exploring these products can inspire new ideas and help you find the perfect material to bring your vision to life, whether you’re fusing, slumping, or creating intricate solder work.

Specialty Textures like Crinklized Dichroic

If you love the sparkle of dichroic glass but want to add more texture to your work, you should check out specialty coatings like Crinklized Dichroic. This unique coating is designed to create a rough, sparkly surface that looks like it’s covered in thousands of tiny, mirror-like crystals after it’s been fired in a kiln. Unlike the smooth, liquid-like finish of standard dichroic glass, the crinklized texture offers a more organic, glittering effect that adds incredible depth and dimension. It’s a fantastic choice for jewelry or decorative pieces where you want a tactile quality and a more scattered, brilliant sparkle.

Cost-Effective Alternatives: Films and Foils

Want to add a dichroic effect without committing to a full sheet of glass? Films and foils are excellent, cost-effective alternatives. Dichroic film can be applied to various surfaces, giving you the flexibility to add shimmer to non-glass projects. For stained glass artists, dichroic-coated copper foil is a game-changer. It allows you to add those beautiful rainbow hues directly to your solder lines or as decorative accents on your pieces. It’s a simple way to incorporate the dynamic look of dichroic glass into traditional stained glass techniques, giving your work an extra pop of color and light without a big investment.

How to Use Dichroic Extract in Your Art

One of the best things about dichroic extract is its incredible versatility. Because it’s a pure coating without a glass base, you can use it in almost any warm glass application without worrying about COE compatibility. This shimmering powder can add a new dimension to your work, whether you’re a glass blower, a kiln fuser, or a mixed-media artist. Let’s get into some of the most popular ways to use it.

Watch the “Spackling” Technique in Action

One of the most exciting ways to use CBS Dichroic Extract is with a technique known as “spackling,” developed by artist Brian Serck. This method is perfect for creating textured, shimmering surfaces that add incredible depth and interest to your glass projects. The versatility of Dichroic Extract is what makes this possible, allowing you to mix it with a medium for a paint-like consistency or apply it directly for a range of stunning effects. It’s a fantastic way to move beyond flat surfaces and add a tactile, sparkling dimension to your work, turning a simple piece into something that begs to be touched and examined up close.

So how does it work? Since the extract is just the coating—without a glass base—you aren’t limited by the properties of a specific sheet. This freedom means you can apply it to various types of glass, from COE90 to COE96, without a second thought about compatibility. You can add texture to pieces slumped over intricate molds or paint fine details onto any glass surface. Plus, because the extract is a highly concentrated powder, a little goes a long way. This makes it a cost-effective choice for adding that vibrant, color-shifting magic to your art without breaking the bank.

Seeing this technique in action really brings it to life. Imagine artists demonstrating the spackling method, showing you exactly how to layer and manipulate the extract to create unique textures. You can watch them build up shimmering surfaces, creating effects that make their pieces truly stand out. It’s the perfect inspiration for trying this in your own studio. By controlling the thickness and placement of the extract, you can achieve everything from a delicate, frosty shimmer to a bold, glittering crust. This level of control opens up a whole new world of design possibilities for your next kiln session.

Tips for Flameworking and Glass Blowing

If you love working with a torch, you’ll find that CBS Dichroic Extract is a fantastic material for both glass blowing and flameworking. You can easily add a vibrant, metallic sheen to your beads, sculptures, or vessels. A common technique is to gently roll your hot, molten glass gather in a small pile of the extract. The powder will stick to the surface, and you can then encase it in clear glass to protect the coating and magnify its color-shifting effects. You can also sift it onto the surface of your piece for a more scattered, sparkly look. It’s a simple way to get that dichroic shine without the challenge of working with sheets of dichroic glass in the flame.

Techniques for Fusing and Kiln Work

For artists who work with kilns, dichroic extract is a game-changer. It’s essentially the powdered form of a dichroic coating, which means you can apply its lustrous effect to your projects without the usual restrictions of glass COE. This allows you to use it on both COE90 and COE96 glass without a second thought. You can sprinkle it between layers of glass, sift it over the top for a textured finish, or use it with molds to create stunning patterns. Because it’s just the coating, it gives you the freedom to add that signature dichroic shimmer to any piece you’re firing.

Creating Detail with Painting and Stippling

Did you know you can paint with dichroic extract? By mixing the powder with a binding medium, you can create a liquid that you can apply with a brush. Many artists have had excellent results using Klyr-Fire to get the perfect consistency. This opens up a world of possibilities for creating intricate designs, fine lines, and detailed patterns. You can paint directly onto your glass base or use stippling techniques to build up texture and depth. Once fired, the binder burns away, leaving behind a brilliant, fused dichroic design that becomes a permanent part of your glass art.

Pushing Boundaries with Mixed Media

Don’t be afraid to think outside the box. Dichroic extract is perfect for artists who love to experiment. Because it’s a powder, you can incorporate it into all sorts of mixed-media projects. Some artists mix it into other glass components like frit to create custom color blends. While it might seem a bit pricey at first, a little goes a long way, and it truly adds an extra dimension to your work. Use it to highlight specific areas of a larger piece or to add a surprising pop of color. Its flexibility makes it an ideal material for pushing creative boundaries and discovering new techniques.

Your Step-by-Step Guide to Application

Using dichroic extract is a fantastic way to add that signature, color-shifting shimmer to your glass art without being limited by sheets of glass. The process is straightforward and gives you complete control over the placement and density of the dichroic coating. Think of it as painting with pure, powdered light. Let’s walk through the four key steps to get a beautiful, professional finish on your next project.

Step 1: Preparing Your Glass Surface

First things first, you need a perfectly clean slate. Any dust, fingerprints, or oils on your glass can interfere with the application and cause imperfections during firing. I recommend cleaning your glass thoroughly with a lint-free cloth and isopropyl alcohol or your favorite glass cleaner. Make sure the surface is completely dry before you begin. This step is crucial whether you’re working on a flat piece of COE90 glass for a fused panel or a small component for a jewelry project. A clean surface ensures the extract adheres properly and fires cleanly.

Step 2: Mixing Your Dichroic Paint

Dichroic extract comes as a fine powder, so you’ll need to mix it with a binder to create a paintable consistency. A popular and effective medium is Klyr-Fire, but you can also experiment with other binders or even just water for a more delicate, watercolor-like effect. Start by placing a small amount of extract in a palette or small dish; a little goes a very long way. Add your binder drop by drop, mixing until you reach a smooth, paste-like consistency that’s easy to brush on. Remember, you can always add more liquid, but you can’t take it away.

Step 3: Applying an Even Coat

Now for the fun part: applying the extract. You can use a soft brush to paint it on, a small sponge to stipple it for texture, or even use stencils to create precise patterns. For a smooth, uniform shimmer, apply the mixture in thin, even coats, letting each layer dry before adding the next. This method gives you much better results than one single, thick application. You can apply the extract to your base glass before shaping it over one of our many molds or use it to add fine details to an already-shaped piece.

Step 4: Nailing the Firing Schedule

How you fire your piece is just as important as how you apply the extract. You’ll need to use a firing schedule that allows the binder to burn off completely before the glass reaches fusing temperatures. A slow ramp-up is generally best to prevent bubbles or cloudiness. The final look of the dichroic effect can also change depending on your top temperature and hold time, so it’s always a good idea to run a few small test tiles first. Having reliable kilns that you can program with precision will give you consistent and stunning results every time.

Running Into Trouble? Let’s Fix It

Working with a new material is always an adventure, and CBS Dichroic Extract is no exception. While it opens up a world of creative possibilities, you might run into a few bumps as you get the hang of it. The good news is that most common issues are easy to solve once you understand how the material behaves. Whether you’re struggling with an uneven application or your colors aren’t coming out quite right, a few small adjustments can make a huge difference. Think of this as your friendly guide to getting past those initial hurdles so you can focus on creating beautiful, shimmering glass art.

Is Your Application Uneven or Streaky?

If your Dichroic Extract is clumping or applying unevenly, the solution usually lies in your mixing technique. Because the extract is a fine powder made from pure dichroic coatings, it needs a liquid medium to create a smooth, paintable consistency. Simply mixing it with a bit of water or a product like Klyr-Fire can transform it into a paste that’s much easier to control. For a stippled or textured effect, you can use a thicker mixture. For a smooth, even coat, aim for a consistency similar to acrylic paint. Experiment with different ratios on a test piece to find the perfect mix for your project and application style.

Getting COE Compatibility Right

One of the best things about Dichroic Extract is that it takes COE compatibility issues off the table. Since it’s just the coating without a glass base, it doesn’t have a COE of its own. This means you can apply it to virtually any type of glass, from COE90 to COE96, without worrying about stress fractures. This freedom allows you to add a dichroic effect to your favorite type of sheet glass or even on top of finished pieces. Just remember that the base glass pieces in your project still need to be compatible with each other. The extract simply adds a beautiful surface layer.

How to Get Consistent, Vibrant Color

Is your final color not what you expected? The vibrancy and hue of Dichroic Extract are influenced by three main factors: application thickness, base glass color, and firing. A thick, opaque layer will give you a brilliant, reflective color, while a thin, translucent wash will allow the base glass color to show through, creating a layered effect. Applying the extract over black glass will make the colors pop, while a clear or white base will produce a more subtle, ethereal look. For the most predictable results, always test your application thickness and color combinations on a small scrap of glass before committing to your main project.

Tips for Better Temperature Control

The magic of dichroic glass happens in the heat, but too much heat can be a problem. If your extract is firing to a dull, silvery finish instead of the vibrant color you wanted, your temperature is likely too high or your firing schedule is too fast. The delicate metallic layers that create the dichroic effect can burn away if heated too aggressively. To protect the color, try a slower, more conservative firing schedule. Running a few tests with small pieces in your kiln will help you find the perfect temperature and timing to achieve that stunning, color-shifting shimmer every time.

Why Artists Love This Dichroic Paint

It’s one thing to know what a product is, but it’s another to understand why it’s become a staple in so many artists’ studios. CBS Dichroic Extract isn’t just another material; it’s a problem-solver and a creative catalyst. From its incredible versatility to its surprising cost-effectiveness, there are plenty of reasons why glass artists are reaching for this shimmering powder over traditional dichroic sheets. It opens up new techniques and refines old ones, giving you more control over the final look of your piece. Let’s get into the specific advantages that make this product a game-changer for hobbyists and professional artists alike.

More Creative Freedom Than Sheet Glass

One of the biggest draws of dichroic extract is its freedom from COE constraints. Because it’s a powdered form of high-quality dichroic glass coatings separated from its original glass base, you can apply it to almost any project. This means you can add that brilliant, color-shifting effect to your favorite COE90 glass or your go-to COE96 glass without worrying about compatibility issues. You’re no longer limited by the COE of a dichroic sheet. Instead, you can introduce that incredible shimmer to the glass you already know and love to work with, giving you complete creative control.

Lighter and Easier to Handle Than Sheet Glass

Let’s be honest: handling and cutting large sheets of dichroic glass can be cumbersome. Dichroic extract simplifies the entire process. It’s a special powder made from CBS Dichroic Glass, which means you can say goodbye to glass cutters and breaking pliers when you just want to add a splash of color. Instead of wrestling with a fragile sheet, you can simply scoop, sift, or mix the amount you need. This makes it much easier to apply dichroic effects to small, detailed areas or to create delicate patterns. It’s also a breeze to store, taking up far less space in your studio than bulky glass sheets.

Save Money on Your Larger Pieces

While the initial price tag might give you pause, dichroic extract is surprisingly economical. A little bit of this concentrated powder truly goes a long way. Because you’re using just the powerful coating, you can cover a much larger surface area than you could with a similarly priced sheet of dichroic glass. This makes it an excellent choice for artists working on large-scale fused pieces, architectural installations, or production jewelry lines. You get all the visual impact of dichroic glass without having to dedicate a huge portion of your budget to materials, allowing you to create bigger and bolder work.

Paint, Stipple, and Design Your Way

This is where dichroic extract really shines. Its powdered form invites experimentation and can be used across a huge range of glass art disciplines. Artists are getting incredible results using it in flame-working, glass blowing, and fusing. You can mix it with a medium to create a paint, sift it through stencils for crisp designs, or even apply it with a “spackling” technique for unique textures. This versatility allows you to add dichroic elements in ways that simply aren’t possible with sheet glass. It encourages you to think outside the box and discover new ways to bring color and light into your work.

Real Talk from Glass Artists

We can talk all day about the technical specs, but what really matters is how a product performs in the studio. We love hearing from our community of artists about how they’re using Dichroic Extract in their work. From the vibrant colors to the surprising versatility, the feedback has been incredible. Hearing from other creators is often the best way to get a real sense of a material’s potential and decide if it’s the right fit for your next project. It’s one thing to read a product description, but it’s another to hear someone say, “this completely changed how I approach my designs.” That’s the kind of insight that sparks new ideas.

Many artists first try Dichroic Extract with a bit of skepticism. Can a powder really deliver the same punch as a sheet of dichroic glass? The answer we hear time and again is a resounding yes. Not only does it deliver that signature sparkle, but it also opens up a world of creative techniques that are difficult, if not impossible, with solid glass. Whether you’re working with COE90 glass for intricate fused pieces or blowing larger forms, this material adapts to your process. So, let’s look at what glass artists just like you are saying about their experiences with this unique material.

What They Say About the Colors

When it comes to dichroic glass, color is everything. Artists consistently praise the rich, premium quality of the colors in the CBS Dichroic Extract line. One creator mentioned that the extract “really adds an extra dimension to projects,” giving pieces a depth and complexity that’s hard to replicate. The coating provides a vibrant, saturated color that holds up beautifully in the kiln. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle shimmer or a bold, metallic finish, the quality of the pigment shines through. This reliability in color and quality is why so many artists trust it for their most important work, knowing the final result will be stunning.

Creative Ways Artists Use Dichroic Paint

The versatility of Dichroic Extract is where it truly stands out. Artists are finding so many creative ways to incorporate it into their work. One popular technique is mixing the extract with a medium like Klyr-Fire to create a paint-like consistency. This allows you to brush it onto glass, stipple it for texture, or even use it for detailed line work. This opens up a world of possibilities beyond simply layering sheets of glass. As one artist noted, “It’s a fun product & I think it has a lot of possibilities.” From delicate jewelry to large-scale fused panels, you can achieve precise effects that are entirely your own, all fired to perfection in your kiln.

How Does It Perform in the Studio?

While the initial price might seem like an investment, many artists find that Dichroic Extract is incredibly cost-effective. A little bit of this concentrated powder goes a very long way, making it an economical choice for adding that signature dichroic sparkle without buying full sheets of glass. One artist shared, “It seems expensive, but if used moderately, it goes a long way.” This value, combined with its performance, makes it a studio staple. In fact, the creative freedom it offers is so compelling that many artists find themselves wanting to collect every color. As another user put it, “Once you buy one set, you’ll want them all.” It’s the perfect way to get the shimmer of dichroic with the flexibility of a powder.

Ready to Try Dichroic Extract?

Finding the right materials for your glass art is a big part of the creative process, and that includes figuring out your budget. CBS Dichroic Extract is a premium product, but it offers incredible value for the effects you can achieve. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect when you’re ready to buy.

Buying Your Favorite Colors Individually

The price for individual colors of CBS Dichroic Extract reflects the high-quality, concentrated nature of the product. Think of it as investing in pure, powdered dichroic coating that lets you add shimmering, color-shifting effects to your work with total control. Because it’s so concentrated, a little goes a long way. The cost can vary depending on the specific color and the complexity of its finish. More intricate coatings often require a more involved manufacturing process, which is factored into the price. This ensures you’re getting a vibrant, consistent product every time you use it.

Available in Full, Half, and Quarter Sheet Equivalents

If you’ve moved past experimenting and found a color you absolutely love, you aren’t limited to small sample jars. CBS makes it easy to stock your studio by offering Dichroic Extract in larger quantities. You can purchase amounts equivalent to a full, half, or quarter sheet of glass, giving you the flexibility to buy what you need for your workflow. This is a fantastic option for artists tackling bigger pieces, like architectural panels or large platters shaped over molds. Because the powder is so highly concentrated, even a quarter-sheet equivalent provides a substantial amount of material. It’s an economical way to incorporate that stunning dichroic shimmer into your work without committing to a full, physical sheet of glass.

Not Sure Where to Start? Try a Sample Set

If you’re new to Dichroic Extract or just want to play with a full palette of colors, a starter sample set is a fantastic way to begin. These kits are designed to give you a feel for how different colors work together and fire in the kiln. A typical Dichroic Extract Color Sample Set includes several small containers of various solid colors, giving you plenty of material to experiment with. It’s a cost-effective way to explore the possibilities without committing to a large jar of a single color, allowing you to find your favorite combinations before stocking up.

What’s Included in the Color Sample Set

If you’re curious about Dichroic Extract but not ready to commit to a full jar of a single color, the CBS Color Sample Set is your perfect entry point. Think of it as a creative playground in a box, designed to let you explore the vibrant possibilities of this unique material. It’s the best way to get a feel for how these shimmering powders perform in your studio without a big investment. The set comes with eight small containers, each holding 1/8th of a sheet equivalent of a different solid color. This gives you a fantastic palette to start with, covering a great range of hues so you can start mixing and matching right away.

• Cyan Dark
• Dark Red
• Cyan Copper
• Emerald
• Yellow Blue
• Red Silver
• Green Magenta
• Green Magenta Blue (the newest color!)

With this diverse palette, you can experiment with different combinations and see firsthand how each color interacts with your base glass during firing. This hands-on approach is the best way to discover the full potential of Dichroic Extract and find the colors that will make your next project truly stand out. It’s the ideal way to test how a color looks over black versus clear, or how it behaves on your favorite COE96 glass before using it on a larger piece. You’ll learn exactly how each hue shifts in the heat of your kiln, giving you the confidence to create stunning, predictable results every time.

Get It Shipped Right to Your Studio

When you’re ready to add Dichroic Extract to your toolkit, you can find it at specialized retailers. While you’re planning your next masterpiece, don’t forget to stock up on all the other essentials you’ll need. At ArtGlassSupplies.com, we have a huge selection of base glass, including a wide variety of COE90 glass sheets that are perfect for your projects. You can also find all the molds and tools you need to bring your vision to life, all shipped right from our warehouse. We’re here to make sure you have everything required for a successful and creative session in your studio.

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• 1 x 1 inch Solid Color Squares 2mm Thin Glass Mixed Lot of 20 Squares COE96
• CBS Rainbow 2 Dichroic Frit 1oz on Yellow Transparent Glass COE96

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I mix different Dichroic Extract colors together? Absolutely. Mixing colors is one of the best ways to create custom shades and unique effects for your projects. You can blend different extract powders together before adding your binder to create a completely new color, or you can layer different colors during application for a beautiful gradient or multi-tonal shimmer. I always recommend testing your new color combinations on a scrap piece of glass first to see how they fire.

Do I have to cap the Dichroic Extract with clear glass? You don’t have to, but the choice depends on the look you want to achieve. Leaving the extract uncapped will give you a more textured, metallic finish after firing. Capping it with a layer of clear glass creates a smooth, glossy surface that magnifies the color-shifting properties and protects the delicate coating. For flame-working, encasing the extract is standard practice to keep the coating intact.

What’s the best binder to use with the extract? Many artists get great results with a dedicated binding medium like Klyr-Fire because it provides a consistent, paint-like texture and burns off cleanly in the kiln. However, you can also use plain water for a thinner, more watercolor-like application. The key is to mix a small amount at a time until you get a smooth paste that’s easy to work with for your specific technique.

How does the color of my base glass affect the final look? The base glass color plays a huge role in the final appearance of the dichroic effect. Applying the extract over a dark or black base will make the colors appear very vibrant and reflective. Using it on a clear or light-colored base will result in a more subtle, translucent shimmer that allows the base color to influence the final hue.

How should I store my Dichroic Extract? It’s best to store your Dichroic Extract in its original container with the lid tightly sealed. Keep it in a dry place away from moisture to prevent the powder from clumping. Since it is a very fine powder, you’ll also want to keep it in a spot where it won’t be easily knocked over. Proper storage will ensure it stays fresh and ready for your next project.