The mesmerizing effect of dichroic glass isn’t magic, it’s science. The technology behind it involves fusing micro-thin layers of metal oxides to the glass surface in a high-tech vacuum chamber. This process, perfected for artists by Coatings by Sandberg, creates the brilliant, color-shifting properties we love. Knowing a bit about the science helps you get the most out of the material, from protecting the delicate coating to predicting how colors might change after firing. In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cbs dichroic glass, explaining how it works and how you can use its unique properties to create truly captivating art.
The technology behind dichroic glass wasn’t originally created for artists. It was developed for the aerospace industry to create specialized optical filters. Luckily for us, Coatings by Sandberg (CBS) adapted this high-tech process, applying micro-thin layers of metal oxides to glass in a vacuum chamber. The result is the stunning, color-shifting material we love today. This scientific precision is what gives cbs dichroic float glass its mesmerizing beauty and surprising durability. Understanding a little of the science behind it can help you get the most out of this unique material. In this guide, we’ll cover how it’s made, how to use it, and how to choose the right type for your work.
Key Takeaways
- Prioritize technical fundamentals for success: Always match the COE (like COE90 or COE96) of your dichroic and base glass to prevent cracking during firing. For clean cuts, remember to score the uncoated side to protect the delicate metallic surface.
- Use the coating to your advantage: The magic of dichroic glass is its color-shifting metallic layer. Protect this layer by capping it with clear glass to magnify its effect, and be mindful of your kiln’s temperature to avoid burning out the colors.
- Choose the right form for your art: Your creative goal determines the best type of dichroic glass to use. Select large sheets for focal points, cut custom shapes for jewelry, or use frit and flakes to add sparkling texture and detail to your work.
What is CBS Dichroic Glass?
If you’ve ever seen a piece of glass that shimmers with a rainbow of colors, changing as you turn it in the light, you’ve likely encountered dichroic glass. CBS Dichroic Glass is a specialty glass that has a micro-thin metallic coating, giving it a stunning, color-shifting appearance. This magical effect makes it a favorite among glass artists for everything from jewelry to large-scale art pieces.
The name “dichroic” means “two-colored,” but that’s a bit of an understatement. Depending on the angle of view and the light source, you can see a whole spectrum of colors. It’s this dynamic quality that adds incredible depth and vibrancy to any project, making your work truly stand out.
The Story Behind CBS: A Family-Owned Legacy
Coatings by Sandberg (CBS) is more than just a manufacturer; it’s a family-owned business that has been dedicated to serving artists since its start in 1996. Founded by Jerry Sandberg, CBS built its reputation on producing high-quality dichroic glass that creators can depend on. Their meticulous process, which involves applying ultra-thin layers of metal oxides to glass inside a vacuum chamber, is what gives their products that signature shimmer and strength.
The company’s story began with a unique idea: to transform technology from the aerospace industry into a new medium for art. This spirit of innovation is matched by their collaborative approach. As CBS explains, the art community was instrumental in helping them develop and refine their glass. This partnership ensures their products continue to meet the needs of artists. Today, the family-owned company continues its legacy, remaining a trusted name for anyone working with this incredible material.
What Makes Dichroic Glass Shift Colors?
The secret behind dichroic glass isn’t magic, it’s science. The effect comes from a very thin, multi-layer coating applied to the glass surface. This technology was originally developed for the aerospace industry, but Coatings by Sandberg (CBS) adapted it for the artist community.
This special coating is designed to be incredibly durable. It doesn’t change the structural integrity of the glass, so you can work with it just like any other sheet glass. It’s specifically made to be hotworked, meaning it holds up beautifully in a kiln or under a torch. You can also use it in its raw form for stained glass or mosaic projects, where its reflective quality can really shine.
The Science of Interference Filters
The incredible colors in dichroic glass are the result of a phenomenon called light interference. If you’ve ever noticed the rainbow sheen on a soap bubble or a puddle of oil, you’ve seen this in action. The glass itself isn’t colored—the magic is in its super-thin metallic coating. This coating has dozens of layers, and when light hits them, some waves reflect off the top while others pass through to reflect off lower layers. These light waves interact, canceling out some colors and intensifying others. Because the effect changes with your point of view, the glass appears to shift colors as you move it. This scientific principle is what gives your art that captivating, dynamic shimmer.
How It’s Made: The Coating Process
Making dichroic glass is a seriously high-tech process. It involves applying dozens of micro-thin layers of materials like quartz crystals and metal oxides onto a sheet of glass. To ensure these layers are perfectly even and impossibly thin, the entire process takes place inside a special vacuum chamber. Here, an electron beam vaporizes the metals, allowing them to settle onto the glass in a precise, uniform coating. This method was originally developed for aerospace applications, like astronaut visors and satellite mirrors. Today, that same precision technology is used to create the stunning sheets of dichroic glass that artists can cut, shape, and fire in their own studios.
Dichroic vs. Standard Glass: What’s the Difference?
So, what separates dichroic glass from the standard sheets you might already have in your studio? It all comes down to that special coating. The glass itself is a standard, high-quality fusing glass, like the COE90 or COE96 you’re familiar with. The dichroic coating is what makes it unique and, yes, a bit more expensive. The process of applying these metallic layers is complex, but it results in a one-of-a-kind look you can’t get any other way.
With over 45 different colors of dichroic coatings available, your creative options are nearly endless. This freedom allows you to create pieces with unparalleled visual interest, whether you’re making a tiny pendant or a large, fused panel.
What Makes Dichroic Glass So Special?
If you’ve ever seen a piece of dichroic glass, you know it’s in a league of its own. It’s not just colored glass; it’s a dynamic material that seems to have a life of its own. This captivating quality comes from the micro-thin layers of metal oxides fused to the glass surface in a vacuum chamber. But beyond the science, what truly makes it a favorite among glass artists is its unique combination of mesmerizing beauty, surprising strength, and incredible versatility. It’s a material that invites you to play and experiment.
The Signature Color-Shifting Effect
The real magic of dichroic glass is how it plays with light. As you turn a piece in your hand, it shifts through a rainbow of colors, revealing different hues from every angle. This is because the coating transmits certain wavelengths of light while reflecting others. This quality opens up a world of creative possibilities. You can create intricate designs that change with the viewer’s perspective by layering different pieces. A pendant that looks blue from one angle might flash with gold and pink from another. This interactive, chameleon-like effect adds a layer of depth and wonder to any project, making your work truly stand out.
Why It’s Perfect for Kiln and Torch Work
For a material that looks so delicate, dichroic glass is remarkably tough. CBS Dichroic Glass is specifically engineered to handle the heat, making it perfect for both kiln and torch work. The metallic coating is permanently bonded to the glass, so you don’t have to worry about it rubbing off or burning away during firing. This durability makes it a reliable choice when firing projects in professional-grade kilns. Whether you’re fusing, slumping, or flame-working, the glass maintains its brilliant, color-shifting properties. You can even use it in its raw, unfired state for stained glass or mosaic projects, giving you complete artistic freedom.
Find Your Perfect Color and Pattern
Your imagination is the only limit when it comes to dichroic glass. With dozens of colors available, you can find the perfect shade for any design. The coatings can be applied to different substrates, like clear or black glass, which completely changes the final look. Beyond solid colors, you can find an incredible variety of patterns and textures, from crinkled surfaces to intricate geometric designs. This vast selection allows for endless expression. You can find these stunning options in both COE90 glass and COE96 varieties, ensuring compatibility with your existing studio glass and project needs.
From Aerospace to Art: The Versatile Uses of Dichroic Glass
It might surprise you to learn that the shimmering glass in your studio has roots in the aerospace industry. This high-tech coating was originally developed for things like satellite mirrors and optical filters. Thankfully, Coatings by Sandberg (CBS) saw its artistic potential and adapted the technology for glass artists. This means the coating is incredibly durable and doesn’t alter the glass’s structure, so you can work with it just like any other sheet glass. It’s made to be hotworked, holding up beautifully in a kiln or under a torch. But its use doesn’t stop there. You can also incorporate it unfired into stained glass or mosaic projects, giving you total artistic freedom to experiment.
Custom Coating Services
If the vast selection of colors and patterns isn’t enough, you can take your creativity a step further. CBS also offers custom coating services, allowing you to send in your own glass to have the dichroic layer applied. This is a fantastic option if you have a specific glass shape, texture, or color you want to use as a base for your project. It opens the door to creating truly one-of-a-kind pieces that are entirely your own, from the base glass to the shimmering finish. This level of customization allows you to match a unique vision for a special commission or personal artwork.
What Can You Make with Dichroic Glass?
Once you get your hands on dichroic glass, the creative possibilities feel endless. Its dazzling, color-shifting surface can add a touch of magic to almost any glass art project you can dream up. Whether you’re creating functional dishes, intricate window panels, or wearable art,
Create Stunning Fused and Slumped Pieces
Glass fusing and slumping are fantastic ways to explore the depth of dichroic glass. When you layer dichroic pieces with other glass and fire them in a kiln, the results are stunning. The heat brings out the metallic oxides in the coating, creating brilliant, shifting colors that seem to float within the glass. You can use full sheets for bold designs or sprinkle on dichroic frit and flakes to add a decorative shimmer to plates, bowls, and other slumped shapes. Using frit is a great way to decorate all sorts of projects, giving you precise control over where you want that pop of color. Experimenting with different molds can help you create functional art with an otherworldly glow.
Add a Shimmer to Your Stained Glass
Incorporating dichroic glass into your stained glass projects is a perfect way to give a traditional craft a modern twist. A few strategically placed dichroic pieces can catch the light in a way that standard stained glass can’t, creating a dynamic focal point that changes throughout the day. This material opens up new avenues for creativity, allowing you to play with color, texture, and light in exciting ways. You can use it as a central element in a suncatcher, an accent in a larger window panel, or even as the main feature in an abstract piece. The way it interacts with both natural and artificial light will bring your designs to life.
Design Eye-Catching Jewelry and Beads
Dichroic glass is a favorite among jewelry makers for a reason. Its vibrant, eye-catching appearance makes it perfect for creating unique pendants, earrings, and beads that are sure to get noticed. Because the material is so reliable and comes in a huge range of colors and patterns, artists can craft everything from delicate, glowing pieces to bold, statement jewelry. You can fuse small pieces together to create beautiful cabochons or use a torch to form intricate beads. The small scale of jewelry making is also a great way to use up scraps from larger projects, ensuring no piece of this precious glass goes to waste.
Build Bold Sculptures and Architectural Art
For those who like to think big, dichroic glass offers incredible potential for sculptures and architectural installations. Artists have started using it in three-dimensional work to create interactive and immersive art. As the viewer moves around the piece, the colors shift and change, creating a dynamic experience that engages them on a deeper level. Whether it’s a freestanding sculpture or an accent in a building’s design, the color-changing properties of dichroic glass can transform a space. Using larger sheets of COE90 or COE96 glass allows you to make a significant impact, turning a simple form into a captivating work of art.
Which Type of CBS Dichroic Glass Is for You?
One of the best things about working with CBS Dichroic Glass is the sheer variety of forms it comes in. It’s not just about picking a color; it’s about choosing the right shape and texture for your specific project. Whether you’re creating a large, flowing piece or adding tiny, sparkling details to a pendant, there’s a type of dichroic glass that’s perfect for the job. Understanding these different forms will help you plan your projects and bring your creative ideas to life. Let’s look at the most common types you’ll find.
Working with Dichroic Sheets
For many artists, dichroic sheet glass is the go-to starting point. CBS offers its coated glass in sheets, including large 19-inch diameter rounds, which gives you a fantastic canvas to work with. This format is ideal for larger fused art pieces, architectural installations, or stained glass panels where you want a consistent pattern. A larger sheet also gives you the freedom to cut custom shapes for smaller projects, ensuring you get the most out of every piece. Whether you need a small square for a cabochon or a large section for a platter, starting with sheet glass provides incredible flexibility.
Adding Texture with Frit, Flakes, and Powder
If you want to add texture, sparkle, and intricate detail, dichroic frit, flakes, and powders are your best friends. These are tiny crushed pieces of dichroic glass that you can sprinkle onto your projects before firing. Think of it as adding a touch of glitter that melts right into your glass. You can find dichroic frit that is perfect for decorating everything from fused glass plates to mosaic art. Use it to create gradients, add shimmering accents, or cover an entire surface for a dazzling effect. It offers a playful, experimental way to incorporate that signature dichroic shimmer into your art.
Discover Unique Patterns and Coatings
This is where CBS truly shines. The company has perfected the dichroic coating, which is an incredibly thin, multi-layer coating applied to the glass surface. With over 45 colors of dichroic coatings available, the possibilities feel endless. These coatings can be applied to different types of glass, including smooth, textured, and patterned surfaces, on both black and clear glass. This means you can find the perfect combination for your vision. Whether you’re working with COE90 glass or another type, the vast range of specialty patterns gives you complete creative control.
Popular Patterns: From Aurora Borealis to Twizzle
Beyond the solid colors, you’ll find a whole world of patterns that can bring a unique flair to your work. CBS offers an incredible range of designs, from the ethereal glow of Aurora Borealis to the playful swirls of Twizzle. With a variety of patterns available, including squares, dots, and rainbows, artists can choose designs that best fit their creative vision. These patterns are perfect for creating focal points in your pieces or adding a consistent, repeating element to a larger design. Whether you’re making a bold geometric pendant or a flowing, organic sculpture, there’s a pattern that will perfectly complement your style and help you tell your story.
“Crinklized” Glass: A Unique Fired Texture
If you love texture, you have to try Crinklized dichroic glass. This specialty glass has a surprise waiting for you: its unique, wrinkled texture only appears after it has been fired in a kiln. Before firing, it looks like any other piece of dichroic glass, but the heat transforms the surface into a beautifully textured, shimmering sheet. This effect is created by the special coating, which can have up to 30 layers yet is incredibly thin—only about 35 millionths of an inch thick. The final result adds incredible depth and a tactile quality to your work, catching the light in a way that smooth glass can’t.
Beyond Sheets: Stringers, Noodles, and Firestrips
If you want to add precise lines and intricate details to your work, look no further than stringers, noodles, and firestrips. Think of stringers as thin, spaghetti-like strands of dichroic glass, perfect for drawing delicate, shimmering lines. Noodles are their thicker counterpart, offering bolder, more defined stripes of color. Both are fantastic for adding linear elements to your fused pieces and are most commonly found in COE 96. Firestrips take this a step further, offering pre-cut strips of dichroic glass in various widths and patterns. Available in both COE90 and COE96, they come in tubes packed with an assortment of wavy, solid, and textured options, giving you a ready-to-use palette for borders, accents, and geometric designs.
COE-Independent Options: Dichroic Extract and Glow Powder
For ultimate creative freedom, some materials don’t require you to match COE at all. Dichroic Extract is the pure, shimmering coating taken directly off the glass. Because it’s just the coating, it’s “COE-independent,” meaning you can apply it to any glass you’re working with, from Bullseye to Spectrum. This is perfect for adding that signature dichroic sparkle without being limited by compatibility. Similarly, Glow Powder is a pure pigment that adds a luminous, glow-in-the-dark effect to your art. It’s also COE-independent and can be used in fusing, glass blowing, and casting. It’s a fantastic way to add a surprising and magical element to your finished pieces.
How to Work with Dichroic Glass
Working with dichroic glass is an exciting step in your glass art journey. While its shimmering surface might seem delicate, it’s surprisingly straightforward to handle once you know the basics. The key is to approach it with a little extra care and an understanding of how it behaves in the kiln. Getting the hang of cutting, firing, and layering this beautiful material will open up a whole new world of creative possibilities for your projects. Let’s walk through the essential techniques and common pitfalls to help you get stunning results every time.
How to Cut Dichroic Glass
The first thing to remember when cutting dichroic glass is that the coating is a micro-thin layer of metal on the surface. To protect it, you should always cut on the non-coated side of the glass. This gives you a cleaner score and reduces the risk of chipping or flaking the delicate dichroic layer. You can use your standard glass cutter, but make sure the wheel is sharp and well-oiled for the smoothest possible score. Apply gentle, even pressure, just as you would with any other art glass. Handling the glass carefully throughout the process will ensure its dazzling surface stays pristine and ready for the kiln.
Your Guide to COE and Firing Schedules
If you’ve worked with fusible glass before, you know that Coefficient of Expansion (COE) is everything. COE measures how much glass expands and contracts when heated and cooled. For a successful fuse, all the glass in your project must have the same COE. Mixing COEs will cause stress and cracking. Luckily, CBS dichroic glass is made on compatible base glass, including popular options like COE90 and COE96. When it comes to firing, start with the manufacturer’s recommended schedule for your base glass. Dichroic glass doesn’t require a special schedule, but you may need to make small adjustments based on your specific kiln and the thickness of your project.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
One of the most common frustrations artists have with dichroic glass is “burning it out.” This happens when the glass is fired at too high a temperature for too long, which can cause the metallic coating to lose its vibrant, color-shifting properties. To prevent this, always follow a tested firing schedule and consider capping your dichroic glass with a layer of clear glass. Capping not only protects the coating but also magnifies its depth and sparkle. Another simple mistake is forgetting which side is coated. Always identify the coated side before you start building your piece to ensure you place it correctly for the effect you want.
Never Fire Coated Sides Together
Here’s a golden rule for working with dichroic glass: never fire two pieces with their coated sides touching. If you do, the delicate metallic coatings can fuse together during the firing process. This can trap the color and ruin that beautiful, shimmering effect you’re trying to achieve, leaving you with a disappointing result. It’s a simple mistake that can unfortunately compromise an entire piece you’ve spent time designing.
To protect the coating and get the best results, always make sure the coated side is facing up or is capped with a layer of clear glass. Capping is a fantastic technique because it not only protects the dichroic surface but also magnifies its depth and sparkle. It’s a crucial step to remember, as you should never fire two pieces of dichroic glass with their coated sides facing each other. Following this one simple rule will save you a lot of frustration and help you create stunning, vibrant pieces every time.
Tips for Achieving a Matte Finish
While the brilliant shine of dichroic glass is often the main attraction, a matte finish can offer a sophisticated, velvety look that adds incredible depth to your work. It’s a fantastic way to create contrast and texture in your designs. One of the simplest methods is to fire your piece with the dichroic coating face down on a prepared kiln shelf, which gives the entire surface a soft, frosted appearance. For more control, you can use etching cream to selectively remove the glossy coating. By masking off areas with tape or stencils, you can create intricate patterns with both matte and shiny finishes on the same piece. Sanding the surface is another great option if you prefer a more hands-on approach to achieving that perfect, subtle texture.
First Steps: What to Know Before You Begin
Working with dichroic glass for the first time is an exciting step. Its brilliant, shifting colors can seem a bit magical, but the techniques to handle it are straightforward once you know the basics. Before you fire up your kiln, there are a few key things to understand that will set you up for success. Knowing how to identify the coated side, control your flame, and layer your glass properly will make all the difference in your final piece. Let’s walk through the essentials so you can start creating with confidence.
How to Find the Coated Side (and Why It Matters)
First things first, you need to know which side of the glass has the dichroic coating. Firing your piece with the coating facing the wrong way can lead to a dull or muddy finish. The coated side is typically more reflective, almost like a mirror. An easy way to check is to hold a pointed tool, like a pen, against the surface. If the reflection touches the tip of the pen, you’ve found the coated side. If there’s a gap, you’re looking at the uncoated glass. Once you’ve identified it, you can layer it onto your base glass. A great technique is to start on one edge, warm it just enough to make it malleable, and then press it down smoothly.
Understanding the Durability of the Dichroic Coating
It’s easy to look at the shimmering, delicate surface of dichroic glass and assume it needs to be handled with extreme caution. While you should always treat your materials with care, you might be surprised by how tough this coating really is. The special coating is designed to be incredibly durable. It doesn’t change the structural integrity of the glass, so you can work with it just like any other sheet glass. It’s specifically made to be hotworked, meaning it holds up beautifully in a kiln or under a torch. The metallic oxides are permanently bonded to the glass, so you don’t have to worry about them flaking or rubbing off during the creative process.
Predicting Color Shifts After Firing
One of the most exciting parts of working with dichroic glass is seeing how it transforms in the kiln. The different colors you see are created by how its super-thin coating separates light waves. Because of this, the reflected colors can change slightly after being fired, often shifting toward cooler shades like blue or purple. The exact change depends on how it’s fired, including your temperature and whether you’ve capped the piece with clear glass. This isn’t a mistake—it’s a natural characteristic of the material. Embracing this slight unpredictability is part of the fun and ensures every piece of COE90 glass you create is truly one-of-a-kind.
Essential Flame Techniques and Safety Tips
If you’re using a torch, flame control is everything. The delicate metallic coating on dichroic glass can be damaged by intense, direct heat. Always work in a well-ventilated area and wear proper safety glasses. When you’re ready to work, use an oxidizing flame, which is cooler than a neutral flame. As one artist advises, “try to heat only the clear site.” This slower heating process takes more patience, but it’s worth it to protect the coating. If you go in too hot, you risk burning out the metallic oxides, which will ruin the color-shifting effect. Take your time and let the glass warm up gradually for the best results.
How to Layer for the Best Effects
Layering is where you can truly get creative and bring out the best in your dichroic glass. To protect the delicate coating and amplify its visual effects, dichroic glass is often capped with a layer of clear glass. This technique allows the color-shifting properties to shine through brilliantly. You can also control the final look by layering multiple pieces of dichroic glass. This creates intricate designs that seem to change with every new angle. Experiment by placing dichroic pieces on a base of black or colored COE90 glass to see how it transforms the transmitted and reflected colors. The possibilities are endless.
How to Choose the Right Dichroic Glass
With so many stunning options available, picking the perfect dichroic glass can feel like being a kid in a candy store. But choosing the right piece goes beyond just picking a pretty color. To make sure your project turns out beautifully, you need to consider the quality of the glass, its compatibility with your other materials, and the form that best suits your artistic technique. Let’s walk through exactly what to look for.
How to Spot High-Quality Dichroic Glass
Dichroic glass gets its magic from an incredibly thin, multi-layer coating applied to the glass surface. This coating is what creates those vibrant, shifting colors as it interacts with light. Because this process is so precise, quality is everything. High-quality glass will have a smooth, consistent coating without any visible blemishes, scratches, or pinholes that could disrupt the final look of your piece. When you invest in good materials from a trusted supplier, you’re setting your project up for success from the very beginning. You can explore a wide variety of premium CBS Dichroic Glass to see the difference for yourself.
Standard vs. Premium Coatings
When you’re looking at different types of dichroic glass, you’ll often see “standard” and “premium” options. The key difference lies in the coating itself. Premium dichroic coatings have twice as many micro-thin layers of metallic oxides applied to the glass. This increased number of layers creates a more vibrant and complex color-shifting effect, giving your piece an extra level of depth and brilliance. Because the coating process is more involved, premium glass does come with a higher price tag. Both standard and premium versions are excellent choices, but if your design calls for a truly show-stopping focal point with the most dramatic color play, investing in a premium coating is definitely worth considering.
How to Match COE to Your Project
If you plan on fusing glass, this is the most important rule to remember: always match your COE. The Coefficient of Expansion (COE) tells you how much a piece of glass will expand and contract when heated and cooled. If you try to fuse two pieces of glass with different COEs, they will cool at different rates, causing stress, cracking, and heartbreak. Most art glass comes in standard ratings, like COE90 glass or COE96. Before you buy, check the COE of the glass you already have and make sure your new dichroic glass is a perfect match.
Choosing the Best Glass for Your Technique
Dichroic glass isn’t just sold in sheets. It comes in many forms, and each one is suited for different creative applications. Large sheets are perfect for creating focal points in fused panels or cutting specific shapes for jewelry. For adding sparkle and texture, consider using dichroic frit or flakes, which you can sprinkle over your base glass. If your project involves slumping or draping, you’ll want to think about how the dichroic pattern will look once it takes the shape of your glass molds. Thinking about your end goal will help you choose the form that works best for your vision.
Where to Buy CBS Dichroic Glass
Once you’re ready to start a project, finding a reliable source for your glass is the next step. You want a supplier that not only has a great selection but also offers materials that fit your budget and artistic goals. The right partner will have a deep inventory of high-quality CBS dichroic glass, from full sheets for large-scale work to smaller pieces perfect for jewelry. It’s also helpful to find a shop that carries the other supplies you’ll need, like kilns and slumping molds, so you can get everything in one place without juggling multiple orders and shipping costs.
Before you start adding items to your cart, take a moment to think about what you need most. Are you experimenting with a new technique and just want to try a few different colors? Or are you stocking your studio for a big commission? Knowing your project requirements will help you find the perfect glass without overspending. A good supplier will offer different sizes and forms of dichroic glass, including frit, stringers, and powders, giving you the flexibility to execute any design you can imagine. Let’s look at a few ways to get the best materials for your work, whether you’re buying your first piece or your hundredth.
Shop Our Curated Dichroic Glass Selection
Here at ArtGlassSupplies.com, we’ve curated an extensive collection of CBS dichroic glass to give you plenty of creative options. You can find everything from smooth and textured sheets to specialty patterns that add incredible depth to your pieces. We carry glass in both COE90 and COE96, so you can easily find materials compatible with your existing glass library. Whether you’re looking for specific colors on a clear or black base, or need frit and stringers to add fine details, our goal is to be your one-stop shop for all things dichroic.
Dichroic Glass for Every Budget
Working with specialty glass doesn’t have to break the bank. We believe high-quality materials should be accessible, so we focus on providing competitive pricing across our entire inventory. You can find beautiful options, like the popular CBS Dichroic Coating Cyan/Dark Red on Thin Black Glass, that deliver stunning results at a great value. When planning a project, take some time to browse different products and sizes to see what works for your budget. Shopping for COE96 glass or other specific types allows you to compare options and find the perfect fit for your piece.
Scrap and Jewelry Packs for Experimenting
If you’re new to dichroic glass or want to explore a variety of colors without committing to full sheets, scrap packs are an excellent choice. These bundles are perfect for jewelry makers, as the smaller pieces are ideal for creating vibrant, one-of-a-kind pendants, earrings, and cabochons. Experimenting with scrap packs gives you a low-cost way to play with different textures, patterns, and coatings to see how they fire in your kiln. It’s also a fantastic way to ensure no piece of this beautiful material goes to waste. You can use these assorted pieces to add shimmering accents to larger fused projects or combine them with frit for intricate detail work, giving you a diverse palette to draw from.
Try a Sample Set or Buy in Bulk
If you’re new to dichroic glass, starting with a scrap or sample pack is a fantastic way to experiment without committing to a full sheet. These packs give you a variety of colors and textures to play with, helping you discover what you love most. On the other hand, if you’re a seasoned artist who already has favorite combinations, buying larger quantities is often more economical. Once you know what you need, you can stock up on your go-to styles and save on future projects. This approach lets you spend less time shopping and more time creating.
How to Care for Your Dichroic Glass
Your dichroic glass pieces are special, and keeping them looking brilliant is easier than you might think. The metallic coating that creates those incredible color shifts is durable, but it still needs a little TLC to stay flawless. Whether you’re storing sheets for a future project or cleaning a finished piece of jewelry, a few simple habits will protect your investment and ensure your glass continues to shine. Let’s walk through the best ways to handle, store, and clean your dichroic glass without risking any damage to its beautiful surface.
How to Store and Handle It Safely
First things first, always handle glass carefully. The edges can be sharp, so good studio safety is a must. When you’re not working with your dichroic glass, store it in a way that protects the coated surface from scratches. Padded cases or shelves with a soft lining are great options. You can even use cloth separators between sheets. Think of it like storing a nice pair of sunglasses. You also want to keep it in a stable environment, away from direct sunlight or high humidity, which can affect the coating over time. A little care in storage goes a long way in keeping your glass pristine and ready for its moment in the kiln.
How to Clean Dichroic Glass Safely
When it’s time to clean your glass, gentleness is key. The goal is to wipe away fingerprints and dust without scratching the delicate coating. Grab a soft, lint-free cloth and a mild glass cleaner; even a simple mix of water and a tiny drop of dish soap works well. Avoid anything abrasive, like paper towels or gritty cleaners, as they can easily damage the surface. Here’s a pro-tip: try cleaning without gloves. Your bare hands can actually provide a better grip on the slippery glass, reducing the chance of an accidental drop. A quick, gentle wipe is usually all it takes to restore that stunning, color-shifting shine on all your glass art supplies.
Grinding and Cleaning Without Damage
After firing, you might need to refine the edges of your piece. If you need to grind, always use a fine grinding wheel to prevent chipping the delicate dichroic coating. The goal is to smooth the glass without damaging the surface that gives it that beautiful shimmer. When it comes to cleaning, the same gentle approach applies. Avoid rough scrubbers like steel wool, which can easily scratch the coating. Instead, reach for a soft, lint-free cloth and a mild glass cleaner. A simple mix of water with a drop of dish soap is often all you need to wipe away fingerprints and dust. Proper care ensures your dichroic pieces, whether they are made from COE90 glass or another type, maintain their stunning appearance for years to come.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why is dichroic glass more expensive than other art glass? The price reflects the highly technical process used to create it. The color-shifting effect comes from multiple micro-thin layers of metallic oxides applied to the glass surface inside a vacuum chamber. This technology is complex and specialized, which adds to the cost, but it also results in a durable and uniquely beautiful material you can’t get any other way.
What’s the difference between using a black base versus a clear base for dichroic glass? The base glass dramatically changes the final look of the dichroic coating. A black base absorbs light, which makes the reflected colors of the coating appear incredibly vibrant and opaque. A clear base allows light to pass through, creating a more transparent, jewel-like effect where you can see both the transmitted and reflected colors. Your choice depends entirely on the effect you want for your specific piece.
Can I use dichroic glass if I don’t have a kiln? Absolutely. While dichroic glass is famous for its use in fusing, you can incorporate it into projects that don’t require heat. It can be cut and used in traditional stained glass or mosaic art just like any other sheet glass. Its reflective, color-shifting quality adds a dynamic and modern element to these art forms.
How do I know which COE to buy for my project? The most important rule in glass fusing is that all the glass in a single project must have the same Coefficient of Expansion (COE). To choose the right one, first check the COE of the glass you already have in your studio. If you’re just starting, COE90 and COE96 are the most common standards, and you’ll find the widest selection of compatible glass, molds, and supplies for both.
Will the dichroic coating scratch or wear off over time? The metallic coating is permanently bonded to the glass, so it’s quite durable. When fired in a kiln, especially when capped with a layer of clear glass, the coating is protected and will not wear off. For finished jewelry or unfired pieces, you should treat it with the same care as any other piece of glass art to prevent surface scratches.