If you want to add depth, texture, and a captivating shimmer to your projects, dichroic glass is your secret weapon. When it comes to versatility, CBS Dichroic Glass is a game-changer. It comes in sheets, stringers, and even powdered frit, giving you total creative control. You can create bold, solid designs or add delicate, sparkling details. Whether you’re fusing, slumping, or blowing glass, understanding these options opens up a new world of artistic expression. This guide will help you find the best CBS dichroic suppliers who offer the wide selection your creativity deserves.

Key Takeaways

• Focus on quality and compatibility: Look for dichroic glass with a durable, even coating that withstands kiln temperatures, and always match the COE (like 90 or 96) to your other glass to prevent cracks.
• Explore the different forms of dichroic glass: Don’t limit yourself to just sheets; experiment with frit for sparkling texture, powders for blended color, and stringers to create detailed linework in your designs.
• Choose a supplier you can trust: A reliable partner for your art will offer a wide selection of in-stock products, provide helpful customer support, and have clear policies for pricing and shipping.

What is CBS Dichroic Glass?

If you’ve ever been captivated by a piece of glass that shimmers with different colors as it moves, you’ve likely seen dichroic glass. CBS Dichroic Glass, made by Coatings by Sandberg, Inc., is a top choice for artists who want to work with this stunning material. It’s known for its exceptional quality and the brilliant effects it brings to any project. Whether you’re making jewelry, decorative plates, or intricate art pieces, CBS provides a reliable and beautiful foundation.

The secret behind this glass lies in its high-tech manufacturing process. It’s created in a vacuum chamber where multiple, incredibly thin layers of metal oxides are vaporized and applied to the surface of the glass. This process gives the glass its signature look and makes it a favorite in the glass art community. Let’s break down what makes it so special.

How Does It Shift Colors?

The most enchanting feature of dichroic glass is its ability to display multiple colors depending on your viewing angle. The name itself comes from the Greek words for “two” and “color,” hinting at this unique property. As light hits the micro-layers of metal oxides, it reflects and transmits different colors, creating a dazzling, iridescent effect that seems to dance and change. This color-shifting quality is what gives dichroic glass its magical appearance, allowing you to create pieces with incredible depth and movement. It’s this dynamic visual appeal that makes every creation one-of-a-kind.

Can You Fuse It with COE 90 and 96 Glass?

Compatibility is key in glass fusing, and CBS makes it easy to integrate dichroic glass into your work. Their glass is available in the two most common coefficients of expansion (COE): COE 90 and COE 96. The COE tells you how much a piece of glass will expand and contract when heated and cooled. To avoid stress cracks or breaks, all the glass in a fused project must have the same COE. Because CBS offers both options, you can confidently pair their dichroic glass with your existing collection of compatible fusing glass, whether you work with Bullseye, Wissmach, or other popular brands.

Why Its Durable Coating Matters

When you invest time and materials into a piece, you want it to last. One of the best features of CBS Dichroic Glass is its incredibly durable coating. The specialized layering process ensures the vibrant colors and reflective qualities are permanently bonded to the glass. This means the coating won’t burn off or fade, even at the high temperatures required for fusing and slumping in a kiln. This reliability gives you the freedom to create without worrying if the final piece will live up to your vision. The consistent, tough coating is a hallmark of the high-quality dichroic glass that CBS produces.

The Surprising History of Dichroic Glass

The shimmering glass we use in our studios today has a surprisingly deep and fascinating history, with roots stretching from ancient Rome all the way to the final frontier of space. This material isn’t a recent invention; its earliest known form is a masterpiece of Roman craftsmanship. However, the high-tech version that glass artists rely on for its consistent and brilliant effects is a direct result of technological advancements made for space exploration. Understanding this journey from a single, priceless artifact to a widely available art material gives you a new appreciation for every sheet, stringer, and piece of frit you place in your kiln. This dual history is what makes dichroic glass so unique—it’s a perfect blend of ancient artistry and modern science.

From Ancient Rome to Outer Space

Long before modern vacuum chambers existed, ancient Roman glassmakers created a primitive form of dichroic glass. The most famous example is the 4th-century Lycurgus Cup, a stunning artifact that appears jade green when lit from the front but glows a translucent ruby red when lit from behind. Researchers discovered this effect comes from tiny, suspended particles of gold and silver within the glass. While the Romans likely achieved this by accident, their creation is the first known instance of the color-shifting properties that define dichroic glass. This single cup stands as a testament to the timeless allure of light and color in glass art, connecting our modern work to a tradition thousands of years old.

NASA’s Contribution to Modern Glass Art

The modern dichroic glass we know and love was developed by NASA and its contractors in the mid-20th century. They needed highly durable and precise optical filters for use in satellite mirrors and other aerospace applications, like protecting astronauts’ visors from harmful solar radiation. The technology they pioneered—depositing micro-thin layers of metallic oxides onto glass in a vacuum—was exactly what was needed to create a stable, consistent material that could manipulate light. This space-age innovation was eventually adapted for commercial use, giving artists access to the brilliant, durable, and reliable dichroic glass that is now a staple in studios around the world.

How is Dichroic Glass Made?

Creating dichroic glass is a complex, scientific process that takes place far from the artist’s studio. It’s not made by simply mixing colors into molten glass; instead, its unique properties come from an advanced coating applied to the surface. This process requires highly specialized and expensive equipment, including a large vacuum chamber and electron beams, to achieve the precise layering that gives the glass its signature shimmer. The result is a material where the color is not a pigment but a structural element created by light waves interacting with the coating. This high-tech origin is why the coating is so tough and can withstand the intense heat of fusing without burning away, allowing you to create with confidence.

The Science of Thin-Film Optics

The magic of dichroic glass lies in a principle called thin-film optics. The manufacturing process involves depositing between 30 to 50 microscopic layers of different metal oxides, like titanium, chromium, and silica, onto the surface of sheet glass. Each layer is only about 30 to 35 millionths of an inch thick. When light strikes these layers, some wavelengths are reflected while others pass through, and this is what creates the iconic color-shifting effect. The specific colors you see depend on the combination of oxides used, their thickness, and their order. This precise science is what allows manufacturers to produce a consistent spectrum of colors and patterns for artists working with COE90 and COE96 glass.

The High-Tech Manufacturing Process

The primary method for creating dichroic glass involves a process called thin-film deposition inside a vacuum chamber. First, the base glass is meticulously cleaned and placed inside the chamber. After the air is pumped out to create a vacuum, an electron beam is used to vaporize the metallic oxides contained in crucibles. This metallic vapor then rises and settles onto the glass surface, condensing to form a perfect, crystal-like layer. This process is repeated for every single layer, creating the durable and brilliant coating that defines high-quality dichroic glass. An alternative method involves using a special dichroic film, which can be laminated between layers of glass to achieve a similar visual effect, offering another creative option for your projects.

What Forms Does CBS Dichroic Glass Come In?

One of the best things about working with CBS Dichroic Glass is its incredible versatility. It’s not just a single product; it comes in a wide variety of forms that can be used in countless ways to bring your artistic vision to life. Whether you’re creating a large, fused panel or adding tiny, sparkling details to a piece of jewelry, there’s a form of dichroic glass perfect for your project. Understanding these different options opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities, allowing you to add color, texture, and depth in ways you might not have imagined. Let’s look at the most common forms you’ll find.

Working with Sheets and Coated Glass

When you picture dichroic glass, you’re probably thinking of sheets. This is the foundational form, offering a smooth, consistent surface perfect for larger projects or as a base for more intricate work. CBS Dichroic Glass sheets are precision-coated, ensuring that the vibrant, color-shifting effects are even and reliable. This quality makes them a trusted choice for professionals in glass blowing, fusing, and slumping. You can cut them into any shape you need, making them an excellent starting point for everything from architectural pieces to custom jewelry. The durable coating stands up to the heat of the kiln, so you can be confident your colors will remain brilliant and true.

Adding Texture with Frit, Flakes, and Powders

If you want to add texture and a sprinkle of shimmering color, dichroic frit, flakes, and powders are your best friends. These are essentially tiny, crushed pieces of dichroic glass that behave like glitter for your glass art. You can use them to create speckled effects, blend colors, or add a layer of sparkle over a solid base. Dichroic frit is available in various sizes, from fine powders to coarser flakes, giving you precise control over the final look. It’s a fantastic way to add unique, eye-catching details to your work without having to cut intricate shapes from a full sheet.

Creating Lines with Stringers, Noodles, and Firestrips

For creating lines, delicate patterns, and defined borders, turn to stringers and noodles. These are thin, spaghetti-like strands of glass that can be laid onto your project to draw with glass. CBS offers dichroic-coated stringers and noodles that bring a metallic, color-shifting flair to your linework. They are perfect for adding fine details, creating swirling designs, or outlining shapes within your piece. You can bend them with gentle heat or nip them into smaller segments to create mosaic-like effects. Using dichroic stringers is an easy way to incorporate the magic of dichroism into your designs with precision and control.

Beyond the Basics: Specialty Products and Extract

Beyond the standard forms, CBS also offers specialty products for artists who love to experiment. One of the most unique is Dichroic Extract. This product is the pure, colorful coating itself, carefully removed from the glass and packaged in small containers. It allows you to apply the dichroic effect in completely new ways, almost like a paint or a pigment. You can use it to dust molds before slumping or to add a sheer layer of color to other glass elements. This innovative product opens the door for advanced techniques and truly one-of-a-kind results, letting you push the boundaries of what’s possible with dichroic glass.

Exploring Unique Textures and Effects

The real fun with dichroic glass begins when you move past simple color shifts and start playing with texture and special effects. One of the best ways to do this is with dichroic frit, flakes, and powders. Think of these tiny, crushed pieces of dichroic glass as glitter for your art. You can sprinkle them on to create speckled designs, blend different colors for a gradient effect, or add a shimmering top coat over a solid base. Since frit comes in various sizes, from fine powders to chunkier flakes, you have complete control over the final texture. It’s a simple way to add stunning, eye-catching details to your work without any complex cutting.

For those moments when you need crisp lines or delicate patterns, stringers and noodles are your go-to tools. These thin, spaghetti-like strands of glass let you literally draw with glass. CBS offers dichroic-coated versions that add a metallic, color-shifting pop to your linework, which is perfect for creating fine details, swirling patterns, or outlining specific shapes in your design. You can gently bend them with heat or nip them into smaller pieces for more intricate work. This gives you so much creative freedom, allowing you to add the magic of dichroism to your pieces with incredible precision and control.

If you’re the kind of artist who loves pushing boundaries, you’ll want to check out CBS’s specialty products, like Dichroic Extract. This innovative material is the pure, colorful coating itself, carefully removed from the glass. It opens up a whole new set of techniques. For example, you can dust it into your molds before slumping to add a subtle shimmer, or apply it as a sheer layer of color over other glass elements. It’s a fantastic product for experimenting with advanced methods and achieving truly one-of-a-kind results that will set your work apart.

Creative Techniques for Dichroic Glass

While cutting, layering, and fusing are the foundational skills for working with dichroic glass, the real fun begins when you start experimenting. The unique properties of the dichroic coating invite artists to think outside the box and explore unconventional methods to manipulate its surface. Techniques like sandblasting, carving, and even acid etching can produce stunning textures and effects that add depth and complexity to your work. These advanced approaches allow you to add a deeply personal touch, transforming a beautiful material into something that is truly your own. One of the most exciting modern methods involves using technology to achieve a level of precision that was once unimaginable, opening doors to new forms of artistic expression.

Using Lasers to Create Patterns and Images

For artists who want to create incredibly detailed designs, laser etching is a game-changing technique. A laser can be used to precisely remove parts of the coating, essentially drawing on the glass with light. This process allows you to create crisp patterns, custom lettering, or even complex images with a level of accuracy that’s nearly impossible to achieve by hand. The result is a striking contrast between the shimmering, untouched dichroic surface and the underlying glass. This method opens up a world of possibilities for personalization and intricate artistry, letting you turn a simple piece of dichroic glass into a canvas for your most detailed ideas.

What Makes CBS Dichroic Glass a Top Choice?

When you’re investing time and materials into a new piece, you want to work with products you can count on. For many glass artists, Coatings by Sandberg (CBS) is that trusted name in dichroic glass. Its reputation isn’t just built on beautiful colors; it’s founded on reliability, variety, and the consistent results artists see when they open the kiln. From hobbyists creating their first fused pendants to professionals crafting large-scale installations, artists choose CBS because it delivers on its promises. Let’s break down exactly what sets this brand apart and why it might be the perfect choice for your next project.

Why Coating Consistency Is So Important

One of the biggest reasons artists love CBS is its precision coating. This isn’t just a fancy term; it means you get predictable and uniform results every time. The metallic coating is applied with such accuracy that you don’t have to worry about inconsistencies or bare spots, which can ruin a piece during firing. This reliability makes it a fantastic choice for any warm glass application, including glass blowing, slumping, and fusing. When you know your materials will behave as expected, you can focus on your creativity instead of troubleshooting. This consistent quality ensures your finished work looks professional and polished, firing after firing.

Is It a Good Value for Your Money?

While specialty glass is an investment, CBS offers options that help you find the best value for your specific needs. The pricing often depends on factors like whether you’re buying a small piece for a single project or a larger volume for ongoing work. This flexibility allows you to scale your purchases to match your budget and project scope. By exploring different sheet sizes and thicknesses, you can manage your costs without compromising on the brilliant effects of high-quality dichroic glass. You can find a wide range of COE90 glass options to fit whatever you’re working on, ensuring you get the right product at a fair price.

Understanding the Cost of Dichroic Glass

Let’s talk about the price tag. Dichroic glass is more of an investment than standard sheet glass, and there’s a good reason for it. The cost is a direct reflection of its complex and intensive manufacturing process. Creating that signature shimmer involves vaporizing metal oxides in a high-tech vacuum chamber and bonding them to the glass in dozens of micro-thin layers. This isn’t a simple coloring technique; it’s a precise, scientific procedure that results in a durable, high-quality material. When you buy CBS Dichroic Glass, you’re paying for that reliability and the guarantee that the brilliant colors won’t burn off in the kiln.

Market Growth and Popularity

If you’re working with dichroic glass, you’re in good company. This material is becoming more popular every year, not just in the art world but in architecture and design, too. The dichroic glass market is growing steadily, with its use expanding into everything from large-scale sculptures and corporate installations to restaurants and hotels. This increasing demand shows that the material has lasting appeal and isn’t just a passing trend. For artists, this means more innovation, a wider community of creators to connect with, and the confidence that you’re honing a skill with a material that is highly valued and here to stay.

Find the Perfect Color and Form

Creativity thrives on options, and CBS delivers an incredible spectrum of colors and patterns. Whether you’re looking for a fiery rainbow shimmer, a cool cyan-copper, or a subtle silver, you’ll find a color that brings your vision to life. This extensive palette makes it an excellent choice for artists who want to create truly unique pieces. The glass is designed to perform beautifully across different techniques, from fusing and flameworking to glass blowing. Having such a diverse selection of dichroic glass at your fingertips means you’ll never feel limited in your artistic expression.

Why Artists Trust the Brand

Ultimately, the strongest endorsement for any art supply comes from the artists who use it every day. Many creators prefer CBS Dichroic glass for the beautiful sparkle it imparts and its ability to transform even plain transparent glass into something spectacular. When you use it as a base layer, it can give the entire piece a dichroic-looking finish. This trust is built on years of quality performance and stunning results. When you see fellow artists consistently relying on a brand, you know it’s been tested in countless kilns and has proven its worth. That shared confidence is a testament to the brand’s reputation in the artistic community.

More Than Just Art: Other Uses for Dichroic Glass

While we love seeing dichroic glass come out of the kiln in our studios, its incredible properties have found a home in some pretty surprising places. The same science that makes your jewelry shimmer is also at work in high-tech labs and on city skylines. The unique way this glass manipulates light makes it a valuable tool in fields far beyond the art world, from scientific research to cutting-edge architecture. It’s a great reminder of how art and science often overlap in beautiful and functional ways, showing just how versatile this amazing material truly is.

In Science and Technology

The precise way dichroic glass splits light into distinct colors isn’t just for show; it’s incredibly useful in science and technology. Think of it as a highly advanced filter. This property is used to create special filters for scientific tools like microscopes, where separating specific wavelengths of light is crucial for research. You’ve also seen it in action in everyday technology. The vibrant, crisp images you see from LCD projectors and the immersive experience of 3D movies are often made possible by dichroic glass, which helps manage and direct light with incredible accuracy. It’s the same material, just applied on a different scale.

In Modern Architecture

Architects are always looking for materials that bring buildings to life, and dichroic glass does exactly that. Its ability to shift color with the changing sun and viewing angle adds a dynamic, living quality to structures. This has led to some stunning architectural and interior designs that transform throughout the day. For example, the Amazon headquarters in Seattle features an exterior that seems to change its hue with the weather, while the Museum at Prairiefire in Kansas uses dichroic glass to mimic the flickering colors of a prairie fire. It turns a static building into an interactive piece of art that responds to its environment.

Where Can I Buy CBS Dichroic Glass?

Once you’re ready to start your next project, the big question is where to find the best selection of CBS Dichroic Glass. You have a few great options, from specialized online retailers to the manufacturer itself. Finding the right supplier depends on what you’re looking for, whether it’s a wide variety, expert advice, or the best possible price for a bulk order. Let’s walk through the best places to source your glass so you can find the perfect match for your studio.

Shopping at ArtGlassSupplies.com

For a reliable and straightforward shopping experience, ArtGlassSupplies.com is an excellent place to start. We pride ourselves on carrying a fantastic selection of CBS Dichroic Glass and providing top-notch customer service to match. Our team knows glass, and we’re here to help you find exactly what you need. We also focus on getting your supplies to you quickly and safely. As one artist shared, “I just wanted to thank you all for your quality glass, packaging expertise, and fast shipping.” When you need quality materials without the hassle, you can count on us to deliver.

How to Find Other Authorized Retailers

While we’d love to be your only stop, we know that artists often like to explore all their options. When looking at other suppliers, make sure you’re buying from an authorized retailer. This ensures you’re getting authentic, high-quality CBS Dichroic Glass that will perform as expected in the kiln. Reputable suppliers like Ed Hoy’s International also offer a wide selection from top manufacturers, giving you more places to browse. Shopping with an established retailer gives you peace of mind that you’re investing in genuine materials for your art.

Can You Buy Directly from the Manufacturer?

If you want to go straight to the source, you can purchase directly from Coatings by Sandberg, Inc. (CBS). This is a great choice if you’re looking for the absolute widest selection or want to be certain you’re getting the latest products. Buying from the manufacturer guarantees you’re receiving authentic, precision-coated glass that is “trusted by professionals” for its consistency and quality. It’s an especially good option for seasoned artists who know exactly which patterns and coatings they need for their work and want access to the full catalog.

How to Find Deals and Bulk Discounts

If you’re working on a large project or stocking up your studio, finding a good deal is always a plus. Many suppliers offer discounts for bulk purchases. CBS itself has a flexible pricing structure that depends on whether you’re buying retail or wholesale and what your estimated annual volume is. This means that artists who use a lot of glass can often get a better price. It’s always worth asking your favorite retailer, including us at ArtGlassSupplies.com, about any available bulk discounts or special promotions to help make your projects more affordable.

Choosing the Right Supplier: A Checklist

Finding the right supplier is like finding the perfect creative partner. It’s about more than just getting the materials you need; it’s about building a relationship with a company that understands your passion and supports your work. When you’re investing in high-quality materials like CBS Dichroic glass, you want to be sure you’re buying from a source you can trust. A great supplier doesn’t just sell you glass; they provide a seamless experience from browsing to unboxing, so you can focus on what you love most: creating.

To help you find that perfect partner, I’ve put together a checklist of what to look for. Think about these four key areas: the variety of products they offer, how they handle pricing and shipping, the quality of their customer support, and the reliability of their policies. Getting these things right means fewer headaches and more time in the studio. A supplier who excels in these areas shows they care about their customers and the art you create with their products.

Do They Have a Wide Selection in Stock?

When inspiration strikes, the last thing you want is to find out the specific color or texture you need is out of stock. A top-tier supplier will offer a wide variety of products, from COE90 glass sheets to specialty frit and powders. Having a deep inventory means you can find everything you need in one place, saving you time and shipping costs. It also gives you the freedom to experiment with new materials. Look for a supplier whose catalog feels like a treasure trove, with plenty of options that are consistently available. This ensures your projects stay on track and your creativity is never limited by a “sold out” sign.

Is the Pricing Clear and Shipping Fair?

Let’s talk about the practical side of things. Transparent pricing is non-negotiable. You should be able to easily understand the cost of your materials without uncovering surprise fees at checkout. A trustworthy supplier is upfront about their pricing, whether it’s for a single sheet or a bulk order. Equally important is shipping. Glass is fragile, so you need a supplier who knows how to pack it securely for a safe journey to your studio. Look for fair shipping rates and reliable carriers. A company that invests in proper packaging and clear pricing shows they respect both the product and you as a customer.

Can You Count on Their Customer Support?

Sometimes you have a question that a product description just can’t answer. This is where a knowledgeable support team makes all the difference. A great supplier is staffed by people who are passionate and informed about glass art. They can offer advice on which stained glass to use for a specific project or help you troubleshoot a fusing issue. Excellent customer service means you can get a quick, helpful response when you need it. This kind of support builds confidence and makes you feel like you have a team of experts in your corner, ready to help you succeed.

What Is Their Return Policy?

A supplier’s policies tell you a lot about how much they stand behind their products and service. Before you buy, take a moment to check their return policy and any guarantees they offer. What happens if an item arrives damaged or isn’t what you expected? A clear and fair policy provides peace of mind and shows the company is committed to your satisfaction. This also extends to the overall purchasing experience. A supplier that ensures a smooth transaction, from easy online ordering to fast, reliable delivery, demonstrates that they value your business and are dedicated to providing a consistently positive experience every time you shop.

How to Spot High-Quality Dichroic Glass

When you’re investing in materials for your art, you want to be sure you’re getting the best. Not all dichroic glass is created equal, and knowing how to identify top-tier quality can save you from disappointing results in the kiln. High-quality dichroic glass offers vibrant, consistent color and a durable coating that can withstand the heat of fusing. By paying attention to a few key details, you can feel confident that the glass you choose will bring your creative vision to life beautifully. Think of it as a small-time investment upfront that pays off with stunning, professional-looking finished pieces.

First, Test for Compatibility

The first thing to check is whether the glass is suitable for your specific art form. True dichroic glass is made for “hot working,” a term that covers fusing, slumping, and other techniques that involve shaping glass with extreme heat. As the experts at CBS Dichroic Glass explain, their glass is made specifically for this purpose. This means it’s designed to handle the high temperatures inside a kiln without cracking, crazing, or losing its brilliant shimmer. If a supplier can’t confirm that their dichroic glass is made for hot working, it’s best to look elsewhere to avoid a potential project mishap.

Inspect the Coating for Thickness and Durability

The magical, color-shifting effect of dichroic glass comes from its special coating. This isn’t just a simple layer of paint; it’s a highly technical application. The coating is applied in a vacuum chamber where incredibly thin layers of quartz and metal are bonded to the glass surface. This process creates a durable, resilient coating that won’t easily scratch or flake off. When you inspect a piece of glass, look for a coating that appears smooth and uniform. A patchy or thin-looking surface can be a sign of lower quality that may not hold up during firing or in a finished piece of jewelry.

Does the Color Look Consistent?

For artists who create sets or larger works, color consistency is everything. Nothing is more frustrating than buying a sheet of glass for a project, only to find the next sheet you buy is a slightly different shade. High-quality manufacturers like CBS pride themselves on their consistency, ensuring that “the colors of their glass are always consistent and look even.” This reliability means you can confidently purchase COE90 glass today and trust that a sheet you buy months from now will be a perfect match. This level of quality control is a hallmark of a premium product.

How Should You Store and Handle It?

How a supplier stores and handles their glass says a lot about its quality. The delicate surface of dichroic glass can be easily scratched if not stored correctly. A reputable supplier will take great care to keep their inventory protected, storing sheets with proper separation and in a clean, controlled environment. Before you buy, don’t hesitate to ask about their storage and shipping practices. A good supplier will be transparent about how they protect their products and will ensure your glass is packaged securely to arrive at your studio in pristine, ready-to-use condition.

Identifying the Coated Side: A Simple Trick

It can be tough to tell which side of your dichroic glass has that precious coating, but there’s a simple trick to figure it out. Just grab something with a fine point, like the tip of a pen, and gently touch it to the glass surface. Now, look closely at the reflection. If the tip of the pen appears to touch its own reflection, you’re looking at the uncoated side. If you see a tiny gap between the pen tip and its reflection—equal to the thickness of the glass—you’ve found the coated side. This is a crucial step because when you fuse, you’ll often want to place the coated side down or cap it with clear glass. This technique not only protects the delicate surface but also creates a beautiful magnified effect, making the color-shifting properties even more brilliant.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is matching the COE so important when using dichroic glass? Think of the Coefficient of Expansion (COE) as the language that different pieces of glass speak when they get hot. For a successful fusion, all your glass needs to speak the same language. When glass heats up in a kiln, it expands, and when it cools, it contracts. If you mix glass with different COE ratings, like a COE 90 and a COE 96, they will expand and contract at different rates. This creates immense stress within the piece and will almost certainly cause it to crack or shatter.

Is dichroic glass more difficult to cut than regular art glass? Not at all. While it looks incredibly special, the cutting process is basically the same as for any other sheet glass. You’ll want to make sure you score the glass on the non-coated side for the cleanest break. A standard glass cutter and a little bit of pressure are all you need. The coating is very durable, but cutting on the plain side helps protect your cutting wheel and ensures a crisp score line. If you can cut regular glass, you can definitely cut dichroic glass.

What’s the difference between using a dichroic sheet versus frit or stringers? The form you choose really depends on the effect you want to create. A sheet of dichroic glass is perfect for creating a solid, shimmering background or for cutting out specific shapes to be the focal point of your design. Frit and powders are like sprinkles of sparkle; you can use them to add texture, create a speckled pattern, or blend colors across a surface. Stringers and noodles are best for drawing, allowing you to add fine lines, outlines, and delicate details with a metallic, color-shifting flair.

Will the dichroic coating burn off in the kiln? This is a common concern, but with high-quality glass like CBS, the answer is a confident no. The vibrant coating is not painted on; it’s created in a high-tech vacuum chamber where multiple micro-layers of metal oxides are permanently bonded to the glass surface. This process creates an incredibly durable finish that is designed to withstand the extreme temperatures of kiln work without fading, chipping, or burning away.

Can I layer dichroic glass with other types of glass? Yes, absolutely! Layering is one of the best ways to create depth and unique effects. The key, as always, is to make sure every piece of glass in your project has the same COE. You can place dichroic glass on top of opaque glass for a bold look, or you can place it underneath a layer of clear glass. Capping dichroic glass with a clear piece often magnifies the color-shifting effect and gives the finished piece a beautiful, glossy depth.