You’ve mastered cutting glass sheets and have probably experimented with colorful frit. So, what’s next for adding that extra layer of detail to your art? It’s time to start drawing with glass. Fused glass stringers are your pens and pencils, allowing you to create crisp lines, delicate details, and intricate patterns that frit alone can’t achieve. These slender glass rods are the key to transforming a simple piece into a truly dynamic statement. This guide covers everything you need to know about COE 90 stringers, from choosing the right ones to the fundamental techniques for bringing your designs to life.

Key Takeaways

• Always Match Your COE 90 Glass: This is the golden rule of fusing. To create a strong, crack-free piece, every glass element you use—from your base sheet to your stringers and frit—must have the same COE 90 rating.
• Select Stringer Size Based on Your Linework: Think of stringers as your drawing pens. Use thin 1mm stringers for fine, delicate details and thicker 2mm stringers when you want to create bold, noticeable lines in your artwork.
• Use Your Firing Schedule to Control the Finish: The temperature you fire at determines the final texture. A tack fuse keeps your stringers raised and defined on the surface, while a full fuse melts them completely flat for a smooth, glossy look.

What Are COE 90 Glass Stringers?

If you’ve ever admired the delicate lines and intricate details in a piece of fused glass art, you were likely looking at the work of glass stringers. Think of them as thin, spaghetti-like rods of glass that artists use to draw and design on a glass surface. They are a fundamental tool for adding everything from simple borders to complex patterns. The “COE 90” part is crucial—it tells you that these stringers are compatible with other glass products that have the same rating, ensuring your final piece comes out of the kiln strong and crack-free.

Why Does Coefficient of Expansion (COE) Matter?

Let’s get the science out of the way, because it’s the most important rule in glass fusing. The Coefficient of Expansion (COE) is a measurement of how much glass expands when it gets hot and shrinks when it cools down. For a fused glass project to be successful, every single piece of glass you use must have the same COE. If you mix glass with different COE ratings, they will expand and contract at different rates inside the kiln, causing stress, cracks, and breaks. That’s why sticking with a standard like COE90 glass is so important for creating durable, beautiful art.

Stringers vs. Rods and Other Glass Forms

When you browse glass supplies, you’ll see terms like stringers, rods, frit, and confetti. While they are all forms of fusible glass, their shapes dictate their function. The primary difference between stringers and rods is their diameter. Stringers are thin, like spaghetti, typically measuring between 1mm and 2mm. This makes them perfect for drawing fine lines and creating intricate details. Rods, on the other hand, are thicker and more substantial, like fettuccine. They are used for creating bolder lines, building small structural elements, or for being heated and manipulated in a flame during torchworking. Think of them as different tips for your pen—one for fine details, the other for bold strokes. Both are essential parts of the COE90 glass family.

Understanding Vitrigraph Stringers and Buds

As you explore different types of stringers, you’ll likely come across vitrigraph stringers. Unlike the perfectly uniform, machine-pulled stringers, vitrigraph stringers are pulled by hand from a special kiln with a hole in the bottom. As the molten glass flows out, it creates wonderfully organic, wavy, and curly strands with varying thicknesses. This unique character makes them ideal for creating natural-looking elements like flowing hair, tree branches, or abstract swirls. You may also see “buds,” which are the small, droplet-shaped bits of glass that form during the process. These are perfect for adding small decorative dots, flower centers, or textured accents to your work, giving it a more free-form, artistic feel.

Applications in Kilnforming and Torchworking

Stringers are incredibly versatile, finding their place in both kilnforming and torchworking. In kilnforming, you can arrange them on a base sheet of glass to create patterns, nip them into tiny pieces for mosaic effects, or even gently bend them with a candle flame for curved lines. Your firing schedule in the kiln determines the final look; a tack fuse leaves them raised and defined, while a full fuse melts them completely flat. In torchworking, artists use a flame to melt and shape glass. Thicker rods are often used to build the main structure of beads or sculptures, while stringers are perfect for “drawing” delicate, precise details onto the molten surface, offering incredible control for intricate designs.

How to Add Detail with Fused Glass Stringers

Using stringers is one of the most direct ways to add your artistic touch to a project. The process is straightforward: you start with a base sheet of COE 90 glass and then arrange the stringers on top to create your design. You can lay them down as straight lines, break them into smaller pieces for mosaic-like effects, or even carefully bend them with a flame for more organic shapes. Once your design is complete, the entire piece is fired in a kiln according to a specific firing schedule. The heat fuses the stringers permanently to the base, creating a single, solid piece of decorated glass.

Why Choose COE 90 Stringers?

The biggest advantage of working with COE 90 stringers is compatibility. COE 90 is a widely adopted standard in the glass fusing world, which means you have a massive selection of colors, sheets, frits, and other components that are guaranteed to work together. This takes the guesswork out of the process, allowing you to focus on your creativity instead of worrying about technical issues. Whether you’re just starting out or are a seasoned professional, using COE 90 products gives you the freedom and confidence to mix, match, and experiment to bring your vision to life without fear of your project cracking apart.

Which Brands Make the Best COE 90 Stringers?

When you’re ready to buy stringers, you’ll find a few key players in the market known for their quality and consistency. While you can certainly mix and match, starting with a trusted brand ensures your materials are reliable and compatible with your other COE 90 glass. Think of these brands as your go-to starting points for building a colorful and versatile stringer collection. Each one offers something a little different, so your choice will depend on the specific look you want to achieve in your next project. Let’s explore some of the most popular and respected names in the industry.

Spotlight on Bullseye Glass Stringers

You can’t talk about COE 90 glass without mentioning Bullseye. Bullseye Glass is a giant in the industry, and for good reason. Their stringers are known for being incredibly high-quality and consistent, which is exactly what you need whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro. Designed specifically for glass fusing and torchwork, they melt smoothly and predictably. Bullseye offers a fantastic range of vibrant colors and multiple sizes, typically 1 mm and 2 mm, giving you the precision to create everything from bold lines to delicate, intricate details. They are a reliable choice that you can count on for beautiful results every time.

Handcrafted Quality from Portland, Oregon

What really sets Bullseye apart is their commitment to craftsmanship. Every single stringer they produce is handcrafted at their factory in Portland, Oregon. This isn’t a mass-produced, machine-made product. Instead, skilled artisans make, check, and ship each one, ensuring an exceptional level of quality control from start to finish. This hands-on approach is why their stringers are so consistent in color and diameter, and why they melt so predictably in the kiln. When you use a Bullseye stringer, you’re not just adding a line to your artwork; you’re incorporating a piece of carefully crafted material that was made with the same attention to detail you put into your own work.

Adding Sparkle with CBS Dichroic Stringers

If you want to add a serious wow factor to your work, look no further than CBS Dichroic. This brand specializes in stringers and ribbons that feature a stunning dichroic coating, which creates a shimmering, multi-colored effect that changes with the light. CBS Dichroic stringers are perfect for artists who want to experiment with dynamic color and texture. Because they are fully compatible with other COE 90 materials, you can easily incorporate them into your projects to add a pop of iridescence. They’re a fantastic way to make your glass art truly stand out.

Other Great Specialty Brands to Try

Beyond the big names, a whole world of specialty brands and independent makers are creating unique COE 90 stringers. For example, many talented Etsy sellers offer custom colors, unique twists, and specialty sizes you won’t find anywhere else. These smaller suppliers are perfect when you’re searching for a very specific shade or want to support other artists. Exploring these niche brands can be a fun way to discover new materials and add a personalized touch to your work. Don’t be afraid to look around—you might just find your new favorite supplier.

What Colors, Sizes, and Styles Are Available?

One of the most exciting parts of glass fusing is the sheer variety of materials you can work with, and stringers are no exception. Think of them as your paint palette and your drawing tools all rolled into one. Whether you’re aiming for a subtle, delicate design or a bold, graphic statement, there’s a stringer that’s perfect for the job. The key is knowing what’s out there so you can choose the right combination of color, size, and style to bring your vision to life. From a rainbow of colors to dazzling special effects, let’s look at the options available for COE 90 glass stringers.

Choosing Your Colors and Finishes

When it comes to color, you have a full spectrum to play with. You can find stringers in rich, vibrant shades like Dark Forest Green, Red, and Blue, as well as essential neutrals like Black and White. These colors come in two main finishes: opalescent (opal) and transparent. Opalescent stringers are solid and opaque, so you can’t see through them. They’re perfect for creating bold lines and defined shapes. Transparent stringers, on the other hand, are see-through, allowing you to layer colors and create beautiful depth and shading in your work. Mixing both finishes in a single piece can add wonderful contrast and visual interest.

Exploring Finishes: Lustre, Tint, and Translucent

Beyond the foundational choices of opalescent and transparent, you’ll find stringers with more nuanced finishes that can add another layer of sophistication to your art. Lustre stringers, for example, have a shiny, iridescent coating over a transparent base that catches the light beautifully, adding a subtle shimmer to your designs. Tint stringers offer a whisper of color and are perfect when you want a delicate, barely-there hue. Then there are translucent stringers, which are partially see-through, like frosted glass. They diffuse light rather than letting it pass through clearly, creating a soft, glowing effect. Experimenting with these different finishes is a great way to add texture and depth, and you can find a wide variety of these specialty COE90 glass options to play with.

Picking the Right Size and Thickness

Choosing the right stringer thickness is like picking the right pen for a drawing. For incredibly fine lines and intricate details, you’ll want to use a thin stringer, like a 0.5mm or 1mm size. These are fantastic for writing, creating delicate patterns, or outlining small shapes. For bolder, more defined lines, a 2mm stringer is a great all-around choice. If you want to make a really strong statement or fill in larger areas, you can even find thicker options, sometimes called Sizzlestix, that come in widths like 3mm and 6mm. Having a variety of sizes on hand gives you the flexibility to execute any design you can imagine.

Beyond the Basics: Specialty Styles and Textures

Beyond standard colors and sizes, you can find specialty stringers that add a unique flair to your art. The most popular are dichroic stringers, which have a special metallic coating that reflects different colors depending on the angle of the light. This creates a stunning, shimmering effect that can make your piece feel almost magical. Using CBS Dichroic Glass stringers can add that professional, eye-catching element that really makes your work stand out. They are perfect for jewelry, decorative accents, or any project where you want to add a touch of sparkle and intrigue. Experimenting with these specialty styles is a fun way to push your creative boundaries.

Unique Finds: Glow-in-the-Dark, Dichroic, and Themed Stringers

Once you’re comfortable with the basics, you can start exploring some truly unique stringers that add an unexpected twist to your art. These specialty options are perfect for when you want to create a piece that has a little extra magic. Think of them as the secret ingredients that can make your work more personal and memorable. From stringers that light up the night to ones that shimmer with rainbow colors, incorporating these fun finds is a great way to stretch your creative muscles and see what new effects you can achieve in the kiln.

Glow-in-the-dark stringers are exactly what they sound like—they absorb light and then emit a soft glow in the dark. They’re a fantastic way to add a whimsical, surprising element to your projects, especially for pieces like nightlights, holiday ornaments, or decorative art meant for a dimly lit room. During the day, they look like regular colored stringers, but at night, they reveal their hidden glow. It’s a playful touch that can bring a whole new dimension to your design after the sun goes down.

We’ve already touched on dichroic glass, but it’s worth mentioning again just how incredible these stringers are for adding a pop of iridescent shine. CBS Dichroic stringers are coated with a special metallic layer that reflects a dazzling spectrum of colors that shift and change as the viewer moves. They are perfect for creating jewelry that catches the eye or adding accents to a piece that you want to feel luxurious and dynamic. Because they are designed to work with all other COE90 compatible materials, you can easily mix them into any project for an instant touch of glamour.

Beyond these, you can also find themed and patterned stringers, often handmade by other glass artists. These might include twisted multi-color stringers, striped designs, or even intricate murrine-style patterns. Searching for custom stringers from independent makers is a wonderful way to discover unique supplies while supporting fellow artists. Using these one-of-a-kind elements can help you tell a story with your glass and ensure your final piece is truly your own.

How to Choose the Right Stringers for Your Project

With so many options available, picking the right stringers can feel like a big decision. But it doesn’t have to be complicated. When you’re planning your next piece, focus on three key factors: compatibility, size, and color. Getting these three elements right will ensure your project not only looks fantastic but also holds together beautifully after firing. Let’s walk through how to make the best choices for your artwork.

Always Check for Glass Compatibility

This is the golden rule of glass fusing: every single piece of glass in your project must have the same Coefficient of Expansion (COE). If you’re building your piece on a COE 90 glass sheet, then your stringers, frit, and any other decorative elements must also be COE 90. This ensures that all the glass expands and contracts at the same rate when heated and cooled in the kiln. Mixing COEs will cause stress in the glass, leading to cracks and breaks—a heartbreaking outcome after all your hard work. Always double-check the COE before you buy and before you build.

Understanding Product Grades for Fusing and Torchwork

When you’re shopping for stringers, you’ll notice they are often categorized for either fusing or torchworking. It’s a small distinction, but an important one for getting the results you want. Fusible stringers are specifically made for kilnforming. They are designed to melt evenly and bond perfectly with other COE 90 glass sheets and components during a firing cycle. This ensures your final piece is strong and free of stress cracks. Torchworking stringers, on the other hand, are formulated to hold up to the direct heat of a flame, allowing you to bend and shape them by hand. While they are also COE 90, their melting properties might be slightly different in a kiln. Always check the product description to make sure you’re grabbing the right type for your technique—it’s a simple step that saves a lot of headaches.

Matching Thickness and Style to Your Design

Think of stringers as your drawing tools. The thickness you choose will define the character of your lines. Stringers typically come in sizes like 1mm and 2mm. A 1mm stringer creates delicate, precise lines perfect for intricate details, almost like drawing with a fine-tipped pen. A 2mm stringer will give you a bolder, more substantial line. The choice depends entirely on the look you want to achieve. Are you outlining a bold shape or adding subtle, wispy accents? Your answer will guide you to the right thickness for the job.

Creating Your Color Palette

Now for the fun part—playing with color! The color of your stringers can transform a piece. You can choose colors that contrast sharply with your base glass to make your designs pop, or you can select similar shades for a more subtle, blended effect. Before committing, try laying a few stringer strands on your base glass to preview the combination. With a huge spectrum of COE 90 glass colors available, you have an entire palette at your fingertips. Let your creativity guide you as you mix and match to bring your vision to life.

Your Guide to Working with Fused Glass Stringers

Once you have your stringers, it’s time for the fun part: bringing your design to life. Working with these delicate glass rods is all about precision and a little bit of patience. Mastering a few key techniques will help you get clean, professional-looking results right from the start. From laying out your design to cutting and shaping, these foundational skills will give you the confidence to experiment and create beautiful, intricate pieces. Let’s walk through the essentials you need to know before you fire up the kiln.

How to Apply and Place Your Stringers

Think of stringers as drawing lines on your glass canvas. You can lay them on your base glass to create outlines, patterns, or delicate details. The most important rule is ensuring everything is compatible. Every piece of glass in your project, from the base sheet to the frit and stringers, must have the same COE. For the projects we’re discussing, you’ll want to stick exclusively with COE 90 glass products. You can arrange stringers in straight lines, create gentle curves, or even break them into smaller pieces to form mosaic-like patterns. A little bit of fusing glue can help hold them in place before firing.

Simple Safety Tips for Your Studio

Working with glass is incredibly rewarding, but safety should always be your top priority. Glass fusing at home is perfectly safe when you have the right setup. Always wear safety glasses to protect your eyes from any tiny shards that might fly off when you’re cutting glass. When you’re handling glass or loading a hot kiln, a good pair of heat-resistant gloves is essential. You’ll also want to make sure your workspace has adequate ventilation, especially if you’re working with glass powders or kiln wash, in which case a dust mask is also a great idea. Taking these simple precautions ensures you can focus on your creativity without any worries.

Avoid These Common Mistakes

As you get started, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. One of the biggest is trapping air between layers of glass. This often happens when you place small pieces like stringer segments between two larger sheets, creating sealed “pockets.” During firing, this trapped air can expand and lead to distorted designs, uneven surfaces, or even cracked pieces. To avoid this, make sure your layers are stacked carefully to allow air to escape. Another common pitfall is accidentally mixing glass with different COEs, which will cause your project to crack as it cools, so always keep your COE 90 and COE 96 glass separate.

How to Cut and Shape Stringers

Stringers are delicate, but they’re easy to cut to the exact size you need. For clean, straight breaks, you’ll need a quality glass cutter and a pair of running pliers. Gently score the stringer with your cutter where you want it to break, then use the running pliers to apply gentle pressure and snap it cleanly. If you want to create curves, you can carefully bend stringers over a candle flame (be sure to wear your safety glasses!). For more complex shapes, you can also lay stringers over or inside heat-resistant molds before firing them in your kiln.

DIY: How to Make Your Own Fused Glass Stringers

For the truly adventurous artist, buying stringers is just the beginning. Making your own opens up a world of custom colors and sizes that you can’t find anywhere else. The process involves heating compatible COE 90 glass scraps until they become soft and pliable. Once the glass is molten, you can carefully pull it into thin, delicate strands. This can be done with a torch or even in a specialized setup within your glass fusing kiln. While it takes some practice to get the hang of pulling consistent strands, the reward is having completely unique materials that are perfectly tailored to your artistic vision. It’s a fantastic way to use up small scraps of your favorite glass and push your creativity even further.

Fun Project Ideas Using Fused Glass Stringers

Once you have your stringers, the real fun begins. These versatile glass rods open up a whole new world of design possibilities, allowing you to add fine lines, intricate details, and vibrant patterns to your work. Whether you’re just starting or looking for your next challenge, stringers can add that special touch to any fused glass piece. From simple, elegant lines on a coaster to complex, woven patterns in a bowl, the creative applications are nearly endless. Let’s explore a few ideas to get your creativity flowing.

Beginner-Friendly Project Ideas

If you’re new to glass fusing, stringers are a fantastic and approachable way to add detail to your work. You can start with simple, satisfying projects like coasters, decorative plates, jewelry, suncatchers, and garden stakes. Try laying stringers in a simple grid or striped pattern on a square base glass to create a set of custom coasters. For a suncatcher, you can use stringers to outline a simple shape or create radiating lines of color.

Remember, for your projects to fuse correctly, every piece of glass must have the same COE. That means you’ll want a variety of COE 90 glass products, including your base sheets, colorful crushed glass known as frit, and your stringers. This ensures all the elements expand and contract at the same rate, preventing cracks.

Advanced Design Ideas for Your Next Piece

Ready to try something more complex? Stringers are perfect for creating detailed and sophisticated designs. One beautiful technique involves layering stringers to create a pattern that gives the illusion of a woven tapestry. By carefully placing different colored stringers over and under each other, you can build a pattern with incredible depth and texture. You can also use stringers for more illustrative work, essentially “drawing” images or writing words on your glass. For even more control, you can gently bend stringers in a candle flame before placing them to create elegant curves and swirls. Combining these techniques with intricate molds can lead to truly stunning, three-dimensional art.

Specific Project Inspiration

Now that you’re familiar with the basics, let’s talk about what you can actually create. Stringers are incredibly versatile, lending themselves to projects of all shapes and sizes. Whether you want to make a functional piece of dishware, a stunning piece of wall art, or a small, charming gift, stringers can add that perfect finishing touch. The key is to start with a clear idea and then let the stringers guide your design. Below are a few specific ideas to spark your imagination and show you just how much you can do with these simple glass rods.

Creating with Slumped Glass Molds

Combining stringers with slumping is a fantastic way to create three-dimensional art with intricate surface designs. Slumped glass is glass that is melted and shaped in a mold, allowing for unique forms like bowls, plates, and platters. You can start by creating your stringer design on a flat sheet of COE 90 glass. Once you’re happy with the pattern, you place the entire piece over a mold and fire it. As the glass softens and “slumps” into the shape of the mold, your stringer design will curve and conform with it, creating a beautiful, cohesive piece where the pattern flows with the form.

Sculptures, Vases, and Wall Art Panels

For those looking to make a statement, stringers are an essential tool for larger artistic works. Artists can create modern and abstract glass art pieces, including colorful woven sculptures and decorative vases. You can lay out complex, linear patterns on a large sheet of glass to create a stunning wall art panel. Another popular technique is to create a “woven” look by layering different colored stringers, which can then be fused into a solid panel. These panels can be displayed as-is or slumped into dramatic, sculptural forms. The versatility of stringers allows for both bold, graphic lines and delicate, flowing details, enhancing the visual impact of any large-scale piece.

Small Projects: Night Lights and Swizzle Sticks

You don’t need a huge project to make a big impact. Stringers can be used in small projects like night lights and swizzle sticks, adding a personal touch and unique flair. These are perfect for beginners looking to practice their skills or for any artist wanting to use up leftover scraps of COE90 glass and stringers. You can create tiny, detailed scenes on a small square of glass for a night light or add simple stripes and dots to thin glass strips to make a set of custom swizzle sticks. These small, functional items are quick to make, incredibly satisfying, and make for wonderful, handmade gifts.

Getting Your Firing Schedules Just Right

Your design is only half the battle; a successful project depends on a proper firing schedule. Once you’ve arranged your glass, you’ll place it in the kiln and set the temperature according to your desired outcome. The schedule you choose will determine the final look of your stringers. For example, a tack fuse at a lower temperature will keep the stringers raised and defined on the surface, adding texture. A full fuse at a higher temperature will melt the stringers completely flat into the base glass for a smooth, glossy finish. Always consult the glass manufacturer’s recommendations and consider keeping a firing log to track what works best in your specific kiln.

Where to Buy COE 90 Stringers (And What to Expect to Pay)

Once you’re ready to add stringers to your collection, the next step is figuring out where to find them and how to budget for them. The price of COE 90 stringers can vary quite a bit based on the brand, color, and quantity you purchase. Knowing where to look and what to expect can help you get the best value for your money. Whether you prefer shopping online for a huge selection or visiting a local store for hands-on advice, there are great options available. Just as important as buying your stringers is knowing how to care for them once you get them home to ensure they last and you stay safe while creating.

How to Compare Prices by Brand and Quantity

When you start shopping for stringers, you’ll notice that price often comes down to the brand and the amount you buy. Premium brands like Bullseye Glass might cost a bit more, but they offer consistent quality and a stunning color palette. Specialty stringers, especially dichroic ones, will also be at a higher price point due to the complex manufacturing process. A great way to save is by purchasing stringers in larger quantities or variety packs. Many suppliers offer tubes containing an assortment of colors, which is perfect for building your initial collection. Always check if you’re buying by weight or by the piece to accurately compare your options.

Understanding Price Ranges and Volume Discounts

The cost of COE 90 stringers can vary quite a bit, so it helps to know what influences the price tag. Generally, you’ll see differences based on the brand, the complexity of the color, and the quantity you’re buying. For example, stringers from a well-known manufacturer like Bullseye Glass are prized for their quality and consistency, which can be reflected in the price. Basic, solid colors will usually be the most affordable, while specialty items like dichroic stringers with their shimmering finish will naturally cost more. You can typically find tubes of stringers starting at just a few dollars, making it easy to experiment without a huge initial investment.

To get the most out of your budget, keep an eye out for volume discounts. This is one of the best ways to build your collection affordably. Many suppliers offer savings when you buy in larger quantities, such as by the pound or in assorted multi-color packs. Buying in bulk not only lowers the cost per stringer but also ensures you have a wide range of colors on hand when inspiration strikes. This approach is perfect for artists who use a lot of stringers or for anyone looking to build a versatile COE 90 glass palette without having to purchase each color individually.

Online vs. Local: Where Should You Shop?

Deciding between an online retailer and a local glass shop often depends on what you value most. Your neighborhood store is fantastic for seeing colors in person and getting immediate advice, but their selection might be limited. Online suppliers, on the other hand, typically provide a much wider array of COE 90 glass and accessories for any fusing project. You’ll find more brands, colors, and specialty styles right at your fingertips, often with more competitive pricing. For the best variety and value, shopping online is usually the way to go, allowing you to find exactly what you need for your next piece without leaving your studio.

Exploring the Variety from Major Suppliers

The best part about working with a standard like COE 90 is the incredible variety it unlocks. Major suppliers like Bullseye Glass have perfected their craft, offering a stunning spectrum of vibrant, consistent colors. You can find everything from deep, rich opaques to brilliant, light-catching transparents. They also provide different sizes, most commonly 1mm and 2mm, which lets you choose between creating fine, delicate linework or making bold, graphic statements. Because so many manufacturers produce compatible COE 90 glass, you have the freedom to mix and match stringers, sheet glass, and frits from different brands, confident that they will all fuse together perfectly in your kiln.

Considering Shipping Options

Having your supplies shipped directly to your studio is a huge convenience, especially when you’re in the middle of a creative flow. Online suppliers can offer a much larger inventory than most local shops, giving you access to a whole world of colors and specialty products you might not find otherwise. Reputable retailers have perfected the art of packing and shipping fragile materials like glass stringers, ensuring they arrive safely at your door. This means that no matter where you live, you can get the high-quality, specific materials you need to bring your artistic vision to life. You get to spend less time searching for supplies and more time creating.

How to Properly Store and Handle Your Stringers

Taking good care of your stringers protects both your supplies and yourself. Since they are long, thin, and incredibly fragile, it’s best to store them upright. A tall, sturdy container like a glass jar, a piece of PVC pipe, or even a Pringles can works perfectly to prevent them from breaking. Organizing them by color will also save you a ton of time later. When you’re working with stringers, always handle them gently. Most importantly, prioritize your safety. Always use safety glasses to protect your eyes from tiny shards that can fly off when you’re cutting or nipping the glass.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the one rule I absolutely can’t break when using stringers? The most critical rule in glass fusing is to ensure every single piece of glass in your project has the same Coefficient of Expansion (COE). If you are working with COE 90 stringers, your base glass, frit, and any other glass elements must also be COE 90. Mixing different COEs will cause the glass to expand and contract at different rates in the kiln, which creates stress and will crack your finished piece.

My stringers keep rolling around. How do I get them to stay in place before firing? To keep your design secure on its way to the kiln, you can use a small amount of fusing glue. A few tiny dots of a product like Glastac or another fusing adhesive will hold the stringers exactly where you want them. The glue is designed to burn off cleanly during the firing process, so it won’t leave any residue or affect the final look of your artwork.

Can I make stringers curved instead of just using straight lines? Yes, you can absolutely create beautiful curves. The easiest way to do this is by gently heating a stringer over a candle flame. Hold the stringer with tweezers and slowly pass it through the flame until it becomes pliable, then carefully bend it into your desired shape. Always wear your safety glasses during this process and be mindful that the glass will be hot.

What’s the difference between a ‘tack fuse’ and a ‘full fuse’ for my stringer design? The firing schedule you choose determines the final texture of your piece. A tack fuse uses a lower temperature, which melts the stringers just enough to stick them permanently to the base glass while leaving them raised and defined. This gives your piece a distinct, textural feel. A full fuse uses a higher temperature that melts the stringers completely flat into the surface, creating a single, smooth, and glossy piece of glass.

Why are some stringers, like dichroic ones, more expensive? The price difference usually comes down to the materials and manufacturing process. Standard colored stringers are more straightforward to produce. Specialty stringers, particularly dichroic ones, require a complex process where multiple micro-layers of metallic oxides are vaporized onto the glass surface in a vacuum chamber. This intricate technique is what creates their signature shimmer and also accounts for their higher cost.