Technical terms like “COE” can make glass fusing feel intimidating. But the core idea is simple: not all glass can be melted together. COE is the number that tells you what’s compatible. Getting it right is the key to avoiding cracks and frustration. That’s where COE 96 glass comes in. This system of COE 96 fusible glass products is designed to work together perfectly. This guide cuts through the noise, giving you the straightforward knowledge to confidently choose your materials and create beautiful fused glass art, worry-free.
Key Takeaways
- Stick to One COE Family: This is the golden rule of glass fusing. Mixing COE 96 with any other type, like COE 90, guarantees your project will crack from stress during cooling. Keep your glass organized to avoid this simple but costly mistake.
- Embrace the Versatility of COE 96: This glass is a favorite for a reason—it’s forgiving for beginners and supports a wide range of techniques. Move beyond flat panels by using it for slumping bowls over molds or adding texture with compatible frit, stringers, and dichroic glass.
- Master the Fundamentals Beyond the Glass: Beautiful results come from good habits. Always use a tested firing schedule for your kiln, handle and cut your glass safely, and properly prep your kiln shelf to prevent sticking. These steps are just as crucial as choosing the right glass.
What is COE 96 Glass? (And Why It Matters for Your Art)
If you’re getting into glass fusing, you’ll see “COE 96” everywhere. Understanding this term is the single most important step to creating beautiful, lasting fused glass art. Think of it as the golden rule of fusing: get this right, and you’re set for success. Ignore it, and you’re likely heading for a pile of cracked glass. Simply put, COE is about compatibility. When you melt different pieces of glass in a kiln, they must expand and shrink at the same rate. If they don’t, they’ll pull themselves apart. Choosing glass with a matching COE ensures every piece works together, resulting in a solid, stable final piece.
What Exactly is Coefficient of Expansion (COE)?
“COE” stands for Coefficient of Expansion, a technical term for how much glass grows when heated and shrinks when cooled. Every type of glass has a specific COE number, with COE 90 and COE 96 being the most common for fusing. The number itself isn’t as important as what it represents: a family of glass products that are all compatible. When you buy COE 96 glass, you can trust that it will fuse perfectly with any other glass labeled COE 96, from sheets to frit.
Prevent Cracking by Matching Your Glass COE
Here’s what happens in the kiln: fusing two pieces of glass with different COEs creates immense internal stress as they cool. One piece will shrink faster or slower than the other, causing a microscopic tug-of-war that the glass can’t handle. This tension leads to cracking, which can happen immediately or even weeks later. Sticking to a single COE for your entire project is the only way to guarantee your artwork will remain intact and beautiful for years to come. It’s the foundation of a successful firing.
Glass Compatibility Myths, Busted!
A common question is whether COE always matters. If you’re creating traditional stained glass, you don’t need to worry about it because the pieces are joined with foil or lead, not melted together. However, the moment you put glass in a kiln to fuse, COE becomes critical. Another myth is that one COE is “better” than another. Both COE 90 glass and COE 96 have vast color palettes and product lines. The key isn’t which one you choose, but that you stick with it for a single project.
COE 96 vs. COE 90: Which is Right for You?
Choosing between COE 96 and COE 90 glass feels like a big decision, but the truth is, there’s no wrong answer. Both are fantastic systems with huge ranges of colors, textures, and accessory glass like frit and stringers. The choice often comes down to personal preference, what your local studio uses, or the specific qualities you’re looking for in your work. Think of it less like a competition and more like choosing between two excellent sets of tools. One might feel better in your hands or work more efficiently for a certain task. Let’s break down the key differences to help you find the glass family that best fits your creative style.
Workability and Ease of Cutting
Many artists, especially those just starting, find COE 96 glass to be incredibly forgiving. It’s known for being a bit softer, which can make it easier to cut cleanly and less prone to stubborn breaks. This workability makes it a popular choice for a wide variety of techniques, from slumping simple bowls over molds to creating intricate patterns with layers of frit and stringers. In contrast, COE 90 glass, particularly Bullseye Glass, is often described as having a slightly crisper or stiffer feel. While it cuts beautifully, it may require a bit more practice to master. Neither is better, but the softer nature of COE 96 often provides a smoother entry point for new fusers.
Firing Temperature and Time
One of the most practical differences between the two systems is how they behave in the kiln. Glass with a higher coefficient of expansion, like COE 96, generally needs less heat and time to achieve a full fuse. This means your firing schedules might be slightly shorter and require lower top temperatures compared to COE 90 projects. For artists looking to streamline their production or conserve energy, this can be a significant advantage. Of course, the success of any project depends on using a reliable firing schedule tailored to your specific kiln and the thickness of your piece, but the lower melting point of COE 96 is a consistent characteristic.
Sheet Size and Cost Differences
Historically, COE 96 was often considered the more budget-friendly option, making it accessible for artists creating large-scale work or managing a tight budget. While pricing can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer, color, and style, it often remains a cost-effective choice. Both COE 90 and COE 96 are available in a massive spectrum of colors, patterns, and textures, so you won’t be limited creatively by either choice. At ArtGlassSupplies.com, we carry an extensive selection of both glass families, allowing you to compare options and find the perfect materials that align with both your artistic vision and your budget.
Why Artists Choose COE 96 Fusible Glass
Once you start working with COE 96 glass, you’ll quickly see why it’s a favorite in the glass art community. From beginners to seasoned professionals, artists appreciate its reliable nature and creative flexibility. It’s a type of glass that works with you, not against you, making it a fantastic choice for a wide range of projects. Whether you’re just starting or looking for a dependable material for your next masterpiece, COE 96 has some clear advantages that make it stand out. Let’s look at a few of the reasons it has earned such a loyal following.
A Forgiving Glass for First-Time Fusers
If you’re new to glass fusing, COE 96 glass is one of the best materials to start with. Artists often describe it as “soft” and “forgiving” because it has a long working range and a wide margin for error. This means you have a bit more time and flexibility when heating and shaping it before it becomes too rigid or overworked. This forgiving nature helps build confidence, allowing you to experiment and learn without the frustration of a less cooperative material. It’s the perfect partner for mastering the fundamentals of cutting, arranging, and firing your first few projects.
Achieve Predictable, Stable Results in the Kiln
One of the biggest challenges in glass art is unpredictability in the kiln. Artists love COE 96 glass because it’s incredibly stable and delivers consistent, reliable results time after time. You can count on it to fuse smoothly and evenly, which is essential when creating everything from intricate jewelry and suncatchers to layered glass panels and bowls. This predictability means you can spend more time focusing on your design and less time worrying about whether your glass will behave as expected during firing. When you invest time and materials into a piece, knowing your kiln firing will be successful is a huge advantage.
Perfect for Fusing, Slumping, and Casting
COE 96 is often called “Heat Compliant” because it’s so versatile for hot glass techniques. It’s not just for simple fusing projects. You can use it for slumping, which involves shaping the glass over molds to create three-dimensional forms like plates, bowls, and sculptures. It’s also suitable for casting, flameworking, and even glass blowing. This versatility opens up a world of creative possibilities, allowing you to expand your skills and explore different forms of glass art without having to switch to a new type of glass. It’s a true workhorse that supports your artistic growth.
What Types of 96 COE Glass Can You Create With?
When you start with glass fusing, you probably picture large sheets of colored glass. While that’s a huge part of it, the world of COE 96 is so much bigger! Think of sheet glass as your canvas. From there, you can add layers of texture, fine details, and dazzling effects using a whole range of compatible glass forms. This variety is what makes working with COE 96 so much fun—you have an entire toolbox of materials that are guaranteed to play well together in the kiln. Let’s look at some of the most popular options you can add to your studio.
Sheet Glass: A Rainbow of Colors and Textures
Sheet glass is the foundation of most fusing projects. It comes in a rainbow of colors, from solid opaques to brilliant transparents, and even sheets with unique textures that add depth right from the start. Brands like Oceanside and Wissmach have created entire families of COE 96 glass products designed to work together perfectly, so you can mix and match colors and styles with confidence. Whether you’re creating a simple suncatcher or a complex panel, starting with the right sheet glass sets the stage for a beautiful, stable result that will last.
Major Manufacturers and Product Variety
When you choose to work with COE 96, you’re tapping into a rich ecosystem supported by some of the most respected names in glass art. Major manufacturers like Oceanside Glass, Wissmach, and Youghiogheny have dedicated themselves to producing extensive lines of compatible products. This means you can find a vast selection of colors and styles, all guaranteed to fuse together flawlessly. Brands like Wissmach Glass even test their entire product family—from sheet glass to frit and cullet—to ensure perfect compatibility. This commitment from manufacturers gives you the freedom to mix and match materials with confidence, knowing your final piece will be strong and stable.
Popular Styles, Colors, and Unique Textures
The creative potential within the COE 96 glass family is nearly endless, thanks to the incredible variety of styles, colors, and textures available. You’ll find transparent glass that lets light shine through beautifully, streaky glass that blends multiple colors for an artistic effect, and opalescent glass for rich, solid color. The color palette is dominated by gorgeous blues and greens, but also includes warm ambers and dazzling iridescent coatings. To add even more dimension, you can find unique textures like the gentle waves of Water Glass or the subtle pattern of Rough Rolled, giving your artwork depth before it even enters the kiln.
Add Intricate Detail with Frit, Powder, and Stringers
Ready to add some flair? This is where frit, powder, and stringers come in. Frit is simply crushed glass that comes in different grain sizes, from chunky bits to fine powder, perfect for creating speckled patterns or shaded effects. Stringers are thin, spaghetti-like strands of glass used for drawing lines or adding delicate details to your work. Using these materials allows you to move beyond solid blocks of color and add intricate, painterly touches to your fused glass art. You can create everything from abstract designs to detailed landscapes with these versatile forms.
Create Unique Effects with Pre-Cuts and Dichroic Glass
If you want to add specific shapes without the hassle of cutting them yourself, pre-cuts are a lifesaver. You can find circles, squares, and all sorts of fun shapes ready to place in your design. For a more spontaneous look, confetti consists of thin, flaky shards of glass that you can scatter for a playful, mosaic-like effect. And for a touch of magic, there’s dichroic glass. This specialty glass has a metallic coating that shimmers and shifts between different colors depending on the light, adding a fantastic focal point to any piece of jewelry or art.
Explore Specialty Glass Forms for Detailed Work
Once you’ve mastered the basics of cutting sheet glass and working with frit, you can start exploring the specialty glass forms that add incredible detail and personality to your work. These are the elements that can take a project from good to truly unique. Think of them as the finishing touches or the secret ingredients that make your art stand out. From intricate, pre-made patterns to tiny dots of color that create texture and depth, these materials open up a new level of creativity. They allow you to achieve effects that would be difficult or impossible with sheet glass alone, giving you more tools to bring your vision to life in the kiln.
Murrine and Cane
If you want to add complex, repeating patterns to your work, murrine and cane are fantastic options. Murrine are small, patterned glass slices created by layering and pulling glass into a long rod, then slicing it into thin cross-sections. These slices can feature designs like flowers, snowflakes, or geometric shapes, allowing you to place intricate details exactly where you want them. Cane is similar but refers to the striped glass rods themselves, which you can cut into smaller pieces to create lines or add striped accents. Both are perfect for jewelry, small decorative pieces, or adding a focal point to a larger panel.
Frit Balls, Dots, and Powder Wafers
For adding texture and fine detail, look no further than frit balls, dots, and powder wafers. Frit balls are tiny spheres of glass that can be sprinkled onto your project to create a bubbly, textured surface. Dots are small, flat, round pieces of glass that are perfect for creating polka-dot patterns or the centers of flowers. Powder wafers are thin, circular pieces made from compressed glass powder, offering a soft, matte finish that contrasts beautifully with glossy sheet glass. Using these tiny elements allows you to build up layers of color and texture, creating a sense of depth and visual interest in your fused glass art.
Cullet and Custom Precut Shapes
Sometimes you need a more organic shape or a perfectly precise one, and that’s where cullet and precuts come in. Cullet refers to larger, broken chunks of glass that are great for casting projects or creating a chunky, jewel-like effect when fused. On the other end of the spectrum, custom precut shapes offer incredible convenience, saving you the time and effort of cutting complex designs yourself. Whether you need perfect circles, stars, or even animal shapes, these pieces make it easy to add specific design elements to your work. Both options expand your creative toolkit within the COE 96 glass family, offering flexibility for any project.
Choosing the Right COE 96 Glass for Your Project
Once you’ve decided to work with COE 96 glass, the fun part begins: picking out your materials! With so many colors, textures, and forms available, it’s easy to get excited. But a little planning goes a long way in making sure your finished piece looks exactly as you imagined. Choosing the right glass isn’t just about color; it’s about understanding how different types of glass will behave in the kiln.
Think about your project’s structure, design, and purpose. Are you making a flat panel, a slumped bowl, or a delicate piece of jewelry? Each project has unique needs. A sturdy plate will require a different glass combination than a light-catching suncatcher. By considering thickness, transparency, and your overall goal from the start, you set yourself up for a successful and stress-free fusing experience. Let’s walk through the key factors to consider when selecting your COE 96 glass.
How to Match Glass Thickness and Form
While all COE 96 glass is technically compatible, it’s a good practice to use glass of a similar thickness for the main body of your project, especially if you’re a beginner. Fusing a very thick piece of glass to a very thin one can sometimes create an uneven result or internal stress. Most sheet glass comes in a standard 3mm thickness, which is a great starting point. You can then add dimension and detail with other forms like frit, stringers, and powders. These smaller elements are designed to melt smoothly onto the base glass without causing structural issues, giving you plenty of creative freedom.
A Guide to Planning Color and Transparency
The magic of glass fusing happens when colors and light interact. The Spectrum System 96 glass family was designed to work together beautifully, but it’s still important to plan your layers. An opaque color on the bottom layer will look very different than a transparent one. When you stack colors, they will blend and create new shades where they overlap. If you’re unsure how two colors will look when fused, create a small test tile first. This simple step can save you from unexpected results in a larger piece and helps you learn how different types of glass—like opalescent, transparent, or dichroic—play together.
Understanding How Glass Changes When Fired
The color and texture of glass before it enters the kiln is only part of the story. Firing isn’t just about melting; it’s a transformative process where heat can trigger chemical reactions and physical changes within the glass itself. Some of these changes are subtle, while others can create dramatic and beautiful effects you might not have expected. Knowing what to look for can help you either avoid surprises or use these properties to your artistic advantage. Understanding these potential shifts is key to moving from simply assembling glass to truly collaborating with it.
Working with Reactive Glass
Some types of glass are known as “reactive” because they contain elements that create a chemical reaction when fused against certain other glasses. For example, some Wissmach colors contain copper, while others contain sulfur. When a copper-bearing glass and a sulfur-bearing glass touch during firing, they react to form a dark, often reddish-brown or black, line where they meet. This isn’t a flaw—it’s a feature! Artists intentionally use these reactions to create outlines, shading, and unique effects in their designs. Just be sure to check manufacturer notes to know which colors are reactive so you can plan for this beautiful phenomenon in your work.
Color Shifts in Opaque and Prisma Glass
The color you see on the shelf isn’t always the color you’ll get out of the kiln. This is especially true for certain opaque and Prisma glass colors, which can “strike” or mature when fired. This means their color may become deeper, darker, or more solid after heating. A pale, semi-translucent pink might fire to a rich, solid coral, for instance. This change is a predictable part of the glass’s chemical makeup. If you’re working with a new color and the final shade is critical to your design, it’s always a smart idea to fire a small test piece first to see its true, post-firing personality.
The Importance of Testing for Compatibility
While sticking to the COE 96 family is the most important rule, it’s also wise to remember that slight variations can exist between different manufacturers. Brands like Wissmach and Oceanside design their COE 96 glass to be compatible, but for large or complex projects, a quick test is your best insurance policy. Before committing all your materials, fuse a small piece of each type of glass you plan to use. After it cools, check the seam. It should be smooth and flat, with no curving or cracking. This simple step confirms that the glasses will shrink and cool in perfect harmony inside your kiln, preventing potential stress fractures and ensuring your final piece is strong and stable.
Project-Specific Tips and Tricks
Successful glass fusing comes from developing disciplined working habits and understanding your materials. If you’re making something that needs to be shaped, like a bowl or a platter, you’ll need to consider how the glass will slump over a mold. Some glass styles and combinations hold their shape better, while others might stretch or become thinner as they drape. For jewelry, you might focus on intricate details using fine frit or stringers. Don’t be afraid to experiment, but always stick to products labeled as COE 96 compatible to ensure your piece holds together permanently.
Your Essential Toolkit for Working with COE 96 Glass
Once you’ve picked out your beautiful sheets of COE 96 glass, the next step is gathering the right tools for the job. Having a well-equipped studio doesn’t mean you need every gadget on the market, but a few key items will make your creative process much smoother and more successful. Think of these as your foundational toolkit—the essentials that will help you cut, shape, and fire your glass with confidence.
Getting started is all about mastering the basics, and that includes your equipment. We’ll walk through the three main categories of tools you’ll need: a kiln for firing your creations, tools for cutting and handling your glass safely, and molds for giving your pieces dimension and shape. With these items on hand, you’ll be ready to turn your artistic vision into a stunning finished piece.
Your Kiln and Firing Schedule, Explained
Your kiln is the heart of your glass fusing studio. It’s where the real magic happens, transforming separate pieces of glass into a single, solid creation. When working with COE 96 glass, having a reliable kiln that can follow a precise heating and cooling sequence is absolutely critical. This sequence, known as a firing schedule, ensures your glass fuses properly without cracking or trapping bubbles.
A typical full fuse schedule for COE 96 glass involves slowly heating the glass to around 1450°F. A great practice is to include an initial hold at a lower temperature, like 300°F, to let any moisture escape before you ramp up to the top temperature. Following a tested firing schedule takes the guesswork out of the process and gives you consistent, beautiful results every time.
Must-Have Cutting Tools and Safety Gear
To bring your designs to life, you’ll need a few essential tools for cutting and shaping your glass. You don’t need much to get started! The basics include a quality glass cutter for scoring your glass, running pliers to cleanly break the glass along the score line, and a grinder to smooth any sharp or uneven edges. These three tools will handle most of the cutting work for your projects.
Just as important as your cutting tools is your safety gear. Working with glass is incredibly fun, but it’s important to protect yourself. Always wear safety glasses to shield your eyes from small glass shards. A good pair of gloves can prevent cuts, and if you’re grinding, a dust mask is a must to avoid inhaling fine glass particles. Staying safe means you can enjoy your craft for years to come.
Using Molds for Shaping and Slumping
If you want to create more than just flat pieces, you’ll need molds. Molds are what allow you to transform a flat, fused design into a three-dimensional object like a bowl, a plate, or a decorative sculpture. This process is called slumping, where the fused glass softens in the kiln and “slumps” into the shape of the mold.
You can find molds in countless shapes and sizes, from simple circles and squares to more intricate floral or geometric patterns. When choosing a mold, make sure it’s designed for glass fusing and can withstand high temperatures. Applying a kiln wash or shelf primer to your mold before use will prevent the glass from sticking. Molds are a fantastic way to add function and artistry to your fused glass pieces.
Common Mistakes to Avoid with COE 96 Glass
Every artist makes mistakes—it’s a natural part of the creative process! When you’re working with glass, however, a few common errors can lead to cracked projects and wasted materials. The good news is that they’re easy to avoid once you know what to look for. Think of these as the foundational rules of glass fusing. By keeping these simple principles in mind, you can set yourself up for beautiful, successful results right from the start and spend more time bringing your ideas to life.
Why You Should Never Mix Different COEs
This is the golden rule of glass fusing: always use glass with the same Coefficient of Expansion (COE) in a single project. When you fuse glasses with different COEs, like mixing COE 96 glass with COE 90, they expand and contract at different rates inside the kiln. This creates immense internal stress that will cause your piece to crack, either during cooling or sometimes even weeks later. To prevent this heartbreak, keep your glass scraps clearly labeled and separated by COE. It’s a simple organizational habit that will save you a lot of frustration down the road.
The Right Way to Store and Handle Your Glass
Your glass is the star of the show, so treat it with care even before it enters the kiln. Store your sheets vertically in a sturdy rack or horizontally with separators to prevent scratches and chips. Before you start a project, make sure to clean your glass thoroughly to remove any dust or oils from your fingers, as these can cause imperfections during firing. This care extends to your kiln setup, too. Always prepare your kiln shelf properly with kiln wash or shelf paper to prevent the glass from sticking permanently—a mistake that can ruin both your project and your shelf.
Troubleshooting Common Firing Schedule Errors
A firing schedule is essentially a recipe that tells your kiln how hot to get and for how long. Using the wrong schedule is one of the fastest ways to get disappointing results. COE 96 glass has specific temperature requirements for processes like fusing, slumping, and annealing. Firing too hot can cause colors to burn out or details to blur, while firing too cool can result in an incomplete fuse. Always follow a tested firing schedule designed for COE 96. It’s a great idea to keep a logbook of the schedules you use for your kiln and the results you get, so you can perfect your process over time.
Beginner-Friendly Techniques for COE 96 Glass
Once you have your glass and tools, it’s time for the fun part: making something beautiful. COE 96 glass is perfect for beginners because it’s so workable and forgiving. You don’t need to be an expert to get started. These simple techniques will help you build your skills and create your first fused glass pieces with confidence. Let’s walk through a few foundational methods.
Getting Started with Basic and Tack Fusing
Fusing is the process of melting glass pieces together in a kiln, and it’s where the magic happens. The most important rule is to only fuse glass with the same COE. When you fuse glass with different COE values, they expand and contract at different rates, creating internal stress that will cause your piece to crack. So, stick exclusively with COE 96 glass for your project. A “full fuse” melts glass layers into one smooth, flat surface, great for making coasters or pendants. “Tack fusing” uses a lower temperature to just stick the glass pieces together, preserving their individual shapes and textures. This technique adds dimension and is perfect for creating more sculptural pieces.
Simple Techniques for Cutting and Scoring Glass
Before you can fuse your glass, you need to cut it to your desired shape. This might sound intimidating, but many artists find COE 96 glass to be famously easy to cut. You’ll need a few basic tools: a glass cutter for scoring a line on the surface and running pliers to snap the glass along that line. Start by practicing on scrap glass to get a feel for the right amount of pressure. The goal is to make a consistent, even score from one edge to the other. With a little practice, you’ll be cutting clean lines and simple curves, opening up a world of design possibilities.
Essential Safety Practices for Working with Glass
Working with glass requires some caution, but following key safety practices will keep you protected. Always wear safety glasses to shield your eyes from small shards that might fly off during cutting or handling. It’s also a good idea to wear closed-toe shoes and consider gloves to protect your hands from sharp edges. Keep your workspace clean and organized to prevent accidents. When you’re ready to fire your project, make sure your kiln is in a well-ventilated area. These simple precautions ensure your glass art journey is safe and enjoyable.
Where to Find Quality COE 96 Fusing Glass
Finding the right glass is just as important as having the right design. When you’re working with COE 96, you need a reliable source for high-quality, compatible materials. The last thing you want is to spend hours on a piece only to have it crack in the kiln because of inconsistent glass. Luckily, there are great places to find exactly what you need, whether you’re just starting out or stocking up your professional studio. It’s all about knowing where to look and what to look for.
A good supplier doesn’t just sell you glass; they provide a consistent and diverse inventory that you can trust for every project. This means offering everything from basic sheets to specialty items like dichroic glass and frit, all guaranteed to be compatible. Having a go-to source simplifies your creative process, removing the guesswork and uncertainty of sourcing materials from multiple places. It also helps you build a palette of colors and textures you know will work well together. Let’s explore some of the best ways to source your COE 96 glass so you can focus on the fun part: creating beautiful art.
Finding a Reliable Online Supplier
Whether you’re a seasoned artist or just firing up your first kiln, having a wide variety of glass to choose from is key. ArtGlassSupplies.com offers a huge selection of COE 96 fusing glass that’s perfect for any project you can dream up. Remember, you should never mix glass with different COE ratings, like COE 90 and COE 96, in the same piece. Doing so creates stress as the glass cools, which almost always leads to cracking. Sticking to one trusted supplier for your compatible glass helps you avoid that heartbreaking outcome and ensures your finished work is strong and stable.
Finding High-Quality Glass on Any Budget
Glass art can be an investment, but it doesn’t have to break the bank. When you’re searching for COE 96 glass, look for a supplier that offers options for every budget without compromising on quality. This ensures that you can find the right materials whether you’re experimenting with a new technique or creating a large-scale commission. Think of it this way: spending a little more on guaranteed compatible glass is much more cost-effective than losing a project to cracking. By choosing quality materials from the start, you save time, money, and the frustration of a failed firing.
Typical Pricing for Accessory Glass
Budgeting for your projects is much easier when you have a general idea of what different materials cost. While sheet glass forms the base of your work, adding details with accessory glass is what truly makes a piece unique. For intricate patterns, murrine packs usually cost between $19 and $22. If you want to add fine lines, stringer samples are an affordable option at around $8. Precut shapes offer great convenience, with small bails starting around $6 and larger circles closer to $16. Other textural elements like frit balls are typically priced near $17, while playful dot assortments can be found for about $9. Knowing these price points helps you mix and match different elements to create stunning designs that fit your budget perfectly.
Why a Beginner’s Kit is a Great Way to Start
If you’re new to glass fusing, the sheer number of options can feel overwhelming. That’s why starting with a beginner’s kit is such a great idea. These kits are designed to give you everything you need for your first few projects, and they typically include a curated selection of compatible COE 96 glass pieces. This takes all the guesswork out of the equation, so you can be confident that your materials will play nicely together in the kiln. It’s a fantastic way to learn the fundamentals and build your confidence before you start building your own glass collection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the main difference between COE 90 and COE 96 glass? Think of them as two different families of glass that simply don’t get along in the kiln. The numbers refer to how much they expand when heated. While both COE 90 and COE 96 offer a huge range of beautiful colors and forms, they can’t be mixed in a fusing project. The key isn’t that one is better than the other, but that you must choose one family and stick with it for every single element in your piece, from the base sheet to the tiniest sprinkle of frit.
Can I tell what COE my glass is just by looking at it? Unfortunately, no. There is no visual difference between COE 90 and COE 96 glass, which is why organization is so important in your studio. The only way to be certain is to rely on the manufacturer’s label. This is why it’s a great habit to label all your glass and keep your scraps separated in clearly marked bins. This simple step will save you from the heartache of a cracked piece due to an accidental mix-up.
What happens if I accidentally fuse a small piece of COE 90 glass into my COE 96 project? Even a tiny piece of incompatible glass can ruin an entire project. As the piece cools, the two different types of glass will shrink at different rates, creating a point of intense stress. This tension will almost always cause a crack to form, and it might not happen right away in the kiln. The crack could appear hours, days, or even weeks later, radiating out from that one incompatible spot.
Is COE 96 a better choice for beginners than COE 90? While many incredible artists use both, COE 96 is often recommended for beginners because it’s known for being very forgiving. It has a slightly longer working time and a reputation for being “softer” and easier to cut. This can make the learning process a bit smoother and less frustrating when you’re just getting the hang of cutting and firing. Ultimately, the best choice is the one you learn with and feel comfortable using.
Do I need to worry about COE if I’m just slumping a single sheet of glass? COE is all about compatibility between different pieces of glass being melted together. If you are simply taking one solid sheet of glass and slumping it into a mold to make a bowl or plate, you don’t need to worry about its COE. Since you aren’t fusing it to any other glass, there’s nothing for it to be incompatible with. The moment you decide to add another piece of glass to that design, however, COE becomes the most important rule.