Diatoms Color Decal Sheet

This sheet carries fifteen circular decals depicting intricate diatom-inspired patterns. Diatoms are microscopic organisms whose silica shells form precise, radially symmetrical structures, and these decals translate that natural geometry into detailed, colorful compositions. Each circle on the sheet is distinct: the set ranges across warm earth tones of brown, tan, and gold, rich blues and deep greens, pinks, and warm reds and oranges. Some designs feature concentric petal rings and spoke arrangements in a mandala-like layout, while others rely on fine cross-hatched geometry or bold starburst forms. The variety across all fifteen circles gives you many design options from a single sheet.

These are water-slide color decals designed to be fired onto the surface of pre-fired glass. Because they bond to the glass surface rather than fusing as a glass layer, they are compatible with any COE glass. To use, soak a decal briefly in water until it releases from its paper backing, slide it into position on clean, pre-fired glass, smooth away air bubbles and excess water with a soft squeegee or fingertip, let it dry fully, then fire. Like most color decals, these show their strongest color and crispest detail on white or very light-colored glass, and they lose visual strength on medium to dark glass.

What designs are shown on this sheet?
The sheet holds fifteen circular decals, each with a unique diatom-inspired pattern built around radial symmetry. Motifs include concentric petal rings, spoke arrangements, and fine geometric lattices. Colors vary across the set and include earth tones, blues, greens, reds, pinks, and warm golds, so each circle has its own distinct character.

Are these decals compatible with my COE glass?
Yes. Water-slide decals are applied and fired onto the surface of pre-fired glass rather than fused as a glass layer, so they do not need to match a specific COE. They work with any COE glass you are using.

How do I apply a water-slide decal?
Soak the decal in clean water until it slides freely off its backing paper, then position it on the surface of clean, pre-fired glass. Smooth out water and air pockets with a soft squeegee or fingertip, working from the center outward. Allow the decal to dry completely before loading your kiln.

What glass color works best with these decals?
Because these are color decals, they show the clearest detail and strongest color on white or very light-colored glass. On medium to dark glass the imagery will lose strength and may not read well in the finished piece.

Specifications

• SKU: 154403
• Sold as a printed water-slide decal sheet
• Sheet size: 5.25 x 4 inches
• Decal count: 15 colorful circular diatom-inspired designs
• Firing range: 1275 to 1380 degrees
• Fires onto pre-fired glass of any COE

Working Notes

Apply decals only to clean, smooth, pre-fired glass. Oils, dust, or residue beneath a decal will show in the fired piece. Position each decal carefully while wet because it can shift before it sets. Allow decals to dry completely before loading the kiln. These color decals show the most detail on white or very light glass, and lose strength on medium to darker colors. Test on a small sample piece using your intended glass and your own kiln before committing a finished project.

Suggested Firing Schedule (the manufacturer's recommendation, a starting point only): This full-color sheet fires to a peak of 1275 to 1380 degrees, held about 10 minutes. Ventilate the kiln well up to 1000 degrees and fire slowly below 500 degrees. Ramp 50 DPH to 185 degrees, hold 20 minutes. Ramp 150 DPH to 300 degrees, hold 15 minutes. Ramp 250 DPH to 500 degrees, hold 15 minutes. Ramp 600 DPH to 1000 degrees, hold 10 minutes. Ramp 1000 DPH to 1275 to 1380 degrees, hold 10 minutes. Anneal for the thickness of your glass. Every kiln fires differently, so test a small piece first.

Description updated: July 6, 2026

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