The Etched Swirls Pattern sets concentric spiral coils in overlapping scalloped rows, each spiral wound tight against its neighbor in dense, continuous linework. The effect is line-forward and rhythmic, fine etched detail filling the whole field of this etched dichroic glass. This pattern tiles seamlessly.
An iridescent base suits this density best — its even shimmer carries through the tightly packed linework without fighting it, balancing the dense field rather than crowding it. A clear base also works, letting the spiral coils float and the coating shift freely under light.
Best for jewelry, cabochons, and focal cuts, with enough coverage to extend into statement panels and accent strips.
Specifications
- SKU: 174503
- Category: Freestyle Etched Dichroic Glass
- Pattern: Etched Swirls
- Type: Etched dichroic glass
- COE: Available in COE90 or COE96 (selected at order time)
- Sheet size: 4" x 4"
- Weight: 1.8 oz
- Base glass: Customer-selected from the drop-down
- Coating: Dichroic, etched pattern
Working Notes
Firing schedule: use the firing guidance for the base glass you select and adjust for your kiln, project thickness, layering, and desired finish. Firing schedules are guidelines, not guarantees. When appearance or compatibility is important, test a small piece before using the glass in a larger project.
Cap or no cap: Many artists use a clear cap to help protect the dichroic surface and create a richer, glassier look. Uncapped and tack-fused approaches may also be used depending on the project, firing style, and desired finish. Test a small piece first when the final appearance is important.
Cutting: score coating-side-down on the smooth back. Standard wheel, standard oil, standard pressure. Cut, run, separate as usual.
Anneal: Anneal according to the base glass manufacturer’s guidance for the total thickness and size of your project. The dichroic coating does not replace or reduce normal annealing requirements.
Devit risk: Devitrification risk depends on the base glass, firing temperature, kiln conditions, and surface exposure. A clear cap or appropriate glass-fusing practices may help protect the surface, especially when the base glass is prone to devit. Avoid direct flame unless you have tested the specific glass and coating combination.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is freestyle etched dichroic glass?
Freestyle etched dichroic is a dichroic-coated glass sheet where selected areas of the coating have been removed to leave a pattern. The remaining coating reflects and transmits light dichroically; the etched-through areas are clear to the base glass underneath. The coating is on one side of the sheet only. The pattern is intended for kiln-forming when used with compatible glass and appropriate firing practices.
What COE is available for Etched Swirls Pattern?
This pattern is available in COE90 or COE96 — select your preferred COE at order via the dropdown. The etched dichroic coating itself is COE-neutral; compatibility is set entirely by the base glass you select. Do not mix COE90 and COE96 in the same fused-glass project; incompatible expansion rates can cause cracking during cooling or later stress.
Which side of Etched Swirls Pattern is the dichroic coating on?
The coating is on the shinier, more reflective side. Hold the sheet up to a light: the side showing the pattern crisply with no shadow offset is the coated side. Cut coating-side-down to keep the pattern intact — pressure on the base glass, score line on the smooth back. Standard scoring oil and pressure; no special wheel needed.
Which base works best with this pattern?
The dense, fine spiral linework balances best on an iridescent or clear base, which carries the coating without competing with the tightly packed lines. Darker bases sharpen the etched contrast for a bolder result. Final pairing is yours to pick from the base drop-down.
