Etched Whirl Pattern covers the field with interlocking spirals, tight coils, and scrolling whirls — scattered spiral linework defined by fine etched lines. This etched dichroic glass is line-forward, with the coating filling the open curves between each swirl. This pattern is freestyle and non-repeating.
An iridescent base balances this pattern best — the dense coating field and fine etched lines spread light evenly rather than depending on a dark backdrop for contrast. Darker bases also work, sharpening the etched lines into crisp relief.
Best for jewelry, cabochons, and focal cuts, as well as accent strips where the dense pattern keeps its movement in cut pieces.
Specifications
- SKU: 173196
- Category: Freestyle Etched Dichroic Glass
- Pattern: Etched Whirl Pattern
- Type: Freestyle 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 base drop-down
- Coating: Dichroic; color shift varies with lighting and viewing angle
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 Whirl 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 Whirl 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?
This is a dense, line-forward pattern, so an iridescent or clear base balances it well — the coating shimmer carries across the surface without relying on a dark field. A darker base sharpens the etched swirl lines when more contrast is wanted. Final pairing is yours to pick from the base drop-down.
