Etched Wisps Pattern weaves ribbon strands, curling tendrils, and spiral hooks across a dense field of organic flowing linework. On this etched dichroic glass, thin etched channels separate each bundled band, and the effect is line-forward — all motion and overlap. This pattern tiles seamlessly.
An iridescent base suits this dense pattern best; the subtle linework balances against a base with its own quiet movement rather than fighting a stark, high-contrast field. Clear bases also work, letting the etched channels stay crisp and open against the dichroic coating.
Best for statement panels and focal cuts, where the continuous flow has room to move.
Specifications
- SKU: 174125
- Category: Freestyle Etched Dichroic Glass
- Pattern: Etched Wisps
- Type: Freestyle etched dichroic glass
- Sheet size: 4" x 4"
- Weight: 1.8 oz
- COE: Available in COE90 or COE96
- Construction: Dichroic coating with etched pattern over customer-selected base
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 Wisps 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 Wisps 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, subtle linework pattern, so an iridescent base balances it well — its own movement complements the fine etched channels without overwhelming them. A clear base keeps the channels crisp and open. Final pairing is yours to pick from the base drop-down.
