Fused Glass Decals

Fused glass decals are ceramic decals that fire onto finished glass, adding detailed imagery that would be difficult to build from glass alone. Because the decal sits on top of the glass rather than in it, decals can be used with any COE, so they work in both COE90 and COE96 studios. Our current decal sheets are stocked in the Decals category, and this page collects the firing guidance that applies to all of them.

Low fire and high fire decals

Decals come in low fire and high fire versions, and the two use very different schedules. Low fire decals are generally fired between 1034 and 1074 degrees Fahrenheit, while high fire decals, including most metallic golds and coppers, fire between roughly 1300 and 1425 degrees Fahrenheit. Check the product page for the version you are buying and follow the schedule listed there.

Venting during burn off

The covercoat and medium in a decal need to burn off slowly during the heat up stages, and the fumes need somewhere to go. Vent the kiln by propping the lid open about 1 to 2 inches with kiln posts through the early part of the firing, then close it for the rest of the schedule. Good ventilation keeps burn off residue from settling back onto the glass.

Applying decals for clean results

Fire the base glass to its final shape first. A smooth, pre fired surface gives the decal even contact and helps prevent bubbles under the image. Clean the glass, soak the decal in distilled water until it releases from its backing, slide it into place, and squeegee out the water and air before drying and firing. Anneal for the thickness of your glass as you would for any firing.