Glass Finder

Coefficient of Expansion A Coefficient of Expansion (COE) is simply a measurement of the rate that glass will expand and contract when it is heated and cooled. To fuse multiple pieces of glass together, it's important to use glass that is compatible. Fusible glass manufacturers test their glass to guarantee the COE (sometimes referred to as "tested-compatible"). To avoid stress-cracks and breakage, it is very important to use glass that has the same COE.

The two main COEs for fusible glass are 90 and 96. The main difference between the two is that 96 is generally softer and fuses at lower temperatures than 90. Regardless of the COE you decide to work with, you will have an amazing selection of colors to use in your palette.

96 is Great for Beginners 96 COE glass is excellent for beginners because it has a longer working range that provides more gradual heating changes. 96 COE glass gets softer as it gets hotter, then it becomes more rigid as it cools, with a smooth progression and predictability. Of course, these easy to work with properties also make it a favorite with many advanced artisans.

90 Offers an Incredible Selection Looking for a huge color palette? 90 COE glass has been used by glass artists for many years, resulting in an amazing selection of color that has been developed for fusers. Delphi offers hundreds of types of 90 CEO glass. In addition to the colors there's plenty of dazzling effects, including textures, streamers, feathers and streaks. Not to mention iridized and dichroic coatings, frit, confetti and stringers!

Frit Glass frit is crushed glass commonly used in casting and fusing projects. Use frit to add dimension, special effects, print, or even paint on glass. Check the frit COE to make sure it's compatible with your fused glass project.

Rods Rods are primary used for project that use a torch. Melt the end of the rod in the torch, then apply it to your artwork. Make sure to check the rod's COE to make sure it's compatible with your project.

Sheets Glass sheets are flat pieces of glass commonly used for stained glass or fusing projects. Delphi sells sheets in small to large sizes. Sizes may change depending on type of glass and manufacturer.

Tiles Perfect for mosaic projects, tiles are very small glass or tile pieces that can easily be added to your project.

Standard 1/8" or 3mm is the standard thickness for stained glass. This glass will work well for copper foil, came, and fusing projects.

Thick Thicker glass is great for fusing or casting projects that need more stability. For plates and tiles it is suggested that you start with two standard or one thick piece of glass.

Thin Thin glass is 2mm instead of 3mm. It is often used in fusing or casting projects to add design elements or to achieve a layered effect.

Dichroic Glass coated with metallic oxides that reflect different colors depending on the angle of light. Creates a dramatic, multi-colored shimmer effect.

Iridized Glass treated to produce a rainbow-like metallic sheen on the surface, similar to the look of an oil slick or mother of pearl.

Mirror Glass with a reflective mirror coating on one side.

Opaque Glass that does not allow light to pass through. Colors appear solid and consistent whether viewed in natural light or backlit.

Streaky Glass with an opalescent base that has streaks of color running through it. Because the base is opaque, the color variation is visible from the front rather than through transmitted light.

Translucent Glass that allows some light to pass through, but not clearly. Sits between opaque and fully transparent.

Transparent Glass that allows light to pass through clearly. Colors are most vivid when backlit.

Wispy Glass with a transparent base that has wisps of opalescent glass swirled in. Because the base is transparent, light passes through and illuminates the milky wisps from behind.