Colored Frit
Crushed coloured glass graded by mesh size, rolled onto a hot gather for speckled colour.
Coloring
| Particle size | Mesh 100 - 200 |
|---|---|
| COE match | Within plus or minus 1 point |
| Application | Sifted through a screen or dusted from a bag |
| Typical dosage | Light dusting, 2 - 6 percent by surface volume |
Compatible glass types
Soda-lime
Borosilicate
Lead crystal
Compatibility assumes the tool is rated for the working temperature of that glass family. Check the maker's documentation before use.
Overview
Powder is frit taken to the far end of the scale, around mesh 100 to 200. It behaves less like sand and more like pigment: sifted through a screen it settles into a soft gradient, and dusted between layers of clear it produces internal haze and depth. Because the particles are so small, powder fuses almost instantly and is easy to over-apply.
Safety notes
- Powder is the most airborne of all colourants. A fitted respirator is required, not optional.
- Work in front of extraction and let dust settle before removing the mask.
Using it well
Practical guidance
- Sift from a height to get an even gradient rather than a dense patch.
- Layer powder between gathers of clear for internal depth.
- Less is more. Powder that looks faint on the marver reads strong once cased.
What to look for
- Fine grade that fuses almost instantly
- Suitable for gradients and internal haze
- Available in matching COE families
Reference information only. Specifications are published ranges drawn from manufacturer documentation and normalised for comparison. They vary between makers and between individual units. This page does not sell or endorse any product, and does not guarantee any result. Follow the equipment manufacturer's instructions and take hands-on instruction before operating hot glass equipment.
Related
Tools used alongside the glass powder
Gold Leaf
Transfer gold applied to hot glass, where it fuses into a metallic surface layer.
Coloring
Grinding Medium
Abrasive grit and carrier used to prepare or texture a glass surface before finishing.
Coloring
See the color & surface workflow
Read the category overview, or jump into the 3D Studio to see these tools applied to a live piece.