Colored Frit
Crushed coloured glass graded by mesh size, rolled onto a hot gather for speckled colour.
Coloring
| Purity | 23 karat typical |
|---|---|
| Thickness | Approximately 0.1 micrometre |
| Sheet size | 80 x 80 mm transfer sheets |
| Application temperature | 500 - 600 °C |
| Finish | Bright metallic, can be burnished |
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
Gold leaf applied to glass at around 500 to 600 °C fuses into the surface and stays bright, unlike cold gilding which wears away. It is applied with a soft brush or a pad because the leaf is far too fragile to touch, and it is used for rims, bands and small accents rather than full coverage.
Safety notes
- Gold leaf is thin enough to be inhaled if handled in a draft. Work in still air.
- The piece is still hot enough to burn at application temperature. Use a pad, never fingers.
Using it well
Practical guidance
- Apply to a surface that has just stopped glowing. Too hot and the leaf burns away, too cold and it will not fuse.
- A second, cooler pass can be burnished with a soft brush for extra brightness.
- Keep the leaf book closed. A draft will take the whole sheet.
What to look for
- Transfer sheets that are easier to place than loose leaf
- Fuses permanently into the glass surface
- Suitable for rims, bands and accent details
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 gold leaf
Glass Powder
Finely milled coloured glass, sifted or dusted onto hot glass for soft gradients.
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.