How to Use Frit in Fused Glass

You can use frit to add interest and texture to fused glass projects.

Frit is ground, colored glass that is used decoratively in lampwork and glass fusing projects. It is available for purchase in many colors and color combinations, though you can easily make your own using scrap glass left over from other glassworking projects.

Things You'll Need

• Scrap glass
• Mortar and pestle
• Small container
• Kiln

Instructions

Making Your Own Frit

1. Place several pieces of scrap glass in the mortar and pestle. Use one color or multiple coordinating colors.

2. Use the mortar and pestle to crush the glass. Do not crush the glass too fine; it should be about the size of coarse sugar when finished.

3. Check your progress frequently. Remove any frit that is broken down to the appropriate size and retain any pieces that are still too large. Continue crushing glass until it is all the appropriate size.

Using Frit in Fused Glass

1. Create a design for your fused glass project using large pieces of glass.

2. Add a small amount of frit wherever you would like to add a speckled color effect to the project. Sprinkle the frit over the area using your fingers or a sugar spoon. Do not pile the frit, as it will cause a lump in the finished project.

3. When transferring your design to the kiln for firing, move slowly and carefully to avoid disturbing the frit and other decorative elements.

4. Fire the glass piece in the kiln. The heat will fuse all of the glass into one solid piece.

Tips & Warnings

• Different types of glass melt at different temperatures. This is denoted by a COE number, such as COE 90 or COE 96. These types heat and cool at different rates. It is important to use all the same type of glass in a project to avoid the project shattering or cracking while fusing.

References

• Art Glass 2: Basic Guide to Fusing Glass