Glasing

Glasing is a decorative technique used in glass art and ceramics in which a glaze-like coating is fused to a glass surface to create color, texture, and translucency. It differs from traditional pottery glazing in that glasing coatings are formulated to bond with glass and are applied in ways suited to smooth, nonporous substrates.

The term glasing appears in contemporary studio practice and is thought to have emerged in the early 21st century as artists explored enamel- and frit-based coatings designed for glass.

Process involves surface preparation (clean, lightly scored or sanded), application by brush, spray, or screen printing, and firing to fuse the coating. Firing temperatures depend on substrate and formulation, typically in the range of 700–900°C. Post-fire cooling and annealing help reduce internal stress.

Materials used include ground glass frits, vitreous enamels formulated for glass, and pigments; some formulations use metallic oxides for color; some glasing finishes produce opal or iridescent effects.

Variants include transparent, opaque, opalescent, or textured finishes. Multi-layer applications can create depth, and layering may yield effects such as runny or crackle textures. Compatibility with projects ranging from small art objects to architectural glass is a consideration.

Applications and durability: glasing is employed in studio artworks, architectural panels, and glass-ceramic hybrids. Glaze-like coatings are generally durable when properly fused but may be sensitive to solvents and UV exposure; long-term stability depends on formulation and firing conditions.

See also: glazing, enamel, frit, ceramic glaze.