Understanding Striker Glasses
What Are Striker Glasses?
Striker glasses are a special category of fusible glass that develop their full color only after being heated. In their unfired state, striker glasses may appear pale, milky, or even completely different from their final fired color.
How Striker Glasses Work
The color development in striker glasses occurs through a process called "striking" during firing. When heated to specific temperatures during kiln firing, metallic compounds within the glass undergo chemical changes that reveal the glass's true, vibrant colors. This transformation is what gives striker glasses their name.
Working with Striker Glasses
Temperature Matters: Striker glasses require adequate heat-work to fully develop their color. The exact temperature and duration will vary by color. See notes for particular glass styles in About Our Glass.
Testing Recommended: Always test striker glasses with your specific firing schedule, as different kiln programs can produce varying results.
Patience Rewarded: Don't judge the color until after firing! The unfired colors of many strikers will give way to rich, saturated hues with proper heatwork.
For Stained Glass & Mosaic Artists
Striker glasses offer unique versatility for stained glass and mosaic work. You can choose to use the glass in its unfired "cold" state, or fire the sheet to obtain the full struck color before cutting and assembling your project. This flexibility allows you to incorporate the stuck or unstruck color, depending on your artistic vision.
Popular Striker Colors
Common striker glass colors include:
- Ruby Red & Pink: Develop from pale pink to deep ruby tones
- Oranges & Corals: Transform from milky to vibrant warm hues
- Purples & Violets: Emerge from nearly clear to rich purple shades
- Specialty Tints: Including Burnt Scarlet and Marzipan variations
Available Forms
We carry striker glasses in multiple forms to suit your project needs:
- Sheet Glass: 2mm and 3mm for cutting and layering
- Billets: Thick blocks ideal for casting and sculpting
- Frit: Ground glass in coarse, medium, fine, and powder grades for texture, casting, and detail work
- Casting Cuts: Pre-sized pieces for larger casting projects
Tips for Success
- For more on strikers and other essentials, visit What to Expect from Bullseye glass
- When working with gold-bearing colors like pink, purple, and coral, make sure to review the free article Properly Pink, Purple, and More
- When trying a new striker or using a new kiln, testing is always a good idea
- Keep detailed firing notes to track color development with your kiln
- Consider that striker glasses may look different at various stages of cooling
