What do I Need to start Glass Fusing?

What Equipment is needed to Fuse Glass?

If you've ever been enchanted by the mesmerizing beauty of fused glass artworks and wondered, "What do I need to start glass fusing?" you've come to the right place. At Fuse Muse Fused Glass, we're passionate about empowering aspiring fusers with the knowledge and tools to kickstart their creative endeavors. Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to expand your glass fusing skills, we're here to guide you every step of the way. As a trusted source for fusing supplies, we offer an extensive selection of silk screens and precision waterjet cut glass shapes in COE 90 and COE 96, ensuring that you have everything you need to bring your artistic visions to life. So, let's dive in and discover the essentials of glass fusing together!

If you're interested in creating beautiful, one-of-a-kind pieces of art using fusible stained glass, you'll need to gather some essential materials and tools. Here's what you'll need to get started with this fun and fulfilling hobby:

 Glass

The most important material for fusing glass is, of course, the glass itself. You can use clear or colored glass to create your designs. You can purchase glass sheets from a stained glass store or a hobby store that sells fusing glass. We also supply both COE 90 Glass shapes and COE 96 glass Shapes so you can be sure to get what ever you need to add to your project.

One thing you must remember is the golden rule of fusing - Do not mix COE's. I suggest purchasing glass that is either COE 96 or COE 90 to start. That way you know that you are only getting one COE and mixing won't occur. See my blog post here if you need further explanation of what COE is in relation to fusing glass. 

A Kiln

A kiln is a type of oven that is specifically designed for fusing glass. It heats the glass to high temperatures (usually between 1200-1700 degrees Fahrenheit) in order to melt and fuse the  glass pieces together. You can purchase a kiln or rent time in a community kiln if you don't want to invest in one for yourself. Due to the cost of kilns, many stained glass shops have kiln space you can rent or have them fire your project for you, which is a great option to start. 

If you are looking to purchase a kiln, there are many different brands, options and sizes you can choose from. My first kiln was a Paragon 16. This is a top loading kiln, with about 16" square space inside. It arrived with a kiln shelf and small stilts to place my shelf upon. It came with a 3 button controller, which I got to learn how to set from the instructions that came with it. 

Don't be afraid to use you Kiln

I have seen many comments about how people are afraid to use their kiln for the first time. Don't be! Give it a try! Put in a couple small pieces of glass (on kiln paper or once kiln washed) and set it to see what comes out. You will find that opening a kiln is like Christmas morning. It is like unwrapping a present to see what you have got. In the beginning when you open it, you will pray the kiln gods were in a favorable mood. Eventually, once you get to know your kiln, you will find that they rarely have off days. So don't be afraid! Go for it!

Glass Fusing Supplies

In addition to glass and a kiln, you'll need some other supplies to create your fused glass pieces. This includes things like kiln wash or separator sheets (to prevent the glass from sticking to the kiln shelf), and frit (crushed glass that can be used to add texture or color to your designs).

Hand Tools

There are a few tools that will be helpful when creating your fused glass pieces. This includes cutting tools (like a glass cutter and breaking pliers) to cut the glass into the shapes you need, a ruler to ensure straight cuts, and occasionally tweezers to pick up small pieces of glass or frit. To start, only a glass cutter is essential. You won't need all of the tools below but if you intend to kick your glass fusing up a notch, you may need to invest in some or all of the following. 

Get started Fusing Glass

With these materials and tools, you'll be well-equipped to start creating your own fused glass art. It's a fun and rewarding hobby that allows you to create beautiful and unique pieces of art that you (and your customers) can enjoy for years to come.

As we conclude our exploration into the essentials of glass fusing, we hope this blog post has provided you with valuable insights and inspiration to begin or continue your fusing journey. At Fuse Muse Fused Glass, we take immense pride in being your go-to destination for all things glass fusing. We invite you to explore our website and join our vibrant community of artists. Happy fusing!