Let’s be honest—standing in front of a rainbow of glass sheets is both exciting and overwhelming. If you're new to fused glass, picking the right colors for your first project can feel like a huge decision. Don’t worry—I’ve got you.
Start Simple: Contrast is Your Friend
For your first few projects, choose two colors that contrast clearly. Think lime green on turquoise, or bright orange with dark purple. High contrast makes your design pop and helps you get used to how colors behave when melted together.
Opaque vs. Transparent Glass
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Opaque glass is solid and blocks light. Great for bold designs.
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Transparent glass lets light shine through and adds depth. Try layering transparent colors of a similar color palette (ex: shades of greens and blues) or using clear glass to create light-catching effects.
Color Reactions to Watch For
Some glass colors contain metals that chemically react when fused together. For example:
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Sulfur + copper = dark grey reaction lines where the colors meet
Color Combos That Always Work
Here are a few tried-and-true palettes:
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Turquoise + White + a pop of Orange
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Black + Red + Clear
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Bright green + Turquoise + Teal
Tips for Choosing Your Palette
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Start with your favorite color and build around it
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Think about where the piece will live (bright sun? soft indoor light?)
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Use scrap glass to test small combinations before committing
Final Thoughts
Glass is a magical material—melting it adds a surprise element to every piece. The more you play with color, the more confident you’ll become.
Don’t be afraid to experiment, mix things up, and let your creativity lead the way. Sometimes the most unexpected combinations turn out to be your favorites.