Coatings by Sandberg Inc (CBS) remains the undisputed global leader in the manufacturing of high-quality Dichroic glass, a specialized material that has revolutionized the art glass community. As of December 15, 2025, the company continues its tradition of innovation, blending advanced engineering with artistic vision to produce the most reliable and vibrant coated glass products for professional artists and hobbyists alike.
From their base in Orange, California, CBS has built a legacy that transcends mere manufacturing, becoming a central pillar in the world of glassblowing, fusing, and flameworking. The company's commitment to precision and consistency ensures that every piece of Dichroic glass they produce meets the rigorous demands of complex artistic projects, a standard set by the family's founding vision nearly three decades ago.
The Sandberg Legacy: Founders and Leadership Profile
Coatings by Sandberg Inc. is a family-owned corporation whose success is rooted in the unique combination of engineering expertise and a deep understanding of the art glass market. The current leadership continues to uphold the mission established by the founders: to supply the art glass community with consistent, uniform, and durable Dichroic glass.
- Gerald Lee “Jerry” Sandberg (1936–2021)
- Role: Co-Founder and former CEO.
- Background: A highly skilled engineer who received a bachelor's degree in engineering from UCLA.
- Contribution: His engineering background was instrumental in developing the precision manufacturing and vacuum deposition techniques that defined CBS's superior product quality.
- Nona Sandberg
- Role: Co-Founder and President.
- Contribution: Instrumental in forming Coatings by Sandberg, Inc. in 1996, focusing on supplying the art glass market with reliable Dichroic coatings.
- Howard Sandberg
- Role: Chief Financial Officer (CFO).
- Contribution: Part of the current family-run corporate structure, ensuring the company's financial stability and continued operation.
The Science and Art of CBS Dichroic Glass
The secret to Coatings by Sandberg's industry dominance lies in their proprietary manufacturing process, which centers on a highly technical method known as vacuum deposition. This process is what transforms ordinary glass into the vibrant, color-shifting material known as Dichroic glass.
Precision Vacuum Deposition
Vacuum deposition is a sophisticated technique where thin layers of metal oxides, such as titanium, silicon, or magnesium, are vaporized and deposited onto the surface of the glass inside a high-vacuum chamber. The thickness of these layers is carefully monitored and controlled, often measured in nanometers. This precise control over the coating layers is what creates the interference effect, causing the glass to display two different colors—one reflected and one transmitted—which shifts depending on the viewing angle.
CBS is recognized for its precision manufacturing and careful monitoring, resulting in Dichroic glass that is uniform and durable, a critical factor for artists working on large or complex projects.
Core Product Offerings for Glass Artists
Coatings by Sandberg caters to a diverse range of glass art disciplines by offering their Dichroic coatings on various forms and compatibility ratings. The two primary glass compatibility standards are 90 COE and 96 COE, ensuring their products can be successfully fused with other compatible art glasses.
Key product categories include:
- Dichroic Sheet Glass: Available in large formats, such as 19- or 24-inch rounds, perfect for cutting and incorporating into stained glass panels or larger fusing projects.
- Dichroic Frit: Small, crushed pieces of coated glass used in fusing and slumping to add texture and concentrated color effects. Popular options include the 'Ice' and 'Rainbow' frits.
- Custom Coating Services: CBS also provides tailored Dichroic coating services to meet specific project needs, allowing artists and manufacturers to coat their own substrates.
- Specialty Products: The company continuously works with artists to develop unique products, such as the Brian Serck Dichroic Extract, an innovative material for flame-working and glass blowing.
The 2024 Dichroic by Design Contest and Community Impact
Beyond manufacturing, Coatings by Sandberg Inc. plays a vital role in fostering creativity and innovation within the global glass art community. Their annual Dichroic by Design Glass Art Contest is a highly anticipated event that showcases the incredible potential of Dichroic glass in artistic and functional pieces.
The contest, which celebrated its 20th annual iteration, highlights CBS's commitment to supporting artists and pushing the boundaries of the medium. The 2024 contest, whose winners are currently being celebrated across the industry, demonstrated exceptional craftsmanship and artistry.
Notable 2024 Contest Winners
The winning pieces exemplify the diverse applications of CBS's Dichroic glass across different techniques, including glass fusing and sculptural work.
- 1st Place Winner: Daniel Schreiber, for his stunning piece titled "Bowl With Stripes."
- 2nd Place Winner: Jeremy Sinkus, for his intricate "Cosmic Abalone."
- Honorable Mention: Stephanie Martin ("Blue Fish"), Lyn Gentry ("Kim's Jellyfish"), and Caroline Erb ("Garden Beauties") were among the recognized artists, receiving gift certificates for CBS products.
By sponsoring this contest, CBS not only promotes its product but also provides a platform for emerging and established glass artists to gain recognition, further cementing their status as a community-focused industry leader. The contest encourages the use of advanced techniques like slumping and flameworking to fully exploit the color-shifting properties of the coated glass.
Coatings by Sandberg Inc: The Future of Iridescent Glass
With a foundation built on engineering excellence and a clear focus on the needs of the art glass community, Coatings by Sandberg Inc. is poised to maintain its leadership position for years to come. The company’s dedication to providing the highest quality, precision-coated Dichroic glass ensures that artists around the world can continue to create breathtaking works that capture and manipulate light in spectacular ways.
From the foundational glassblowing artist to the intricate fusing specialist, CBS provides the essential, reliable materials needed to bring iridescent visions to life. Their ongoing support for the arts, demonstrated through the annual Dichroic by Design contest, ensures that the Sandberg name remains synonymous with innovation and quality in the specialized world of art glass.
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