Frit, the black dots on windows

The little black dots surrounding some windows and windshields are called frit.

Frit serves a few purposes. It's enamel that's baked into glass to create a textured surface that improves the adhesive bond between the glass and frame. It helps by distributing heat and protecting the bond from exposure to the sun which weakens the adhesive.

Different patterns are used but all of them are designed to create a visually pleasing transition from the seal to the window.

Often ignored or misunderstood as decoration, frit is a good, subtle example of balancing functional and aesthetic.