The instant invention is directed to the production of essentially lead-free and cadmium-free frits which are eminently suitable for the production of decorative glazes and enamels to be used with glass, glass-ceramic, and ceramic articles. The frits exhibit good glass stability, demonstrate coefficient of thermal expansion (20.degree.-300.degree. C.) between about 52-65.times.10.sup.-7 /.degree.C., display excellent resistance to attack by acids and bases, and can be fired to fusion at temperatures between about 850.degree.-1100.degree. C. The compositions thereof consist essentially, expressed in weight percent on the oxide basis as calculated from the batch, of______________________________________ SiO.sub.2 51-60 B.sub.2 O.sub.3 4.5-8 BaO 0-13 SrO 0-18 BaO + SrO 6-30 ZrO.sub.2 4-8 Al.sub.2 O.sub.3 5-8 Li.sub.2 O 0-4 Na.sub.2 O 0-5 K.sub.2 O 0-5 Li.sub.2 O + Na.sub.2 O + K.sub.2 O 1-5 MgO 0-6 CaO 0-12 Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 0-10 MgO + CaO + Bi.sub.2 O.sub.3 0-20 ______________________________________