Abstract: This invention relates to a method of strengthening glass articles and, more specifically, hollow glass containers such as jars for containing foodstuffs. The invention is directed to a method wherein the hollow glass container is surrounded at its heel and bearing surfaces with a thin continuous frangible coating of a polymeric resin such as an epoxy resin. The resin is cured into a frangible thermoset condition to resist thermal shock breakage; however, any breakage of the container at its coated area will result in disruption of the surrounding coating evidencing such breakage. The coating is extremely thin and continuous, and readily applied, and may be used in combination with a foamed thermoplastic tubular sleeve snugly conforming to the body portion of the container. The conforming sleeve serves as a label and to provide an insulating jacket for handling the container when its contents are heated, such as in a microwave oven.