Abstract: The present invention provides a new and improved lead-free and cadmium-free glass enamel composition that displays good flow at traditional glass enamel firing temperatures and upon firing produces an enamel finish that displays no cracking, good chemical resistance, good weatherability, and improved color values. The glass enamel composition of the present invention includes a glass component, an oxidizer, a pigment system, and optional vehicles and fillers. The presence of the oxidizer in the composition, which can be included as part of the glass component, as a separately added material, or both, improves the color values of the fired enamel as compared to enamels formed using similar glass enamel compositions having no oxidizer present.