Methods to improve insulator performance for cathode-ray tube (CRT) applications

A color cathode-ray tube (CRT) having an evacuated envelope with an electron gun therein for generating at least one electron beam is provided. The envelope further includes a faceplate panel having a luminescent screen with phosphor elements on an interior surface thereof. A focus mask, having a plurality of spaced-apart first conductive strands, is located adjacent to an effective picture area of the screen. The spacing between the first conductive strands defines a plurality of apertures substantially parallel to the phosphor elements on the screen. Each of the first conductive strands has a substantially continuous insulating material layer formed on a screen facing side thereof. A plurality of second conductive wires are oriented substantially perpendicular to the plurality of first conductive strands and are bonded thereto by the insulating material layer. The insulating material layer comprises a low porosity lead-zinc-borosilicate glass.