A decorative glass is one where the glass has different levels of visual texture, transparency, color and graphic styles, which range from actual visual pattern to an elegant looking glass. There are many techniques and applications such as stained-glass windows, Kiln formed glass, blown glass, copper-foiled technique, and sand blasted glass.
Types of decorative glass
There are various types of decorative glass:
- Frosted glass: Glass is treated with acidic material called hydrofluoric acid so that surface finish which is produced diffuses transmitted light, diminishes glare and possesses a frosted appearance. This glass can be utilized for both exterior as well as interior applications. To obtain a soft matted reflection, treatment in mirrors is done. The main advantage of frosted glass is that they are used as dividers in places that require privacy and in organizations between workspaces.
- Sand blasted glass: This type of decorative glass has a sand blasted look and similar to frosted glass. High velocity air is gushed at the surface to obtain the appearance.
- Laser etched glass: This type of decorative glass has an image engraved on its surface making use of laser technology. Laser etched glass offers a high detailed glass, and a crisply engraved image.
- Bent/curved: Here the flat glass is formed into a profile or a curve shape with extreme heat. These types of glasses are heat treated and are then fabricated into insulated units and varied decorative features.
- Ceramic frit: This type of glass has a pigmented glass enamel which is fired at the glass at temperatures greater than 1200 degrees. Offices and restaurants that require glass doors with custom made logos uses this type of glass with their artwork to full fill its desired look.
- Digital film on glass: The glass surface has a digitally printed artwork, or a scanned photograph which is pasted on the surface. This type of glass is usually used in restaurants and offices to enhance the look of the area with visually stunning graphics.
- Laminated glass: A decorative element is sandwiched between two layers of glass sheets which can be a rice paper, laminate, foil, fabric etc. These types of glass are mainly used in table tops, furniture and dividers.
- Patterned glass: In this type of glass , a texture or pattern is imprinted at high temperatures either in malleable or molten state. This is also known as textured glass.
Back painted glass: Here a coating of paint which can be a solid shade or a metallic color is applied on the backside of the glass making it opaque. As per the design brief sometimes only parts of the glass are painted. Back painted glass is popular and widely used these days as kitchen backsplashes, wardrobe shutters and table tops.
Uses of decorative glass
Interiors: Decorative glasses in the interiors are used for a number of applications such as shower and bath enclosures, division of walls, furniture components, kitchen cabinets, elevators, Railings, floors, stairs, doors, and more.
Exteriors: Spandrels, canopies, sealed units, bus shelters, skylights, doors and atriums.
The latest trend with decorative glass is that many panels are printed and joined up to form a complete design or image to be placed. These new technologies to produce decorative glass are now being used often in corporate offices to make their interiors looks exceptional and to enhance their brand image. Decorative glasses are also used for flooring with an anti-slip variety with custom colors and textures.
