Acid Etched

This is glass that has been chemically treated with a type of acidic material. One example would be hydrofluoric acid. This is done to create a surface finish that will diffuse transmitted light, as well as reduce glare and give the glass a frosted appearance.

Reasons To Choose Acid Etched Glass

Annealed Glass (Non-Tempered)

Basic float glass that has been treated by using a heating and controlled cooling process. This then results in a form of glass which has had its internal stresses reduced to a point where it can be handled, cut, finished and fabricated.

Bent and Curved

Flat glass, which has then been moulded into a curved shape or profile through the use of extreme heat, as well as a frame. This type of glass can be heat treated and further fabricated.

Digital Art

Digital art is a visual medium that is designed and created on a computer in digital form. The art can then be transferred onto glass by printing.

Cast Glass

This is glass with a textured "hot cast" surface. This effect is produced by pouring molten glass into or onto a mould. This is similar to slumped or patterned glass.

Channel Glass

Channel glass is a structural glass system that is used to create light-transmitting walls. They are used along with perimeter frames of various shapes and sizes. Non-tempered float glass channels feature cast surfaces which are then capable of providing privacy and light diffusion.

Frosted Glass

Another generic term that is used for describing glass which has a surface which has a frosted appearance. This effect is produced through a variety of different techniques, including etching with chemicals, the use of abrasives, and the applications of ceramic inks.

Carved Glass

A type of glass that has been sandblasted or etched in order to create a sculpted image or design.

Decal Transfer

This is a process that is used for the creation of decorative glass through the application of a ceramic decal. The decals are then transferred directly onto the glass.

Decorative Films

Decorative films are commonly very thin substrates that come in either roll or sheet form. They have decorative features. They can be applied either to glass or incorporated into laminated or insulated glass units.

Dichroic Glass

This is glass which is formed by fusing and applying various micro-layers of metal oxides to the glass surface. The resulting effect is that the glass's surface will transmit or reflect discreet wavelengths of light, creating an array of colours.

Fully Tempered Glass

Bent or flat glass that has been heat-treated, so the glass has a minimum surface compression of 10,000 psi or an edge compression of an amount of around 9,700 psi.

Fused Glass

A decorative glass piece is created by melting glass in a kiln and then fusing together two or more different types and colours of glass. It is common for glass tableware to be made from fused glass.

Heat Sculpted Glass

This is how art pieces made from glass are produced. Heat is used in order to change the glass's texture and shape. Once the artist is happy with the glass's final form; then the glass is re-annealed for structural stability.

Etched Glass

Etched glass is a generic term which is used for describing glass which has been modified in a variety of different ways in order to create a surface which diffuses any transmitted light. Different pieces of etched glass have differing levels of transparency.

Painted or Back Painted Glass

In this situation, a coating is applied to the glass in order to completely cover the surface and ensure that it is totally opaque. This glass is available in an almost infinite variety of colours and styles. Sometimes the glass will only be partially coated with certain clear areas for the sake of the design.

Patterned Glass

This is a type of glass whose surface has been specially treated in order to give the glass a unique texture or pattern. This is done by imprinting the glass while it is malleable or molten at high temperatures. This is sometimes known as obscure glass or textured glass.

Rolled Glass

This is similar to patterned glass. Rolled glass is a type of glass which has a recurring texture or pattern on its surface. This is achieved by impressing the glass with a roller which features the designed pattern. This is done while the glass is in a malleable state.

Laser Etched Glass

This is decorative glass that has had an image engraved deep into its surface through the use of laser technology. Laser etching technology is great for creating a detailed and crisp engraved image. Although the laser uses heat to create the engraving, the glass does not need re-annealing afterwards.

Sandblasted Glass

This is glass which has been produced through the use of high-velocity air, which is then used to shoot a stream of extremely hard particles against the sand's surface. This gives the glass an etched or frosted appearance.

Silvered glass

Silvered glass is a form of glass that has had a surface treatment applied to the surface in order to create a reflective or mirrored property. The substrate can be of any pattern, colour, or type.

Stained Glass

With stained glass, multiple different coloured pieces of glass are all combined together in order to form a decorative or pictorial design. Once the piece is completed, it is usually set within a lead frame.