The Glass in Back Painted Glass
What is Glass Paint?
Simply put, glass paint is a paint that you can apply to glass that will not peel away and has a strong permanent bond to the the glass. You might be tempted to think that you can apply any paint to glass and come up with the same result. Not exactly! Vitrocoat glass paint solution™ is a specially formulated product that creates a permanent bond to glass. Once Vitrocoat glass paint has dried, it forms a permanent bond with the glass surface and won’t wash off, chip or fade with normal use. Infact, Vitrocoat painted glass can even to cut, drilled and edge polished with out chipping or peeling of the paint.
What is Back Painted Glass?
Back painted glass, true to its name, involves painting the reverse side of glass to create an ultra-clear, sleek-looking finish on the front. This technique employs a solid color or multiple colors to create a pattern or image on the backside, resulting in a glossy, modern aesthetic that complements contemporary interior design.
Installation and Design:
- When installing back painted glass, the unpainted side faces outward, showcasing the selected color through the glass, which maintains its clarity and sheen.
- The use of low iron glass in its production ensures that the paint’s hue remains true, free from any unwanted tint or distortion typically caused by regular glass.
Can Back Painted Glass be tempered?
Yes! We always recommend tempering glass which just makes sense from a safety aspect. The glass need to be tempered before back painting as generally back painted glass is not tempered.
Does Glass Need to be Primed Before Painting?
No, glass does not require priming when using specialized paints like Vitrocoat for creating permanent back-painted glass panels.
Why Priming Isn’t Necessary with Vitrocoat:
- Direct Adhesion: Vitrocoat is formulated to adhere directly to glass surfaces without the need for a primer. This simplifies the painting process and ensures a strong bond from the start.
- Professional Grade: Designed for use in glass workshops and factories, Vitrocoat bypasses traditional priming steps, which are often necessary for other types of paints or substrates.
Applications and Proven Performance:
Testing and Validation: Its use in major projects is backed by rigorous testing, showcasing its efficacy without the need for additional preparation like priming.
Large-Scale Projects: Vitrocoat has been trusted in significant installations worldwide, including Dubai International Airport and the UK Underground, underscoring its reliability and quality.
What Kind of Glass is Used for Back-splash?
For backsplashes, tempered glass is the preferred choice due to its unique properties that make it exceptionally suitable for high-traffic areas like kitchens and bathrooms.
Why Tempered Glass?
- Heat Resistance: Tempered glass can withstand high temperatures, making it ideal for backsplashes which often face heat from cooking or steam from showers.
- Ease of Cleaning: Its smooth surface resists staining and is straightforward to clean, maintaining the aesthetic appeal over time.
- Durability: The process of tempering makes the glass much stronger than regular glass. It’s designed to break into small, less harmful pieces if shattered, enhancing safety.
Popularity and Application:
Ideal for Kitchens and Bathrooms: The durability and heat resistance make it the go-to material for areas prone to moisture, spills, and temperature changes.
Common Usage: With its blend of strength and elegance, tempered glass backsplashes have become increasingly popular, offering both functionality and a sleek design to modern spaces
What kind of glass is used for back painted glass counter tops?
Known for its strength and safety, tempered glass is a top-notch choice for building a counter top. It is not only durable but possesses several safety features too. For instance, upon any severe impact, the glass tends to break into small non-injurious particles instead of large shards. This property of tempered glass won’t create any safety hazard for the homeowners upon any breakage.
How to prep glass for Back Painting?
Preparing glass for back painting involves ensuring the glass surface is perfectly clean and free from any contaminants that could affect paint adhesion or clarity. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide:
Initial Cleaning: Wash with Soap and Water: Begin by washing the glass with warm, soapy water. Use a mild dish soap or a specialized glass cleaner. This step removes general dirt, dust, and grease. Use a soft sponge or cloth to avoid scratching the glass.
Rinsing: Thorough Rinse: Rinse the glass thoroughly with warm water to remove all soap residue. Ensure no soap remains, as it can interfere with paint adhesion.
Drying: Air Dry or Towel Dry: Allow the glass to air dry completely. If you need to speed up the process, use a lint-free cloth to dry the glass, but be cautious to avoid lint or fibers sticking to the glass.
Alcohol or Vinegar Wipe: Alcohol or Vinegar: Dampen a clean, lint-free cloth or paper towel with isopropyl alcohol (rubbing alcohol) or white vinegar. Wipe down the glass surface. This step removes any remaining oils, fingerprints, or soap film that might not be visible but could affect paint adhesion.
Allow to Dry: After wiping with alcohol or vinegar, let the glass sit for about 15-20 minutes to ensure it’s completely dry. This step is crucial because any moisture can cause issues with paint application and adhesion.
Final Inspection: Check for Cleanliness: Inspect the glass under good lighting to ensure there are no smudges, streaks, or residues. If any are found, repeat the cleaning process.
Optional Steps for Enhanced Adhesion: Sanding: For some types of paint or if you’re looking for maximum adhesion, lightly sand the glass with very fine sandpaper (like 600-grit or higher). This creates a slightly rougher surface for the paint to grip onto. After sanding, clean the glass again with alcohol to remove any dust or grit.
Degreaser: If you’re in a particularly dusty or oily environment, using a degreaser before the final alcohol wipe can be beneficial.
Preparation for Painting: Masking: If you’re not painting the entire piece of glass, use painter’s tape to mask off areas you want to remain clear. Ensure the tape adheres well to avoid paint seepage.
Ventilation: Work in a Well-Ventilated Area: Ensure your workspace is well-ventilated or use a mask, especially when using solvents like alcohol or certain paints.
By following these steps, you’ll ensure that the glass is as clean and prepared as possible for back painting, which will lead to better paint adhesion, a smoother finish, and more vibrant color. Remember, the key to successful back painting is preparation; a perfectly clean surface is non-negotiable for professional results.
What is the best way to color match paint for back painted glass?
To achieve the best color match for back-painted glass, consider the following steps:
- Glass Selection:
- Type of Glass: Different types of glass can affect how color appears. Clear glass might have a slight greenish tint, while low-iron glass (which is more expensive) provides a more neutral, colorless appearance. If you’re aiming for precise color matching, low-iron glass is often preferred due to its lack of tint.
- Color Testing:
- Pantone or Color Card: Use a Pantone color card or a similar standardized color reference.
- View Through Glass: Place the color card behind the glass sample. This helps you see how the color will appear once the glass is painted. The thickness and type of glass can alter the perceived color due to light transmission properties.
- Adjusting for Glass Tint:
- Compensate for Tint: If using regular glass, you might need to select a slightly different shade from your desired color to account for the glass’s inherent tint. For instance, if the glass has a greenish tint and you’re aiming for a true white, you might need to choose a color with a hint of purple or pink to counteract the green when viewed through the glass.
- Sample Creation:
- Create Samples: Before committing to large quantities, have small samples of glass painted. These samples should be viewed in the same lighting conditions where the glass will ultimately be installed. Natural light, fluorescent light, and LED light can all change how colors appear.
- Lighting Conditions:
- Lighting Test: Test the color under different lighting conditions if possible. The color can look significantly different under various lights, which might require further adjustments.
- Professional Color Matching:
- Consult Experts: If precision is crucial, consider consulting with a professional color matcher or a glass specialist who can use spectrophotometers or other tools to match colors more accurately.
- Iterative Process:
- Adjust and Re-test: Color matching might require several iterations. Adjust the paint color slightly and test again until you achieve the desired match when viewed through the glass.
- Documentation:
- Record Adjustments: Keep detailed notes on each adjustment made to the paint color. This documentation can be invaluable for future projects or if further adjustments are needed.
By following these steps, you can ensure that the color you see through the back-painted glass matches your intended design as closely as possible, accounting for the variables introduced by the glass itself.
What other Equipment do we need to Paint Glass?
If you have small projects that will use a liter of paint you will need.
1. Measuring cups so you can mix the correct ratio of Vitrocoat with the paint.
2. A paint mixing drill.
3. A roller Brush or Paint spray gun
Is the Glass Paint and Glass affected by Temperature and Humidity?
Yes, the glass paint and glass must be at least 50F (10C) and at least 5F (3C) above the dew point ( The atmospheric temperature (varies according to pressure and humidity) below which water droplets begin to condense and dew can form.
Edging and Installation
What kind of edges are the standard for back painted glass used as back splashes and counter tops?
Back painted glass for backsplash, furniture cabinets can be polished. Back painted glass counter tops are generally machine polished with an arris or bevel of your choice or flat polished.
What silicone glue is “acetoxy cure”?
Acetoxy silicone glues release acetic acid during the curing process, which gives them a slight vinegary odor. Acetoxy silicones can corrode metals, and are therefore harmful to the reflective backing on mirrors. For this reason, acetoxy glues are not to be used to mount mirrors or backpainted glass. We recommend Dow Corning silicones, which have been tested for adhesion and compatibility with Vitrocoat by Dow Corning themselves. See our test results page
Can back painted glass be edge polished after painting?
Absolutely! Vitrocoat Glass Paint is a specialty coating that’s designed to bond directly to glass surfaces. Unlike regular paint, once cured, the paint will not chip or peel, when edge polished after painting.
What silicone glue is “neutral cure”?
Neutral (meaning neutral alkoxy) silicone glues have practically no smell, since during the curing process they release alcohol. For this reason, this type of glue is also called “acid free silicone glue”. Completed panels may be safely installed using Neutral-Cure silicone. We recommend Dow Corning silicones, which have been tested for adhesion and compatibility with Vitrocoat by Dow Corning themselves. See our test results page
What’s the installation method for backpainted glass?
Back-painted glass can be installed exactly like a mirror. The industry’s favored solution include paint-can style black mirror mastic, glazer’s double-sided tape and neutral-cure silicone gluing compounds (GE Silicone II works great). Pay attention that you don’t get acid (acetoxy) cure silicone glues – these are mostly for masonry, tiles and other kiln-cured materials, and are corrosive to metals. Most silicone glues from the GE Silicone II line are neutral-cure glues. Our complete guide on installation. Also see our test results.
We have a full article on installing back painted glass here
Still have queries?
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Maintenance and Corrections
How do I clean my painting tools and spray gun after using them with Glass Paint?
To clean the canister of your paint gun, we recommend dabbing a cloth or small brushes in acetone. After cleaning the canister, spray acetone for 30 to 60 seconds through the paint gun, until the stream is clean. If necessary, repeat. We suggest taking the paint gun apart and using acetone to clean all the parts. Do dissolve all the paint, you can also soak the paint gun for a few hours in a container of acetone.
What to do if my backpainted glass contains imperfections?
Painting glass can have flawed results for a number of reasons – improperly cleaned surface, dust, air debris or even small insects can get caught in the paint while you apply it. The best way to deal with these flaws is to wait for the paint to finish drying and curing. Once done, gently sand off the paint at the location of the imperfection (a fine sandpaper is suitable for this, look for 220-320 grit sandpaper). If the sanding causes the glass surface to be slightly occluded, don’t worry. When the imperfection is gone, clean the area once again with paper towels and rubbing alcohol. Now that the surface is ready, it can be repainted with any tool of your choosing – spray gun or roller. (Please note that the color tone may change as the paint dries) – even if the wet paint tone seems lighter, it will blend perfectly once it’s dried and cured.
What is the best way to apply Vitrocoat Glass Paint?
We provide detailed mixing and application notes for all new customers, however if you are spraying manually, we recommend keeping the glass horizontal, applying one light covering coat onto clean glass. Spraying should be done in repeated passes across the panel in one direction (e.g. side to side.) This light coat should be allowed to dry for a few minutes. A second coat is then sprayed in the opposite direction (e.g. up and down.) Do not spray too heavily, as this will extend the drying time, increase cost, and can cause runs in the paint. It is possible to use a paintbrush or a roller if a spray gun is not available, however we recommend spraying or curtain coating for the most professional finish.
How do I apply Vitrocoat™ Glass Paint with a roller?
It is best to use a mohair roller to prevent roller hair/lint shedding. Use a roller to your desired size. Roll 3-4 coats onto the glass waiting at least 20-30 minutes in between each coat. We do not recommend thinning for rolling.
How can Glass Paint be completely removed from a pane of glass?
Note: due to its bonding properties, it’s only possible to remove Vitrocoat™ glass paint from a pane of glass for up to 2 weeks after it’s been applied.
To strip any glass surface of Vitrocoat™ glass paint, put down the piece of glass horizontally with the paint facing up, then cover it with conventional polyurethane paint stripping compound, either by pouring or spraying. Let the paint stripper stand for around 15 minutes. After this time, you should notice as the paint detaches and even jumps off the glass. Wash the loose paint off with water – we recommend a pressure hose – and, if there is still paint remaining, repeat the process. When most of the paint is gone, use a de-greaser and sponge to clean up the surface of the glass. You can use single-edge razor blades to scrape the paint off if necessary. If you want to repaint the glass, you can just clean it again with isopropyl alcohol and re-paint it with Vitrocoat™ glass paint.
How is Glass Paint over-spray removed?
Don’t worry if you get slight overspray of glass paint either on the glaze side or on the edges of your glass. To clean paint overspray, all you need to do is polish it off using #000 steel wool once the paint is dry. If the paint build-up is larger, or if a big area was affected with a light overspray, first use acetone to treat the area and wipe it with paper towels. Thick layers of paint can be cleared off with a single-edge razor blades, and polish it off with #000 wool.
How do I apply Vitrocoat™ Glass Paint with a spray gun?
Spraying is the best application method. It is best to use an HVLP spray gun with a tip size of 1.5-2.0 mm. Spray paint with 40-120 psi. Spray 2-3 coats (depending on how pigmented your choice of paint is) onto glass waiting at least 5 minutes in between each coat. We recommend thinning paint 15% (1 part) with conventional acetone when spraying.
*note: some bright colors require more coats to reach full opacity. Some applicators like to put a final coat of a light gray color to achieve quicker opacity with minimal coats when applying bright colors.
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