How Is Back Painted Glass Made?
Back painted glass is made by applying paint to one side of a piece of glass. However, careful techniques, special paint, and skilled craftsmanship are needed for the creation of a product that offers the desired appearance, functionality, and durability. Back painted glass with Vitrocoat is created through simple 3 step process:
- Low iron glass is carefully cleaned for a surface free of any foreign particles.
- The back of the glass is painted.
- The painted glass is placed in a special oven where the heat cures the paint. It is taken out of the oven at just the right time: when the paint is hard enough to resist peeling and flexible enough to resist chipping.
- A protective coating is applied to the back, over the paint, to protect the product and ensure the integrity of the coloration.
- The finished glass is heat treated again to bond all three layers and eliminate any future outgassing of VOCs.
Can I Make My Own Back Painted Glass?
Homeowners might wonder about making back painted glass a DIY project. To achieve glass that retains its color, has paint that does not chip or peel, and maintains uniform coloring throughout, it is necessary to use special paint, precise techniques, and proper installation practices. Moreover, colored glass panels tend to be heavy and cumbersome, so there is a real risk of breaking them if you do not have the proper tools and transport methods. Bottom line: this is a project that is generally best carried out by glass professionals. The money you invest when you work with a painted glass company gets you glass that is professionally manufactured, fabricated, and installed for a finished product with a high-end look that will last.
How Do You Install Back Painted Glass?
Back painted glass is usually permanently adhered to a wall using an ultra-strong glue known as mastic. The mastic is applied to the wall in globs, and the glass is then pressed onto it. Using suction cups to hold the glass, glaziers slowly and gently adjust the back painted glass panel until it is perfectly positioned. They also carefully work the glass into place so that it is level and plumb. All this becomes a more and more delicate operation when large or awkwardly shaped glass wall panels are involved. Sheets of glass also need to be supported from below. If they do not rest on a floor or counter, L-bar will be installed at the desired height. This is a thin metal track that is basically invisible once the glass is glued in place.
When back painted glass is used for a horizontal surface, there are several installation possibilities. At times, a sheet of glass is simply set atop an existing table top or bar top. It can also be glued down if this is preferred. Additionally, a customer can opt for a back painted glass top that does not sit on another surface but serves as a table, bar, or island top in its own right. In this case, tempered glass will be used and it will be adhered to the legs/base with appropriate fasteners and spacers.
How Much Does Back Painted Glass Cost?
Your back painted glass cost typically depends on the size and number of pieces you need as well as the selected color. With Vitrocoat for example, glass processors can produce 1 sq meter of quality, durable back painted glass for 3 to 4 usd. Get in touch today to set up your own back painting glass system with vitrocoat.
See Also: How Much Does Back Painted Glass Cost?
How Do You Clean Back Painted Glass?
Back painted glass should be cleaned regularly, especially if it is used as a backsplash or kitchen surface. In many cases, all you’ll need to do is wipe the glass with a dry or damp paper towel. Hardened food and the like can be carefully removed using a single sided razor blade. Best practices for cleaning your glass without damaging it include:
- Avoid using scratchy brushes or pads.
- Apply glass cleaner to a cloth, sponge, or paper towel rather than spraying it on the glass directly.
- Stay away from harsh cleaning agents that could scratch the surface of the glass.