Sandblasting is a technique that can make glass sing. Discover 5 amazing glass sandblasting effects.
Versatility is one of glass's best-kept secrets.
Sure, people are aware that glass can be coloured and printed. But outside the glass industry, most people don't know just how versatile its visual effects can be.
This can be seen clearly in the case of sandblasting. This is a kind of glass texturing created by blasting the raw material with sand at high pressure.
At its most basic, sandblasting creates frosted glass – the kind you might see on a front door's in-set window or in a public bathroom.
But you can sandblast pretty much anything onto glass – anything from a house number to a replica of Michelangelo's
Last Supper.
While DIY sandblasting is possible, it has a steep learning curve and requires expensive equipment. Work with a professional glass processor, however, and you'll soon be realising the visual effects of your dreams.
In this article, we look at six amazing visual effects you can create with
glass sandblasting. But first, what exactly
is sandblasting?
What is sandblasting?
Sandblasting is all about texture – and as the name suggests, it involves blasting sand at a glass surface under high pressure to make it opaque.
However, sandblasted glass doesn't have to be opaque all over. Sections can be marked off with stencils to create textural interest.
And despite its rough texture, sandblasted glass is easy to clean when protected with a layer of Ritec ClearShield or a similar product.
Like screen printing and digital printing, sandblasting lets you apply complex designs to glass that are as durable as they're attractive.
You can use sandblasting to etch a single word – the name of your business, say, or the name of your home. Or you can apply large-scale, complex designs onto glass walls.
It's a terrifically versatile technique that can give your home or business a face-lift. Let's take a closer look at some of your options.
1. House numbers and names
For many house-proud homeowners, the front door is more than a hunk of wood. It's a statement, an invitation and an advert.
Sandblasting lets you make your front door stand out with the name or number of your house etched into the glass. And thanks to the versatility of the technique, your sandblasted name or number can be in any style you like.
2. Brand names and logos
If you run an office, factory or other work environment, you'll know that your premises offer a wide variety of branding opportunities. That's not just a window, partition or sign. It's a reminder to visitors and staff alike of your visual identity.
So, if you're looking for a brand name or logo to be displayed in your office, why not have it sandblasted onto a glass feature?
Sandblasted designs can be stencilled flat or cut deep into the surface for a debossed look. They can be a single block colour or a technicolour extravaganza. This versatility makes them ideal for commercial branding.
3. Sandblasted balustrades and partitions
Glass balustrades and partitions can add an elegant, minimalistic aesthetic to any property, whether commercial or domestic. But one especially striking effect is to get the balustrade and partition sandblasted to match the wallpaper.
This doesn't just achieve consistency. It also means you can combine a futuristic aesthetic like structural glazing with traditional wallpaper, effortlessly blending contemporary and classic looks.
And like all sandblasted glass, the wallpaper design itself can be as simple or as intricate as you like. The only limit, as they say, is your imagination.
4. Sandblasted shower screens
Want your shower screen to be decorated with trees, flowers, a city skyline? With sandblasting, you can print pretty much any design on your shower door, guaranteeing privacy as well as elegant design.
And thanks to the fact that sandblasting uses stencils, you can leave the glass clear from the shoulders up – the perfect combination of privacy and functionality.
5. Sandblasted tabletops
Perhaps you're a restaurant looking for glass tabletops that display the menu. Perhaps you're a homeowner wanting to personalise your coffee table or dining table with a favourite image. Either way, sandblasting opens up a wide range of amazing aesthetic possibilities.
It also provides you with a tabletop surface that's as easy to clean as it is easy on the eye. Simply wipe it down with a glass cleaning spray and a microfibre cloth – no elbow grease required.
Why use toughened glass for sandblasting?
You can sandblast any type of glass. But for our money,
toughened glass works best for the widest range of applications.
This is primarily because it's a type of safety glass. It's hard to break and built to last. And if it does break, it shatters into lots of relatively harmless pieces rather than nasty jagged shards.
It's also thermally efficient. At a time when homeowners and business owners alike are looking for ways to stay on top of their energy bills and their carbon emissions, you want glass that's going to keep the heat in.
Installing glass for its visual effects shouldn't mean any compromise to durability, safety or thermal efficiency. Opt for toughened glass and get the best of both worlds.
How we can help
At ToughGlaze, we have our own sandblasted glass product:
TG SB. Like all our products, it's robust, versatile and manufactured in line with industry standards.
Whether you're looking for extra privacy, aesthetic flair or a combination of the two, TG SB can be an asset in any domestic or commercial setting. You can learn all about its technical specifications on our
website.
So, what are you waiting for? If you're looking for high-quality
sandblasted glass, don't hesitate to
get in touch with ToughGlaze for a quick, competitive quote. We look forward to fixing you up with the right materials for the job.
Join Our Newsletter — No Spam, Just Expert Tips and Updates for Your Next Construction Project!
| ToughGlaze LTD