How is Commercial Etched Glass Made?
Fabricators abrade or roughen a piece of glass to produce a distinct design. By etching a portion of the glass, designers produce what is known as a frosted design on the surface of the glass.
Etching also involves carving designs deep into a piece to produce a shades design. It has the same effect as airbrushing, but with a permanent design. Many of the same techniques that are used to etch stone, ceramics, wood, or metal are also used to etch glass.
Sandblast Etching
One of the most common methods for etching glass is known as sandblasting. Fabricators blast the surface of the glass with fine bits of material. This technique gives the glass a milky white appearance.
During the sandblasting process, designers spray sand at high velocities over the surface of the glass. This process gives the glass a translucent surface. The surface is rougher than a regular piece of glass. Fabricators can adjust the translucency of the glass by using varying degrees of force and different types of sand.
What is Sandblasting Used For?
There are dozens of residential and commercial applications for etched glass. Some of the most common applications include:
- Dividers and partitions
- Doors and shower walls
- Interior design applications
- Interior screens
- Furniture
Commercial Architectural Applications
You may have noticed company logos or business names on glass doors when you’ve walked into a corporate building, restaurant, or retail facility. Companies add designs to doors, windows,
and interior glass structures with customized etching. Etched glass is useful for enhancing the aesthetic of the room, building brand awareness, and even reducing fingerprints and smudges on the glass surface.
Some of the most common architectural applications for commercial etched glass include:
- Room divider glass panels
- Artistic structures
- Kitchen backsplashes
- Glass wall displays
- Ceiling layouts
- Decorative features
Etched Glass Technology
Modern advances in technology have made it possible to etch glass with absolute precision down to the smallest details. For instance, software programs allow designers to create the entire etched layout on a computer and then print directly to the glass using high-end machinery.
Sandblasting equipment creates a sandblasted effect on specified glass areas. The process is so refined that customers can see a distinct difference between the smooth glass surface and the etched glass surface. The effect is quite impressive.
Customized Etching
One of the most significant advantages of etched glass is that customers can custom order etched designs to meet their specifications. The possibilities for commercial etched glass are virtually limitless. Therefore, a client can submit the design to our facility, and we can begin working immediately.
We fabricate the glass, then etch the design onto the surface, and then deliver your order wherever you need it.
Fabricated Glass From Northwestern Glass Fab
If you are looking for professional etching for your glass structure, contact Northwestern Glass Fab today. We provide customized glass designs for all types of residential and commercial applications.
To find out more about our products and services, call us at 763-762-1750, or message us on our contact page.
