Designers looking to add a splash of color are finding back-painted glass to be an ideal solution for numerous unique interior applications. Because this decorative glass product combines vibrant color—or designs—with a durable and easy-to-clean substrate, designers appreciate how back-painted glass can spice up notoriously hard to clean areas from backsplashes to wall cladding.
What to expect from your back-painted glass
Back-painted glass is created by spraying or roll-coating one or more coats of paint to one side of a glass and baking or curing the coating. This opaque coating process can turn an interior glass surface into a smooth and highly durable wall covering. For applications where the glass is viewed from the non-painted side—such as wall cladding, backsplashes, furniture, shower walls, cabinetry or marker boards, there’s zero likelihood of the color fading or being damaged the way paint, fabrics or traditional wall coverings may be.
Back-painted glass can be achieved using different techniques, but there are some differences among products of which designers and glazing contractors should be aware. GGI utilizes environmentally friendly water-based paint. As a standard, this fast curing, low-VOC (volatile organic compound) paint is applied to ultra-clear glass to achieve the truest color match, however, we are not limited to low-iron or smooth surface substrates. Our in-house fabrication capabilities allow us to back-paint any satin etched glass, satin etched design, textured or patterned glass for truly unique options
The benefits of back-painted glass beyond the “WOW” factor
One of the greatest design benefits of back-painted glass is that it can be installed in large panels—up to 72” x 144”, minimizing seam lines and making for a durable, cleaner option compared to porous grout-seamed tile, for example. What’s more, these nonporous surfaces are incredibly easy to clean. In fact, the exposed glass surface can be cleaned using only warm soapy water and a nonabrasive brush or cloth. For kitchens, restaurants and other areas where grease and grime tend to gather, back-painted glass is perfect for reducing cleaning time.
Because designers can incorporate virtually any color or image on to this nonporous surface, back-painted glass is a hygienic solution for healthcare facilities to brighten their spaces. Healthcare acquired infections are estimated to impact one in every 31 patients on a given day, so infection control through cleanliness is critically important in all types of healthcare facilities, from hospitals to senior living homes. Because glass is easy to clean, it often becomes a material of choice on these facilities’ walls and for use as partitions—or glass marker boards.
Back-painted glass doesn’t have to come in solid colors alone. With Alice direct-to-glass digital ceramic printing, GGI can apply any high-resolution design on a piece of glass.
Create a one-of-a-kind look
Designers who love color and building owners who love durability, low maintenance and cleanliness will find that back-painted glass and Alice direct to glass printing provide a fresh new look—ideal for new construction or renovations. Perhaps the most exciting part is the numerous combinations of color, design and textures available to create truly one-of-a-kind solutions.
To learn more about back-painted glass visit https://www.generalglass.com/products-families/back-painted-glass/ and https://www.generalglass.com/product-families/alice-direct-to-glass-printing/. Or, contact us direct at sales@generalglass.com.