Frequently Asked Questions About Alice®

What is Alice®?

Alice® is the brand name of our direct to glass printing process pioneered by GGI in North America using Dip-Tech’s state-of-the-art printing technology. Alice® is a registered trademark of General Glass International.
What type of ink is used?

Alice® utilizes Dip Tech’s proprietary ceramic frit ink that consists of nano-sized particles of ground glass combined with colored pigments and solvent. It is designed to be applied to the surface of glass. The printed glass is tempered which fuses the ceramic frit ink design into the surface of the glass for long-lasting durability.
How is the ceramic frit ink applied to the glass?

GGI applies the ceramic frit ink to the glass substrate using a Dip-Tech digital ceramic glass printer. The ink is jetted onto the glass surface and then tempered for lasting durability. It is a proprietary ceramic glass ink designed for this specific equipment. It is not the same ceramic paint used for screen printing applications.
How can I use Alice®?

Alice® can be used for interior design, architectural and industrial applications—both decorative and multi-functional based on the glass configuration. It can be used for interior and exterior applications.
How does Alice® compare to silk screening?

The decision should be based on the application as both solutions provide value. What distinguishes Alice® is the advanced color, resolution, and customization capabilities. Additionally, there are no set up fees, screen cost or screen storage issues with direct to glass printing.

Silk screening is more common and cost-effective when there is a large volume of same pattern used—over and over—such as standard dots or lines. It is more conducive to industrial applications. Whereas Alice® offers tremendous design flexibility and customization.
Can Alice® be used for exterior applications?

Yes. Alice® can be used for interior AND exterior applications, including glass building façades, glass railings or public art displays.
How do I obtain artwork for my design project?

You may furnish your own custom artwork in one of the multiple file types suggested. You may also choose to purchase artwork files from sources like Shutterstock, iStock or Adobe. Of course, GGI makes it easy to design with Alice® by offering a portfolio of stock designs that are easily customizable by scale, color, and opacity. For an expanded view of our stock designs, explore our Inspiration Gallery, or one of multiple design catalogs: Pattern Designs, Redefining Interior Surfaces, A Superior Alternative to Wood, or Redefining Marble & Stone Surfaces.
What are the artwork file requirements?

Most digital file types can be used. We typically request files in Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, or Vector PDF.
Are there any color limitations?

We have excellent color matching capabilities making most any RAL or Pantone color obtainable. Ceramic frit painting is significantly more durable than other methods, yet it can be a bit more challenging for certain vibrant colors.
What are the size limitations?

There are limitations are it relates to the individual glass panels. However, images can be tiled over multiple pieces to make up one unique image. The largest glass size that can be printed is 110” x 178”. Harlem Hospital and Moynihan Train Hall are excellent examples of large format printing and tiled glass images.
What are the print resolution capabilities with Alice®?

We typically print in the range of 720 DPI, however, we do have the ability to print images on glass up to 1,200 DPI. The higher the resolution the slower the process.
What glass types can be used for direct to glass printing?

GGI sources glass domestically and globally. This allows us to offer one of the largest portfolios of glass types available on today’s market. We can digitally print on most any glass type that can be tempered. In addition, we can incorporate Alice® into most any glass configuration including insulating glass units and laminated glass.

It is common to use an ultra-clear low iron substrate or Low Iron Crystal Light satin etched glass to yield the truest color.
What glass applications are possible with direct to glass printing?
Any glass application can include direct to glass printing with Alice®. Glass and glazing configurations for interior or exterior applications. The following is just a sampling of glass applications that can be enhanced with Alice®. Click here for more inspiration.
- All-Glass Entrances
- Cabinetry
- Furniture Glass
- Glass Doorlites
- Glass Railings
- Insulating Glass Units
- Laminated Glass
- Partitions
- Public Art Displays
- Shower Enclosures
- Shower Walls
- Tabletops
- Wall Cladding
What fabrication options are available?

Any fabrication process that can be performed on clear glass can be done with Alice®, including holes drilling, cutouts, notches, and edgework. In addition, Alice® can be insulated, laminated or back-painted.
What is the standard lead-time for digitally printed glass?

GGI is committed to providing the fastest lead times available on today’s market. Lead times can vary due to the nature of the prints but can be as quickly as 2 weeks. The glass configuration [laminated or insulated] may impact lead times as well.
Can you print digitally on satin, patterned or textured glass?

Yes. Any glass type with ONE flat surface can be digitally printed.
Can Alice® be exposed to sunlight without fading?

Yes. The ceramic frit ink is highly mechanical, chemical, and weather resistant. Designed for architectural and interior applications, it is extremely durable and resistant to fading, peeling, chipping and other forms of degradation including exposure to sunlight.
Does light cast color?

Glass printed with ceramic frit ink will not reflect or cast color.
Can digitally printed glass be backlit?

Yes. Alice® direct to glass printing gives us the ability to manipulate the opacity level of the artwork making it ideal for backlighting. If preferred, we can back-paint to make it fully opaque for applications such as wall cladding.
Can one glass panel include multiple opacities?

Yes. We can vary the level of opacity from one glass panel to the next—and, within the same glass panel. View our project gallery for numerous examples.
Do you offer gradient and fade options?

Yes. Whether it is a simple design of a solid color, dots, lines, or patterns—we can create a gradient or fade to add interest aesthetically, or to create greater functionality. View Emory MSK to see how creative artwork can support aesthetics, privacy and daylighting.
What is the warranty?

GGI offers a 10-year warranty. Click here to view warranty details.
How do I store, clean, and maintain Alice®?

Alice® direct to glass printed solutions should be cleaned in the same manner as traditional clear glass. No special cleaning agents are required. As with traditional glass cleaning, do not use harsh chemicals or abrasive solutions or materials. No maintenance is required. See instructions on how to properly clean architectural glass. [LINK]
Does Alice® support sustainable building design?

The Dip-Tech ceramic frit ink that we use to produce Alice® is REACH-compliant, lead and cadmium free and compatible with EU directive 2011/65/EU. The finished product can be recycled.

Alice^® is a durable product that supports sustainable building with ceramic frit printing on glass. This product serves to reduce solar heat gain and UV exposure combined with stunning design aesthetics. Using dots, lines, fades, and other patterns, digitally printed glass allows full control of how much light passes through, helping reduce energy costs year-round, while creating greater indoor comfort for the building occupants.

Designs can also be used on surface one to create bird-friendly glazing to minimize bird-glass collisions. Designs are available as approved by the American Bird Conservancy.