Common Glass Terms S thru Z

SANDBLASTED GLASS

Glass produced by using high velocity air to spray a stream of hard, abrasive particles against one or both surfaces giving the area a frosted or etched appearance. (Also see carved, frosted).

SATIN ETCH

See acid etched, etched glass

SILICONE COATINGS

A pigmented glass coating, applied after the tempering process or to annealed glass, which is chemically bonded to the glass surface. Silicone coatings can be applied using a full range of coverage coating processes; silkscreening, roller, spray and curtain coating. This type of decorative glass is available in many colors, patterns and metallics and is used for both exterior and interior applications.

SILKSCREENED/SCREEN-PRINTED

Decorative glass created by applying inks to the substrate through a screen-printing process. The ink can be applied in solid coverage over the entire surface or selectively to create a decorative pattern. Silkscreened glass is available in various colors, patterns and translucencies and is typically treated at higher temperatures with ceramic enamels or at lower temperatures with silicone or other organic inks.

SILVERED GLASS

Glass with a surface treatment applied to create a reflective or mirrored quality. The substrate may be any type, pattern or color of glass in float or heat treated form resulting in various reflective appearances.

SLUMPED GLASS

Slumped or "kiln-formed" glass is produced by placing float glass into a kiln over a mold having the desired shape or pattern and heating to the temperature where the glass softens and "slumps" to the form of the mold. The formed glass is then annealed and can be further processed or fabricated. (Also see cast, patterned).

SPANDREL GLASS

Opaque coated glass, generally heat strengthened or tempered, used in non-vision areas of a building envelope. Various types of opacifiers can be used to create spandrel glass including ceramic frit, silicone coatings, organic coatings and opacifying films.

STAINED GLASS

Colored glass pieces combined to form decorative or pictorial designs, typically set in a lead framework.

TEMPERED GLASS

Glass that has been treated by a heating and rapid cooling process to induce compressive stresses on the surface balanced by interior tension resulting in increased strength.

TEXTURED GLASS

See patterned glass.

V-GROOVE

A shallow groove engraved into the surface in a "V" shape to create decorative patterns ranging from straight lines to ornate curved designs. Glass can be heat treated after engraving.

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