Let’s dive a bit into history of glass. America’s glass history is no small factor. Since early 1800, glass turned into a household and everyday useable commodity in terms of decoration, transportation sectors, and more.

Before the 19th century, nearly all glass in America was hand-blown. Skilled artisans shaped molten glass using traditional techniques passed down through generations. While beautiful, this process was slow and expensive. Industrialization changed everything.

Steam-powered machinery, improved furnace designs, and new production methods allowed glass to be made faster, cheaper, and in larger quantities. Factories replaced small glasshouses, and output increased dramatically. This shift made glass more accessible to the average American household for the first time.

The Rise of American Glass Cities (1800s)

As glass production expanded, certain regions became major glassmaking hubs due to access to raw materials, fuel, and transportation routes.

Some of the most important glass-producing regions included:

• Pennsylvania, especially Pittsburgh, known for its coal resources
• Ohio, with easy access to sand and transportation
• New Jersey, which became a key center for industrial and architectural glass
• West Virginia, later famous for specialty and decorative glass

These areas attracted skilled workers, engineers, and entrepreneurs, creating communities built almost entirely around glass production. In fact, from these areas we got the vanguards of glass business, whose dreams & ideas are still inspiring and reshaping the modern glass industry.

In 1900s, the approach towards glass production took a new turn with the rise of skyscrapers across the USA. It transformed the architecture for good. Glass was no longer just an accessory—it became essential to urban design. Natural light flooded offices, improving working conditions and redefining interior spaces.

Technological Advances in Flat Glass

To meet architectural demands, the glass industry developed improved methods for producing flat glass. Innovations during this era focused on:

• Greater clarity and uniform thickness
• Larger sheet sizes
• Stronger and more reliable glass

Manufacturers refined polishing and rolling techniques, reducing distortion and imperfections. These advancements made it possible to use glass confidently in commercial and institutional buildings.

Glass in Homes and Public Buildings

Beyond commercial use, glass became a staple in residential and public architecture. Schools, libraries, hospitals, and government buildings adopted larger windows to promote healthier, brighter environments.

In homes, glass connected indoor spaces with the outdoors. Sunrooms, bay windows, and glass doors became popular, reflecting a growing desire for openness and natural light.

Between 1950 and 2000, glass began to evolve in a new direction. It was no longer valued only for function or structure—it became a medium for innovation, artistic expression, and advanced performance.

The Post-War Boom and Material Innovation

After World War II, the United States experienced rapid economic growth. New construction, suburban expansion, and technological advancement created a surge in demand for better materials.

Glass manufacturers responded by developing:

• Stronger and lighter glass
• Improved coatings and treatments
• Heat-resistant and impact-resistant glass

The Rise of Tempered and Laminated Glass

Safety and durability became top priorities in modern design. This led to widespread adoption of tempered and laminated glass, which offered greater strength and safer breakage patterns.

These innovations made glass suitable for:

• High-traffic commercial spaces
• Automotive windshields
• Glass doors and partitions
• Public infrastructure

Artistic Glass and the Studio Glass Movement

While industry focused on performance, artists were redefining what glass could be creatively. The Studio Glass Movement, which began in the 1960s, encouraged artists to work with glass in small studios rather than large factories.

This movement:

• Treated glass as a fine art medium
• Blended craftsmanship with experimentation
• Brought glass into galleries and museums

During this period, decorative glass saw a major resurgence. Architects and designers began using:

• Etched glass
• Frosted and patterned glass
• Tinted and colored glass

These materials allowed buildings to balance privacy with light, blending function and aesthetics. Specialty glass became a signature feature in offices, hotels, restaurants, and luxury homes.

Since the late 20th century, glass had become a material of choice for expressing identity—whether through bold architectural statements or artistic installations. It could be transparent or dramatic, subtle or bold.

Today, American glassmaking stands at the intersection of engineering, design, and creativity, ready for the upcoming challenges which are reshaping the urban art and architecture, alongside science, education, researches, as well as rides.

The post Innovation, Art, and Specialty Glass in America appeared first on Bear Glass Blog.

Stop waiting around and give us a call for all your acid etched glass needs!

Bear Glass acid-etched glass products offer a wealth of opportunities to architects, interior designers and decorators. The consistent quality, durability and rich look of Textures products is unmatched.  Bear Glass creates a translucent satin appearance which obscures view while maintaining a high level of light transmittance.

Acid-etched Glass Advantages

• Consistent finish and appearance
• Maintenance free
• More mar-resistant than sandblasted glass
• Does not peel or get discolored like films
• Does not scratch off like coatings

Acid Etched Glass

Bear Glass is supplying high quality acid etched glass(also called frosted glass or fingerprint free glass ) in one side or both sides.

We also supply kinds of acid etched obscured glass in some patterns.  Click here

For decoration requirement, clear/tinted float glass , obscured glass, mirror all can be acid-etched on the surface.
We also supply deep acid etched glass in different designs.

If you are an architect, a designer, glass fabricator, project manager or any other glass professional, Bear Glass can help you write your acid-etched glass and mirror specifications.

CONTACT US TODAY FOR  ALL YOUR GLASS NEEDS!!!

Contact us

Address:
217-44 98TH AVE QUEENS VILLAGE, NY 11429
Phone:  +1 718 832 3604

Email:info@bearglass.com
sales@bearglass.com

The post CONSIDER BEAR GLASS FOR ALL YOUR ACID ETCHED GLASS NEEDS!!! appeared first on Bear Glass Blog.

Acid etched glass has been treated with acid to create a matte finished surface on one, or both side, of the glass. Because the surface of the glass has been chemically-created, the finish is strongly durable, and can not be washed or scratched off.

Acid etched mirror and glass is the best idea for increasing the interior decoration. Acid etched offers a unique design alternative with its metallic finish. It also acquires and reflects surrounding light and magnifies the size of residential or commercial areas. We are the endless stocking distributor of acid etched glass and mirror in the USA, with over a hundred different varieties.

Etched glass and mirror is a practical alternative to the look of stainless steel in the kitchen when used as a splashback. Created by taking the high-quality acid-etched glass that has a durable, glare-absorbing permanent etched finish; and taking it through a making process so that it has the glow of real silver from behind.

Bear Glass is the largest provider of Walker Textures® Acid Etched Glass in the country. We ship worldwide and we are recognized as a leader in the glass and mirror industry. That being said, there seem to be some misconceptions out there about the acid-etched glass. Let’s settle this and clear things up for everyone.

ADVANTAGES OF ACID ETCHED GLASS:

• When applied acid etched, in the home it helps to create a unique feeling of warmth and elegance. Acid etched also helps to spread light and emitting a certain purity of color and light.

• Acid etched glass provides privacy by obscuring undesirable attention, for both internally and externally without compromising light levels.

• It’s velvety-smooth surface the glass does not mark with dirt and fingerprints, as readily as traditional etched providing a low maintenance product.

The Uses of Acid Etched Glass

• Door
• Window
• Partition wall
• Glass railing
• Anti-slip glass stairs
• Kitchen backsplash
• Glass flooring
• Glass furniture and much more!

Bear Glass offers the different pattern of acid etched glass in the USA. If you want to decorate your office or home interior, install acid etched glass. Call us at +1 718 832 3604. You can also email us at sales@bearglass.com. Contact us now.

The post Acid Etched Glass For Interior Decoration appeared first on Bear Glass Blog.

Acid etched glass has been treated with acid to produce a matte surface finish on one, or both, of the surfaces of the glass. Because the surface of the glass has been chemically-created, the finish is extremely durable, and can not be washed or scratched off. Often, this is referred to as “fingerprint proof” or “smudge proof” glass because of its durability withstand oils, moisture, and humidity while still retaining the frosted appearance.

When people mention “acid etched glass” they can mean a WIDE variety of things. There are acid etched products which we offer, sandblasted, laser etched, and even printing or decorative films that look like etching.

Acid Etched glass panels are mainly used for:

• door
• Window
• partition wall
• Glass railing
• Glass flooring
• Glass Staircase
• Glass furniture and much more!

Available Finishes of Acid Etched Glass

Basically, the term “etched glass”  or “frosted glass” is a generic term used as a catch-all for any of the above methods which produce a glass that will diffuse transmitted light. But it’s important to know the limitations and effects for each of these methods are different.

Different levels of opacity can be achieved by treating one or both sides of the glass, as well as the “depth” of the etching.  Options of patterns, tints, and limitless color are all possible. This product can be back-painted as well, for a colorful matte finish. which of course, is what Bear Glass Color Glass can do in the creation of Bear Glass Acid etched Matte Color Glass.

A few of the advantages for the use of Acid Etched Glass:

1. Permanent finish that will never degrade or fade over time.
2. The matte finish reduces glare, allowing for the practicality of glass, even in high-glare interiors.
3. Fingerprints won’t show like on other glossy materials.
4. Moisture or natural oils won’t remove the finish.
5. Extremely durable – can withstand vigorous cleaning. Nearly anything can be cleaned off by using a Magic Eraser.
6. Can be tempered – allowing for use in shower enclosures, railings, and furniture.
7. Can also be back-painted, silvered,…or both,…for beautiful additional effects.

People LOVE the soft, ethereal look of acid etched glass. But they wrongly think it’s hard to care for. You can’t get it wet, you can’t get oils on it, and you can’t clean the pitted surface. However, acid etched glass has the ability to do ALL those things and still come clean. All of these gorgeous glass installations were done using acid etched glass, which we can back-paint any custom color. Contact us, to learn more about any of these products.

Bear Glass is the best fabricator of the interior decorative glass products, including a wide variety of glass and mirror. Bear Glass provides high quality fabricated glass for contracting glaziers, glass distributors, installers, and the architecture design community.

The post Benefits of Acid Etched Glass In Interiors in NY, NJ, Brooklyn appeared first on Bear Glass Blog.

Shower Guard glass is that the first shower guard that gives permanent protection to the glass against corrosion and marking. Shower Guard glass provides permanent, verified protection. It stays stunning for a long period guaranteed. Shower Guard glass is that the first shower guard that gives permanent protection against corrosion and marking.

It stays stunning for long period, guaranteed. thus you’ll love your bathroom longer.

You can scrub laborious, however customary shower glass won’t keep clear long. Heat, wetness, and water change the surface of glass, giving spots, residue, and scum how to dig in. In time, customary glass grows uninteresting and appears dirty.

Unlike a spray-on product, the protection of Shower Guard never breaks down, neither must be reapplied and in contrast to alternative questionable permanent shower protection product. This shower guard product is backed by a sturdy restricted period pledge.

Shower Guard for good seals the surface of the glass for lasting beauty with less maintenance. Exploitation proprietary iron-beam technology, associate degree invisible protecting coating is amalgamated to the surface, filling the peaks and valleys that occur naturally in glass and making a sleek surface extremely resilient to the dirt, soap and water build-up that dulls and etches normal glass. See the science.

ShowerGuard Clear

Enjoy the Shower Guard advantage of lasting beauty for your clear glass shower enclosure. ShowerGuard Clear is that the easiest way to bring powerful Shower Guard technology into your home. The permanent protecting coating is applied to clear glass throughout producing with no visible distinction in clarity. What you’ll notice is, however, nice it’s while not corrosion, scum or stains for years to come back.

Give your shower enclosure an everlasting beauty with Shower Guard Clear. It’s accessible in 6mm, 10mm & 12 mm thicknesses.

Shower Guard Low-Iron

Show off the tile, tub, and fixtures with Shower Guard Low-Iron in your shower enclosure. Utilizing ultra-clear glass for a shocking result, Shower Guard Low-Iron neutralizes the inexperienced forged of normal glass for a crystal clear result that lets the look and color of your lavatory shine through. This glass loves natural light-weight and visually opens your area like no alternative.

With its ultra-clear edges, Shower Guard Low-Iron is good for clear, frameless shower enclosures. it’s accessible in Shower Guard Ultra White is available in 10mm & 12 mm thicknesses. Please read actual glass size and thickness for correct edge color.

Shower Guard Satin Deco

Protect your shower enclosure glass and your privacy with Shower Guard SatinDeco. Shower Guard SatinDeco brings the best-of-the-bathroom together: privacy, light-weight, and life-long shower protection. the skin of the glass is acid-etched to produce a smooth sleek semi-transparency that glows as light-weight passes through. the within is for well sealed against corrosion and build-up for simple care and lasting beauty.

Shower Guard SatinDeco is accessible in 10mm & 12mm thicknesses., which assures that you’ll love to stay in your bathroom longer. This will be much effective on day-by-day basis, when you will keep using your shower spaces.

The post Shower Guard- Permanent Shower Protection appeared first on Bear Glass Blog.

Glass is a great emergence material to use in restaurant interiors. With a high-end look that is easy to take care of and limitless in its customization choices, glass can conjointly add helpful options to the inside of a restaurant whereas adding operate, reduced maintenance and good appearance for years to return. Glass comes in so several varieties: tinted, backpainted, mirrored, acid etched, and even clear,…that you’re sure to notice a sort that may enhance the inside for any restaurant or food service setting.

Below are five ways that to whet your liking to victimization glass in restaurant designs:

1) Specials Boards:

Tinted Glass Message board Being able to erase dry erase, wet erase and chalk markers from the surface makes glass the perfect message board for writing specials, messages, and other info for patrons. The one shown above was created out of tinted Grey glass for a semi-translucent impact. It remains hung from stands with the glass sheets, perfectly functional with holes, to accommodate the hardware.

2) Table Toppers:

Cafe with backpainted glass table topper protecting the wood table. This is one among the foremost practical uses of enclosing restaurants…as a table topper to protect the wood or metal table beneath. A thin, tempered piece of glass can be backpainted any color in order that it enhances the restaurants branded color scheme as linens would, but doesn’t would like to get replaced when every patron. Spills, drips, and splatters can be simply clean up and it’ll look smart as new for the consequent client. We’ve also seen clear glass table toppers used over fine lines, and that’s good thanks to forestalling having to try to a large amount of laundry.

3) Prep space Feature Wall:

Bear Glass Color Glass backpainted glass in bright red within the style of a wall of color glass in a prep space attracts attention to wherever all the action happens and provides a surface that is easy to wash at the top of the night. With the ability to be any custom color, it can produce lovely thanks to drawing customers in. This extremely busy restaurant in the food court.

4) Bar Tops:

Restaurant tabletop victimization Low-Iron Acid carved Glass With Backlighting impact. A bartop using acid carved glass will produce sultry backlit bars that will enhance a mood within the restaurant or lounge. Easy to keep clean, and with a surface that won’t wash off, acid etched glass conjointly resists finger prints thus servers will focus on merely serving the client.

5) Glassware Walls:

Bar interior victimization back-lit Acid carved Glass. Like the bar tops, when an acid carved glass is backlit, it can produce a mood that invigorates patrons and enhances the setting. The way the lightweight plays, not only through the acid carved glass, but through the glass work and colored liquids in bottles creates a cool atmosphere that will enhance the complete.

But there’s thus several a lot of ways that to use in close restaurant and food service style, tomorrow we’ll share a few more! What are your favorite ways that you’ve used in close restaurant interiors? Let us know via email at sales@bearglass.com

The post Sharpen Your Liking For Glass in Restaurant appeared first on Bear Glass Blog.

In the world of sandblasting there are two techniques, etching and carving. Etching is when abrasive is blasted at the glass lightly to give the glass a frosty appearance. Depending on the speed and angle the abrasive is being applied, different shades can be created, allowing the glass to be a true work of art. Carving on the other hand is when steadily sandblasting is done to the surface of a glass using stencil which protects the areas you don’t want to be carved out. Sandblasting as a technique for carving can be much nuanced, with differing depths and angles of cuts creating an array of lighting effects that may be quite beautiful.

Common to residential homes, there is a need for privacy in areas of the front entry or over a tub in the bathroom. These are areas where an elegant or sophisticated design can lend to the privacy desired along with adding beauty and character to a home. Etched glass designs add a great look to recreation areas and bathroom mirrors. Home bar mirrors with your own personal name for your get away create an interesting and elegant look for entertaining or personal enjoyment. Etched glass table tops have enhanced many dining rooms with sandblasted and carved designs.

Many of our clients prefer to have attractive etched glass signs pin mounted right above their reception desks which can also be lighted or colored with your corporate colors. These signs can be very versatile in function for the corporate office or small office environment. From company name recognition to adding an element of design, Bear Glass can provide the correct solution for your needs!

In many commercial environments, the need for name recognition is vitally important. By having your corporate logo/identity sandblasted onto the front entry doors or on a glass curtain wall in a conference room, you are establishing your name with your clients and showing a sense of pride in your company. Also, it is very helpful for clients in locating your office space in larger office buildings . The same is applicable for commercial interior decoration as well, along with home-office spaces. You must have observed the practical use of etched glass products in pubs, restaurants or bars, where privacy plays a big role in space decoration.

Glass etching on an entrance to a home or office creates a dramatic first impression like no other architectural material can. Etched glass entries and etched glass doors are elegant and quite sophisticated, modern yet can be very classic. Even the best etched glass design is only as good as the technique used and its execution. Bear Glass can deliver on both quality and timeliness which is why leading architects and contractors rely on Bear Glass to make their glass etching vision a reality. It does not matter if the frosted glass design or frosted film pattern is in an office, restaurant, laboratory or an airplane, Bear Glass has the capability of performing this work on the job site, without the mess and dust of conventional systems, enabling any glass to be sandblasted anywhere that it may be located.

For more information, please contact us. We look forward to working with you!

FACTORY/OFFICE

Address:
Bear Glass Inc.
217-44 98th Ave., Queens Village, NY – 11429
United States
 +1 (718) 832-3604
 sales@bearglass.com

The post Etch It Up With Bear Glass!!! appeared first on Bear Glass Blog.

Bear Glass is the 4th generation family business specializing in Custom Glass Tables.  Bear Glass has always led the way in design ideas and styles. Our custom glass tables are matching materials.  Whatever we are making: Glass coffee tables, console glass, etc. offer a sense of peace and harmony.  They will quickly or office a sense of peace and harmony. They will quickly become the focus of your home decor, adding elegance and a special.

Need a Glass Table Top?  You’ve come to the right place.  Here at Bear Glass, we have the capability to custom cut, bevel, polish, and temper your glass at our manufacturing plant in New Jersey.  This ensures a perfectly customized fit, gives you the opportunity to choose the glass type you want, and gets it delivered to you in record time for home and office needs.

Whether it’s for a glass table top replacement, glass table top cover, or a table design of your own, the steps for customizing your glass table top are the same.  Our Glass Table Tops are custom manufactured, which means that all pieces can be to your specification.  Bear Glass offers the finest furniture quality glass with edges and corners expertly polished.  Bear Glass is America’s leading supplier to hotels, restaurants, and designer showrooms.  We expertly pack each product to ensure safe arrival.

If you have a base made of cement columns, tubular steel, or something that is designed to hold a piece of glass on top of it, you will need a glass table top.  Glass table tops are designed to hang over edges and span small distances with no support.  Glass Table Tops not only add a sense of elegance, they also have very useful purposes.  Glass Table Tops by Bear Glass protect your furniture from nicks, scratches, and other possible damages.  It refreshes older pieces with a less permanent option, as compared to stains or paint.  The glass is simply beautiful; a glass top is an excellent way to add shine to an otherwise dull item.

Our Glass Table Tops can also elevate the impact of wood tables or dressers while protecting these investments from scratches, glass rings, sun damage, and even scuffs.  Order one of our Glass Table Tops and complete a table, nightstand, or even a plant stand.  With our Glass Table Tops you are able to renew old glass table inserts with a glass table replacement; outdoor tables are especially vulnerable to damage and weathering.

We have many options for our Glass Table Tops, some of them include:

For more information on our Glass Table Tops please contact Bear Glass at:

FACTORY/ OFFICE

Address:

Bear Glass Inc.

399 20th Street

Brooklyn, NY 11215

Phone: 718-832-3604

Fax: 718-832-0786

E-mail: bearglass@yahoo.com

If you are in New Jersey:

Bear Glass New Jersey

359 Essex Road

Tinton Falls New Jersey 07753

P: 732 901 2626

F: 732 901 2266

E: Sales@BearGlassNJ.com

The post Glass Table Tops by Bear Glass appeared first on Bear Glass Blog.

Bear Glass Is A Premier Walker Distributor.  We are better able to serve our customers with 2 facilities located in both Brooklyn NY and Tinton Falls NJ.  Our Motto is “ We Do Everything In Glass And Mirror”, so we are able to service any and all your glass and mirror needs.

Double Sided Acid-Etched Glass

Etching two faces of the glass provides many applications which can be used as much for residential as for commercial uses.

Some of the more common applications include:

–         Office enclosures

–         Interior Doors

–         Railings

–         Shelving

–         Furniture components

–         Interior partitions

–         Sealed units

–         And many more

Double sided acid-etched glass also has many advantages, such as:

–          It offers more opacity than one sided acid-etching, perfect for those looking for enhanced privacy or to use as spandrels in a building facade.

–          It provides a consistent finish on both sides                          

–          Glare is reduced on both sides of the glass

–         It offers flexibility with varied visual effects from different finishes: Opaque/Opaque, Velour/Velour and Satin/Satin

–         And finally, it offers the unique possibility of combining full surface etching on one side with an acid-etched pattern on the other

Going with the inspiration of the last advantage mentioned above, Bear Glass has come a long way from its first launch of  Walker  Nuance patterns in 2008.  In June 2012, Bear Glass was proud to announce the launch of six new patterns by Walker Glass , two of which featured double sided acid-etched glass, namely patterns 511 and 512.

Having a pattern on both sides of the glass is a brand new feature of the product line and provides a good cross section of  Nuance capabilities. This trait gives the impression the glass has greater depth.

Also available are custom designs, on either one face or two.  As an example, Bear Glass ran a prototype of a pattern etched on both sides which gives a sort of criss-cross effect.

This is very interesting in terms of the possibilities architects and designers will be able to create. The addition of this new feature, double sided acid-etched patterns, will stimulate the imagination of architects and designers and help them come up with custom patterns meeting their own design intent.

For more information on Double Sided Acid-Etched Glass please contact Bear Glass at:

FACTORY/ OFFICE

Address:

Bear Glass Inc.

399 20th Street

Brooklyn, NY 11215

Phone: 718-832-3604

Fax: 718-832-0786

E-mail: bearglass@yahoo.com

If you are in New Jersey:

Bear Glass New Jersey

359 Essex Road

Tinton Falls New Jersey  07753

P: 732 901 2626

F: 732 901 2266

E: Sales@BearGlassNJ.com

The post Bear Glass Double Sided Acid-Etched Glass appeared first on Bear Glass Blog.

Bear Glass Is A Premier Walker Distributor. We are better able to serve our customers with 2 facilities located in both Brooklyn NY and Tinton Falls NJ. Our Motto is ” We Do Everything In Glass And Mirror” so we are able to service any and all your glass and mirror needs.

Bear Glass NJ Acid Etched Glass is becoming trendy in design and construction.  The consistency and durability of the finish can reduce glare and reflection, add privacy, increase light transmission, and provide texture.  It is important to select the right acid-etched glass for an application, and avoid making issues during storage and fabrication.  Although the glass-etching process is generally consistent, variations in chemistry and other parameters create different surfaces with distinct visual and performance characteristics.  Glass is etched with an aqueous solution of hydrofluoric acid, which attacks the silica and roughens the glass surface.  Generally, the more ‘white’ or opaque the finish, the more rough and porous the surface is.  When choosing distinctive and unique types of glass, architects and designers often have specific objectives in mind.  With acid-etched glass, these goals can relate to light diffusion, light transmission, privacy, visual appearance, integration with surrounding objects, and energy efficiency through increased day lighting.  An etched surface with rugged peaks and deep valleys absorbs and diffuses light, rather than transmitting or reflecting it- the result is a rich, white, opaque appearance.  In contrast, an etched surface with smooth, rounded bumps enhances light transmission and creates a more transparent glass, characterized by reduced reflective glare and a soft translucent appearance.

Acid-etched Surface Finish

Acid-etched finished vary by manufacturer.  The type selected for a glass substrate renders a different level of opacity and smoothness and creates varied visual effects.  It also impacts performance ratios such as gloss, visible light transmission (VLT), visible light reflectance, shading coefficient, solar direct transmission, solar direct reflectance, and U-value.  The visual effect of the acid-etch finish on mirror varies depending on the extent of etching performed.  A lighter-etched mirror has more reflection whereas a deeper etch creates a matte finish and more depth in the glass.

Glass Substrate

The substrate also influences the color appearance, level of opacity, and performance ratios of acid-etched glass.  Many falsely believe pieces of ultra-clear glass look the same, irrespective of their origin; similarly, glass with a blue tint from manufacturer ABC is often incorrectly perceived to match the one produced by manufacturer XYZ.  Generally, the glass business markets different shades of glass in ultra-clear, green, blue, or black.  In addition, some glass floaters can make varying shades of one color.  For example, acid-etched products manufactured from low-iron glass have a translucent satin appearance without the ‘greening effect’ of ordinary clear glass.  Similarly, a piece of acid-etched glass made with a dark blue hue from one supplier creates a different visual effect than one made with light blue from the same manufacturer.  Consequently, the shade of the acid-etched glass or mirror likely varies among manufacturers, depending on the substrate used.  It is important to remember the acid-etched finish itself creates a different color appearance, with different tints having varying performance ratios.

Etching on both sides

Etching glass on both sides can enhance its characteristics.  This approach is suitable for applications requiring a higher level of opacity or a similar finish and visual effect on both sides of the glass panel (e.g. partitions).  Most glass is produced by the float process.  The raw materials- mainly silica sand, soda ash, and limestone- are melted in a furnace and then flowed onto a bath of molten tin.  The glass then takes form and gradually cools as it moves from the tin bath to a controlled cooling chamber.  Float glass is best etched on the ‘air’ or ‘atmosphere’ side of the sheet, due to the greater likelihood of impurities and surface imperfections on the ‘tin’ side.  Production of acid-etched mirrors and two-sided etched glass requires etching of the tin side, posing an increased risk of defects in the surface if inappropriately done.   When considering double-sided acid-etched glass or acid-etched mirror, the type of finish specified impacts quality.  The manufacturer of the acid-etched product can recommend the finish (if any) suitable for the application.

Exterior applications

Bear Glass New Jersey Acid Etched Glass may be appropriate for exterior applications, such as insulated glazing (IG) units, skylights, and balustrades.  As acid-etching is not a coating, its resistance properties in outside conditions are essentially equivalent to non-etched glass.  However, it is important to note an etched surface with rugged peaks and deep valleys could lead to higher maintenance costs because dirt particles may be harder to remove.  Therefore, the use on an etched surface with a lighter finish (i.e. smooth, rounded bumps) is recommended in exterior applications.  In these situations, the level and type of maintenance required is similar to that of non-etched glass.

Storage and Fabrication

If proper care is taken during storage and fabrication, acid-etched glass or mirror can be kept clean as easily as non-etched products.  Whether the glass is tempered, laminated, insulated, painted, or even bent, fabricators can preserve the quality of the final product.  However, the general suggestions for keeping acid-etched glass or mirror stain-free during storage and fabrication may not be suitable in all situations.  Fabricators should follow guidelines issued by the manufacturer of a particular product to prevent or fix any marks or stains that occur.

Storage

Proper storage practices can help avoid marking on acid-etched glass and mirror.  Storage spaces must be dry and adequately ventilated.  Sheets should not be stored in areas of high humidity or heat (e.g. places near steam or water pipes).  Spaces exposed to chemical fumes should also be avoided.  All these conditions promote staining.  Conversely, sheets should not be stored outdoors or in unheated areas.

Fabrication

Due to the particular characteristics of more rugged glass surfaces, extra care should be taken during their fabrication to minimize the likelihood of embedding grease or dirt into the surface.  Gloves must always be used when working with sheets.  When handling sheets using equipment with suction cups, the clean and dust-free cups should be applied to the flat, untreated side.  If this is impossible, care should be taken to ensure proper vacuum is achieved (i.e. testing must be done to be certain the cups ‘stick’ to the glass to handle to weight).  When edging glass, these practices should be followed:

1. The edging machine conveyors should be clean and free of grease and buildup of glass grindings or cerium oxide.
2. The conveyor must be regularly opened and the machine interior washed (particularly the brushes) using soapy water.
3. The front and back conveyor pads should be routinely brushed, until all traces of cerium oxide and glass grindings are removed.
4. The front and back conveyors must be synchronized at identical speeds.
5. Only coolants specifically recommended for glass grinding and that adhere closely to the manufacturer’s recommended dilution ration should be used.
6. Manufacturer guidelines for concentration levels must be followed when using cerium oxide, with care taken to never add more than the minimal amount necessary for good polishing.
7. Glass should be washed immediately after polishing.  Washer brushers with .36-mm (0.014-in) diameter nylon bristles offer the best results.  The glass washer should be equipped with one pair of upper and lower brushes for every 0.6m (2ft) per minute of travel- for example, a machine operating as a speed of 1.8m (6ft) per minute should have three pairs of brushes.  (This guideline is only applicable to regular float glass and not to coated products such as low-emissivity [low-e] glass).
8. As an extra precaution, wetting the glass surface immediately before polishing greatly reduces the risk of marking.

Writing the Right Specifications

Architects and designers constantly look to Bear Glass for new ways to use glass in exterior and interior applications.  Writing proper specifications, especially when distinctive and unique types of glass are chosen, is critical to ensure the desired design is achieved.  Acid-etched glass is no exception.  If care is not taken, the glass ordered and installed on the jobsite may be nothing like the product selected based on samples submitted.  To ensure the acid-etched glass products selected are actually used by the general contractor, glass fabricator, and glazier, the following information should be included in the specifications: name of manufacturer, product brand name, glass thickness, substrate (glass or mirror), tint (e.g. clear, ultra-clear, blue, green, black, bronze, grey), type of finish (name), and whether to etch on one or two glass faces.  Warranties and standards are often overlooked when writing specifications.  Inherent in the float glass process are small gaseous inclusions and minor abrasions.  Consequently, occasional, small ‘bubbles’ and hairlines are normal and acceptable under recognized standards; from a normal viewing distance, they are barely noticeable.  To ensure acid-etched products are made from float glass that conforms to industry standards, the manufacturer should be consulted.  In Canada, glass should comply with Canadian General Standards Board (CAN/CSBG) 12.3-M91, Flat, Clear Float Glass (Quality: Glazing).  In the United States, ASTM International C 1036-01, Standard Specification for Flat Glass (Quality: Q3-Stock Sheet) should be followed.  The manufacturer’s product warranty should refer to these standards.  Clearly, it is important to be specific about the nature of the acid-etched glass product required.  Communicating specifications in detail to a glass professional can help ensure the chosen product meets desired goals and objectives.

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