Working with laminated glass

Laminated glass is an industry standard for interior and exterior design. Laminated glass is a safety glass product, and consists of at least two layers of glass with a layer of polyvinyl butyral (PVB) between the glass panels. The PVB layer is applied to the glass using pressure and heat during the manufacturing process. Multiple layers of glass and PVB can be laminated together.

Laminated glass has been used in the auto industry since the 1950’s, and has been used in architecture for about 30-40 years. In terms of design, laminated glass is very flexible, in that the glass layers can be tinted, coated and textured. Laminated glass can also accommodate colored interlayers, and special insulating layers that improve sound dampening. Typically, the thickness of the finished product ranges between 1/8th of an inch and 1/4th of an inch, but thicker glass can be made. Laminated glass can also be cut if the glass layers have been annealed.

Annealing is a cooling technique that strengthens the glass during the manufacturing process. Annealed glass is not tempered, but it is cooled slowly to relieve internal stress. Annealed glass is about 4 to 5 times stronger than untreated glass, but it will break into shards, just like untreated glass. Tempered glass, on the other hand, is heated then quickly cooled. The resulting product is stronger than glass, and breaks into small cubes, rather than shards.

Laminated glass can be used in insulating glass products, like windows and doors. It can also be coated with low-emissivity coatings to help reflect UV and infrared lightwaves. Laminated glass can be made in sheets as big as 16×8 ft. The panel size depends upon the limits of the manufacturing equipment, but the weight of the finished piece is also a consideration.

Laminated glass is used where safety is a consideration. In exterior applications, laminated glass is used in windows and doors, and in structural elements, such as side panels for buildings. It can also be used in display windows, floors and safety barriers.

Laminated glass can be painted or coated, just like any other glass. Glassprimer™ glass paint can be used with laminated glass to coat, frost or decorate glass. Glassprimer™ glass paint permanently bonds with the glass layer to resist chipping, fading and peeling. It can be used in both interior and exterior applications.

If you would like more information about decorating with Glassprimer™ glass paint, please visit the rest of our site. If you’d like to purchase Glassprimer™ glass paint, please visit our online store . .

Photo Credit: Hugh Dutton Associés, via Flickr.com