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Considering a home improvement project? Think glass!

Considering a home improvement project? Think glass!

Considering a home improvement project? Think glass!

Considering a home improvement project? Think glass!

2017 offers a great opportunity to refresh your living space. If moving or building your own home isn’t in the cards, you can improve the space you’ve got. The number one reason people consider moving is “more space.” But how can you create more space using only the space you’ve got?

Glass is a great way to open up a space, if only virtually. By making a space look bigger, you can improve your enjoyment of the space and give it a crisp, clean look.

How can you open a space? Consider removing non-structural walls or using glass room dividers to “remodel” your interior space. Raising furniture off the ground will also allow you to “look through” objects, creating a more open feeling in a small room.

Another way to open a room is to reframe windows. Small windows are more energy efficient, but they don’t tend to admit a lot of natural light. By increasing the amount of natural light in a space, you can create the impression of a larger, brighter and more welcoming space.

You can also use glass in doors, or use frameless glass doors to create the visual impression of more space. In areas where privacy is desirable, you can use frosted glass. If frosted glass isn’t in the budget, consider using Glassprimer™ glass paint.

Glassprimer™ glass paint is a cost effective alternative to frosted glass that provides privacy and durability. Glassprimer™ glass paint is highly UV resistant, so it won’t chip, fade or peel even in direct sunlight. Unlike frosted glass, Glassprimer™ glass paint comes in virtually any color. It can be tinted to match the paint palette of any major paint manufacturer, so you can integrate it seamlessly into your decorating plan.

If you’d like more information about Glassprimer™ glass paint and how it can help you control light and heat in your space, please visit the rest of our site. If you’d like to purchase Glassprimer™ glass paint, please visit our online store .

Photo Credit: Acme, via Flickr.com

Design considerations when working with glass

Design considerations for glass

Design considerations for glass

Design considerations for glass

Glass has a huge upside in contemporary design, but glass isn’t a simple replacement for traditional architectural materials. Here are some things to consider for any architectural designs that make use of glass.

Safety. Without a doubt, any glass design must thoroughly examine safety from every angle. Generally, where safety is a concern, a wide range of safety glass options are available. Tempered glass and laminated glass are two common options that will prevent or minimize injury in the event of glass breakage.

Wildlife. Low-emissivity glass is highly reflective and energy-efficient, but highly reflective glasses can cause significant loss of life for birds. Birds can’t detect the subtle differences between reflective glass and its surroundings, and can fly into glass at full speed, and with deadly consequences.

Energy consumption. Without a doubt, energy consumption is a concern when designing with glass. The design stage is critical because decisions made at this stage will have lifetime-cost implications for a building. Poor energy conservation may make an otherwise beautiful building virtual unsalable in the future, if energy costs rise substantially.

Weather. Special consideration must be given to designs that will be impacted by weather conditions like high winds, tropical storms, snow, cold temperatures and other similar hazards. You may need to use special glass or glass of a specific minimum thickness to ensure that it’s strong enough to withstand inclement weather.

Appearance. Choosing the right glass can make a major difference in the appearance and attractiveness of a building or building project. Glass can be tinted to virtually any color, but over a large project space, you’ll need to pay special attention to the consistency Other additives and coatings can create different properties that affect the appearance of the finished project.

Glass can also be painted using a specialty paint product like Glassprimer™ glass paint. Glassprimer™ glass paint is cost-effective and can be used to create both artistic and practical effects.

If you’d like more information about Glassprimer™ glass paint and how it can help you control light and heat in your space, please visit the rest of our site. If you’d like to purchase Glassprimer™ glass paint, please visit our online store .

Photo Credit: Nick Garrod , via Flickr.com

Is the glass shortage a reality?

Is the glass shortage a reality?

Is the glass shortage a reality?

Is the glass shortage a reality?

If you’re thinking about a home remodeling project that involves glass, you may have read about a “glass shortage.” Is there really a glass shortage, and if so, what will be its impact on your project?

The short answer is “yes and no.” Some construction projects are being slowed by a shortage of a specific kind of glass known as curtain wall glass. This type of glass is used to cover the exterior of commercial buildings. Unless you’re building a skyscraper, your project isn’t likely to be derailed by a lack of glass.

Some industry experts even question whether “shortage” is the right term to despcribe what’s going on. A shortage exists when a material is in demand, but simply isn’t available. A better description of what’s happening for curtain wall glass is that glass factories are having difficulty coming up with enough glass to meet industry demand today. They have enough raw materials to produce the glass, but not enough production capacity to fill everyone’s order “on-demand.”

In particular demand is low-e glass, which we recently blogged about. Low-e glass is so attractive to commercial builders because it’s a key part of their buildings’ energy consumption plan. Additionally, building operators that are seeking LEED certification must use energy-efficient materials in construction. New buildings would be exceptionally inefficient, and would be unable to meet the requirements for LEED certification if they did not use low-e glass.

Adding to the concern about glass availability is the reduced number of float glass plants that operate in North America. Currently, North America is experiencing a construction boom, in part because many building projects were delayed in response to the recession. Another consequence of the recession is that nearly one-quarter of the float glass plants in North America closed between 2007 and 2014. Their closure put additional pressure on the remaining float glass plants to meet pent-up demand.

Even if you intend to replace all of the windows in your home, you should have ample access to all the glass you need to complete your project. There is some disagreement about whether and how much the cost of replacement windows will rise, but most glass industry experts believe that any “shortage” will be short-lived. Glass producers will likely invest in production upgrades and automation that will help increase their production capacity without significantly increasing their costs.

If you’d like more information about 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: Karen P., via Flickr.com

En suite glass trends in home remodeling

En suite glass trends in home remodeling

En suite glass trends in home remodeling

En suite glass trends in home remodeling

A bedroom is arguably one of the most intimate spaces in a home, so it makes sense that remodelers and homeowners alike have gladly embraced the en suite trend. En suite refers to a bedroom and bathroom that are incorporated into a single, undivided space.

It sounds romantic, but let’s just say that bathrooms are bathrooms and bedrooms are bedrooms. Sometimes, a little division is desirable. How can you create an en suite look while still respecting the divergent natures of a bedroom and a bathroom? By using glass, of course!

Having an entirely open bathroom within a bedroom can pose some problems. Bathrooms feature running water. Whether you’re showering, bathing or taking care of other natural functions, you’re going to use some water. Showers and baths (to a lesser extent) aerosolize water, and the tiny water droplets can get everywhere. Over time, that can promote mold or mildew growth if the water isn’t carefully contained.

Glass walls around the bath area can preserve the open character of an en suite design while providing some highly desirable containment for aerosolized water. Glass is easy to care for. It can be cleaned using ordinary household cleaners. Since it doesn’t absorb moisture, it makes a great barrier that can inhibit mold or mildew growth in areas not directly associated with the bathroom.

If privacy is desired, you can decorate the glass using Glassprimer™ glass paint. Glassprimer™ glass paint is specially engineered to bind with the surface of the glass. It will not peel, chip or fade once the paint has cured. You can determine the level of coverage you want to apply, and it can deliver a frosted glass look for about $1 per square foot. Better still, it can be tinted to match virtually any major paint manufacturer’s palette, so you can incorporate Glassprimer™ glass paint into your paint plan with supreme confidence.

If you’d like more information about 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: Brandie Kajino, via Flickr.com

How glass can work with a vaulted ceiling

How glass can work with a vaulted ceiling

How glass can work with a vaulted ceiling

How glass can work with a vaulted ceiling

If you have a vaulted ceiling in your home, you know that it can be both a joy and a challenge! One idea you can use visually reduce the size of a wall without giving up the benefit of the vaulted ceiling is to create a hybrid solid and glass wall.

The solid wall extends as high as a conventional wall would – 8 – 9 feet. The remainder of the wall is made from glass, which extends from the top of your conventional wall to the ceiling. This one alteration will allow natural light to flood into a space but will preserve the privacy that a conventional wall provides. Not to mention that it looks fantastic!

If you have a vaulted ceiling, you know that sound carries very well in the open space. Glass is an ideal sound barrier. It offers significantly better noise insulation than conventional construction materials do. It can really make a difference in the amount of sound in an office or a bedroom.

Glass is also the ideal material for bridging the gap between the top of a wall and a vaulted ceiling. It’s readily available, and can be custom cut to fit any size vault. Whether you’re attempting to divide an existing space, or you simply want to sound-deaden a workspace, bedroom, bathroom or office, glass can help you preserve light diffusion while achieving your other architectural and interior design goals.

You can also decorate the glass in any way that makes sense to you using Glassprimer™ glass paint. Glassprimer™ glass paint is specially engineered to bond to glass surfaces. Once cured, the paint will not delaminate, chip or fade, even when exposed to humidity or direct sunlight. It can offer significant control of light or create privacy for about $1 per square foot.

If you’d like more information about working with glass or 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: Jeremy Levine, via Flickr.com

Glass: Classic or Futuristic?

Glass: Classic or Futuristic?

Glass: Classic or Futuristic?

Glass: Classic or Futuristic?

Interior design can be expensive, so a major remodel isn’t something that most people undertake regularly. That always raises the question of whether an interior design should take a classic or modern approach. A classic design offers the advantage of being “timeless.” A truly classic design will stand the test of time, and over time, that approach is very cost effective.

A modern design offers the advantage of being fresh and interesting. A modern design can invigorate a space and make it more attractive, functional and fun to look at or work in.

Glass has the distinct advantage of working well in both classic and modern designs. Glass is a timeless material that is exceptionally functional, cost-effective and elegant. Whether you’re working with it in furniture, walls, doors or windows, glass can work effectively in any design plan.

As an added benefit, glass is a practical material. It’s widely available, environmentally safe, infinitely recyclable and easy to work with. It’s impervious, so it won’t absorb bacteria, stains or odors, and it can be sanitized easily with ordinary household cleaners.

Glass can be used safely to laminate walls and horizontal surfaces. Backpainting the glass – which is easy – creates working surfaces that are colorful, elegant and practical. Glassprimer™ glass paint is a specially designed glass coating that bonds permanently to the surface of glass. Once cured, the paint will not chip, fade or peel and offers superior UV protection for areas that receive direct sunlight.

Glassprimer™ glass paint can also be used to control sunlight in areas that receive direct exposure. It can also be used to create privacy where desired. A gallon of Glassprimer™ glass paint will cover more than 250 square feet of surface area for about $1 per square foot. That’s actually more cost-effective than using traditional frosted glass.

As an added benefit, Glassprimer™ glass paint comes in virtually any color, so it can be matched perfectly to any color scheme. If you’d like more information about 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: Ericka dot net , via Flickr.com

Glass headlines interior design trends

Glass headlines interior design trends

Glass headlines interior design trends

Glass headlines interior design trends

Updating your existing space can be a challenge, but these new interior design trends may help you get started on your grand plans. The great news for fans of the classic look is that it’s always welcome! Interior designers are falling back on the tried and true in a big way. Glass is being used to bridge the gap between classic and contemporary.

If you’re looking at new windows, the word is, “Go big!” Floor-to-ceiling glass windows are at the top of the designers’ wish lists. In addition to flooding an area with natural light, they lend an open, airy and contemporary feeling to just about any space. They’re a great way to smudge the line between interior and exterior. When nestled in a door-wall, they can also turn an indoor room into an outdoor room in a snap.

Great glass walls are easy to dress, too! Floor to ceiling curtains, shades and portable room dividers can give privacy when desired. They can also be stored when it’s time to let the sun shine in.

Great glass without the windows

If new windows aren’t in the budget, you can incorporate glass in other ways. Glass panel surfaces and tabletops accentuate simple, yet sophisticated designs. Paired with neutral colors on the walls and natural flooring, you can pull together an outstanding look for one room or the whole house!

Worried about losing out on color by adding too much glass? Don’t! Glassprimer™ glass paint is a specially formulated paint that comes in virtually any color. You can use Glassprimer™ glass paint to add a splash of color to a room. Backpaint backsplashes, countertops or cabinet faces to update a kitchen easily. Glassprimer™ glass paint is easy to apply and cleans up like ordinary paint. Once cured, Glassprimer™ glass paint won’t fade, chip or peel and can stand up to direct sunlight.

For more information about 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: Jeremy Levine, via Flickr.com

Incorporating Glass Decorations Inexpensively

Inexpensive Glass Design Ideas

Inexpensive Glass Design Ideas

Inexpensive Glass Design Ideas

Glass is an exceptionally versatile decorating material, and it can be incorporated into your home in some very creative and cost effective ways. Glass evokes a luxurious feeling, but that doesn’t mean it has to put a big dent in your wallet.

Working with glass interiors

Glass always seems to work best in large spaces, but here’s the trick: glass tends to make any space look bigger. It works its magic, even in small spaces! Introducing a glass table into your dining room, for example can really make a small room look larger. Because you can see through it, it tends to extend a space. Solid objects, on the other hand, form discrete barriers, and tend to close off more space than they should.

Using this notion, you can expand a small room by using glass tables or room dividers. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also reframe a window to encourage more daylight. If the idea of reframing windows sounds expensive, don’t panic. It’s actually less expensive than you think. Consult with a remodeling specialist about reworking your windows, or adding windows to a room.

The same principle that applies to glass tables applies to doors. A wooden door seals off a space. Sometimes that’s what you want, but a glass door can improve light transmission and provide privacy at the same time. Whether you choose a frameless glass door or a wood-framed door with glass lites, you can really expand your space – if only visually by letting light move around it more easily.

Stairways can benefit from a glass and steel railing system. Glass panels can allow light to flow and really open up a space. A steel toprail will give a staircase a very contemporary look, and the glass panels are actually less expensive than you might think. You’ll want to use tempered glass on stairs, to avoid injuries in case of an accident.

Glass backsplashes and counter surfaces can really amp up your kitchen. As an added benefit, they’re exceptionally easy to clean and durable. You can easily decorate glass using Glassprimer™ glass paint in virtually any color under the sun. And speaking of sun, Glassprimer™ glass paint won’t chip, fade or peel, even in direct sunlight.

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

Photo Credit: Jeld-Wen

Glass design trends: Outdoor rooms

Glass design trends: Outdoor rooms

Glass design trends: Outdoor rooms

Glass design trends: Outdoor rooms

If you haven’t heard of outdoor rooms, that’s ok. You’ve certainly seen them. They’re spaces that blur the boundaries between a home’s interior and its exterior. Outdoor rooms may make extensive use of glass – big glass – and create a space that’s both livable and lovable.

Connecting with the outdoors is desirable, no matter what climate you’re in. Outdoor rooms may incorporate arbors, or they may use or extend a home’s existing structure. They often feature large, operable windows and doors that cover an entire non-load bearing side of a home.

Glass is ideal for outdoor rooms

Outdoor rooms may accommodate a variety of activities, but entertaining is certainly high on their to-do lists. They may feature kitchens, relaxation spaces and lots of fresh air and sunshine.

Outdoor rooms need to be rugged enough to tolerate sun, rain and seasonal weather, so materials that can stand the test of time are favored. Natural materials like stone and wood fare well in outdoor room designs. Manmade materials, like pavers, glass and concrete also work well in outdoor spaces.

Just because a material is natural doesn’t mean it can’t be decorated. The great outdoors can be brutal, so you’ll need materials that can stand up to the things that Mother Nature dishes out. Glassprimer™ glass paint is an ideal coating for outdoor projects.

While Glassprimer™ glass paint is designed to work with glass, it also works well with other impervious materials like stone and metal. In addition to durability, Glassprimer™ glass paint offers incredible UV resistance. That means your colors will stand up for years, even in direct sunlight.

Glassprimer™ glass paint bonds permanently with the surface it’s applied to, so it won’t chip, fade or peel, even in direct sunlight or high humidity. Because the paint is rugged, it also cleans well.

If you’re looking for more inspiration for your outdoor room, please visit the rest of our site. If you’d like to purchase Glassprimer™ glass paint, please visit our online store .

Photo Credit: Ben Freedman, via Flickr.com