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Leaded glass
The term "leaded" is a confusing term for so many people. We'll set you straight once and for all. This is the traditional technique
of assembling glass pieces with lead came (extruded lead strips of various profiles). In most churches and public buildings, this can
be seen. It has nothing to do with lead content in the glass or whether the edges of the glass are "beveled".
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Copper foil technique
As previously noted, Tiffany made this technique famous. It is especially useful when producing panels with fine details and
other small elements. Great flexibility of design is gained along with ability to create lines that are finer and less bulky compared
to lead came. There is a place for each and at times the two techniques are combined.
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Metal Channel
An alternative to or in addition to lead construction, is the utilization of hollow metal channels of various profiles. These metals consist of
zinc, brass and copper. The metal strips may be used as framing material and as inner structural reinforcements to larger architectural panels.
In some cases, metal channel construction completely replaces lead came or copper foil in the design.
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Beveled glass
This type of glass provides for great elegance and sparkle in a panel. Generally, a ¼" thick piece of glass is cut to a shape.
The edges are ground and polished on one side at an angle all around the perimeter. A ½" wide bevel is the most common width,
although large pieces for doors or tabletops can be as wide as 1½" and up to 1" thick.
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Etched and sand carved glass
The oldest etching method is wheel cutting with rotating stones. Wax and hydrofluoric acid is no longer in use due to its highly toxic
and hazardous nature. Less potent acid creams are used mainly by hobbyists and produce the least desirable results. We choose to
use silicon carbide grit and sandblasting equipment utilizing hand cut and photographic resists.
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Insulated glass units
Virtually any panel that we can produce can be made into an insulated glass unit comprised of three layers of glass; the exterior
tempered layer, the artwork, and the interior tempered layer. The advantages are greater R-value, protection for the artwork, ease
of cleaning and sound dampening. Investment does increase along with the need for some carpentry.
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Gilding (goldleaf)
Gilding is a very special design touch, that when employed properly, can produce dramatic results. The technique starts with micro-thin
sheets of 22k gold. These "leaves" are adhered to smooth, etched or gluechipped clear glass. An example of this technique would be the
lettering on a storefront or house number, and is a great flourish is an entryway design.
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Gluechipping
This is a glass texture as well as a technique. As the name implies, hot hide glue is poured over a sandblasted glass surface. After
cooling and curing in a zero humidity environment, the surface of the glass actually chips off. This produces a crackled or crystalline
texture on the glass. We can control exactly where this will be done by cutting a resist.
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Fusing
In fusing, kilns are used to heat glass to a melting point. Infinite designs are created fusing various colors of glass sheets, chunks,
powders, frit and stingers. Custom glass sheet styles can be created. Highly unique and colorful tiles, sinks, vessels and other art objects are
made using this technique. This technique is the hottest choice for custom kitchen and bath tiles and sinks.
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Slumping
Bending glass is another term for this technique. A kiln is used along with special molds. Glass is heated to the point that it
forms to the mold beneath. Freestanding artwork, dishware and lamp panels are often products of slumping. Frequently stock
molds are used, but custom molds can be crafted for special replica and original artwork.
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Painted, fired work
The tradition of painting or "staining" glass dates back centuries. Here, finely crushed glass powders mixed with liquids are painted
onto glass. These painted pieces are the fired in a kiln to allow the "paint" to fuse into the base glass. The most recognizable examples
of painted work are in houses of worship, but are also gaining popularity in residential installations.
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