Glass is a versatile material which is used in building industry since ancient times. Traditionally it was only used in windows and doors so as to get natural sunlight during the daytime. As technology has advanced, glass is now significantly used as a decorative material in interior design.
Decorative Lacquered Glass
A lacquered glass is one such processed glass, which has shiny and coloured surface. Paint is applied to one the surface of the glass to increase its aesthetics. Here we have given brief information on lacquered glass, its advantages, and applications in interior design, which homeowners should know before buying glass for their house.
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Lacquered glass is also known as back painted glass (BPG) is obtained by coating the back surface of a float glass with lacquer. They offer an opaque and shiny surface. Generally, they are always viewed from the front surface which is not painted. The lacquered glass is available in many different shades of colours, which can be suited to any application. Custom made colours are also made depending upon the requirement.
Generally, extra clear glass is used in making lacquered glass, as the distortion of colour shades does not occur. The panels of glass are first washed to remove any dirt or dust accumulated on the surface. The mixture of colour is applied on one of the surfaces in a controlled manner and in a uniform thickness. The paint is allowed to be cured by proper heating the glass in an oven so that it does not become brittle. If paint becomes brittle, the glass will chip and break easily. Lastly, a coating is applied, so that resistance to scratches increases and the colour also remains intact.
Size and Thickness:
Back painted glass is generally available in thickness of 4 mm and 6 mm. The standard size of glass sheet available is 3210 mm X 2250 mm and 3210 mm X 2500 mm.
Advantages of Lacquered Glass:
- Available in infinite colours, lacquered glass gives a shiny and opaque finish to the glass.
- It is highly durable and resists UV radiation, thus the colour does not fade during its lifetime.
- Back painted glass has high resistance to scratches and humidity, thus it is useful in wet areas like kitchen and bathroom.
- Due to its shiny and reflective surface, back painted glass reflects light back and thus creates brighter space, optimizing the use of artificial lights.
- They can be easily processed further to produce decorative tempered glass, laminated glass, ceramic printed glass, frosted glass, etc.
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- It can withstand temperature up to 80 0C, for stronger glass, heat strengthened or tempered lacquered glass is used.
- They can be easily maintained and cleaned.
Application/Uses:
- Due to its shiny and matte finish, it is extensively used in wall cladding and glass partitions, to create modern and classy interiors for the house.
- As it can resist humidity, it is commonly used as glass backsplash in a kitchen as well as in a bathroom. Back painted glass is used to make the modern modular kitchen.
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- The lacquered glass is used in shower doors, bathroom wall cladding, glass partitions, doors, table tops, glass furniture, etc.
- It is very commonly used in making modern and contemporary wardrobes, which give classy look to the room.
- Elements such as balustrades can be made more interesting by using lacquered glass.
- It is used as a substitute for tiles in kitchen walls, as the grout is difficult to clean, while glass walls are very easy to clean.
- Lacquered glass is extensively used in architectural spandrels, contemporary cupboards, furniture, kitchen countertops, washrooms of cinemas, hotels, restaurants, etc.
A lacquered glass or back painted glass is used mostly as a decorative glass, to improve aesthetics of the house. Many offices also use this glass in wall cladding to create a magnificent environment.