The Colorful Language of Glass Art

Although I don’t want to list all of the terms that we use in the trade, I thought that my blog would be a great opportunity to provide my readers with a list of definitions that are used to describe the different techniques. Kiln-formed glass is usually referred to as hot glass and can be broken down into glass that has been slumped or fused. For centuries it was used to shape glass until the Romans developed glassblowing, which has since become the more widely used method. Many modern day glass artists are rediscovering its versatility to produce their glass art works. Glass slumping is the technique of placing hot glass over a mold over which the is being formed,(which can be made of either ceramic, sand or metal and coated with a release agent that will stop the molten glass from sticking to the mold. We use glass slumping techniques to create our backsplash tiles. Glass fusing methods involve stacking, or layering thin sheets of glass, that are mostly different colors to create patterns or simple images. One the glass sheets are layered correctly, they are placed inside the kiln and then heated through a series of ramps (rapid heating cycles) and soaks (holding the temperature at a specific point) until the separate pieces begin to bond together. Sandblasting is a common technique that we use mostly when we are creating our glass whiteboards. By sandblasting the layers of glass away with a sandblaster, a machine that uses compressed air to propel particles of abrasive sand, a design will stand out with every layer removed. Painting is another term that takes on a new significance in the glass art world. Our glass art would look pretty plain if we didn’t paint them using a variety of techniques, employing many types and styles of color. Some of the paints that we use are in a powder form while others including acrylic paints are baked onto the glass creating a permanent hard finish. As you can see there are many ways that we can shape, mould and color your glass art to your liking. Whether your project involves a backsplash, countertop, wall art, glass furniture or glass whiteboard, Castle Designer Glass can help turn your glass idea into a reality.