Kennesaw Glass elevates furniture and adds a unique touch to any room. Whether your custom glass is for a coffee table, nightstand, or wall mirror, your local glass specialist can help you find the right fit.
Raw glass comes in crates and is loaded into an optimizing machine that scores it into the shapes communicated to it. This cuts the corners of the glass into a radius shape, making it safer to handle.
Glass is a material that lends itself to so many different applications. It can be used to create an elegant tabletop, a stunning wall covering, or even a functional shelving solution. Custom glass adds a beautiful and unique touch to any home, and it also increases its value and appeal.
The first step in the process is to consult with a glass professional. They will help you figure out what is possible and make sure that your design is accurate. They will be able to provide you with ideas and images for inspiration, and they will be able to give you an idea of what the finished product will look like.
Once you have settled on a design, your glass specialist will make a full-scale drawing based on the ideas generated during your consultation in your home. This will include all of the glass pieces, borders, background, and central design elements or bevel clusters. It will also identify the color or stained glass that is to be used, and provide samples of optional colors if requested. The drawings will be sent to you for your approval. They can be hung in place to get a feel for the piece and to see how it will work with your décor.
It is important to find a company with a strong team of specialists who are dedicated to the design and fabrication process. This is because the quality of the final product depends on how well the design is created and how well it is executed. A reputable company will have the skills and experience necessary to produce high-quality, flawless glass products.
Once the design has been approved, the next step is to begin manufacturing. This can involve a variety of different processes, depending on the type of glass that is being produced. For example, if the project is a stained-glass window or door, it will likely require etching and painting.
Other types of custom glass can be made without these steps. For example, a custom glass company could replace the wood shelves in an old china cabinet with a sheet of decorative glass to create a modern update. Regardless of the type of glass being used, the fabrication process will take time and will require the skill of an experienced team.
Materials
A custom glass piece can enhance your home’s aesthetic, and there are a number of different options available. For example, you can choose from a variety of textures and colors to create visual interest in your space. You can also add decorative elements, such as interlay materials and custom printing. These types of finishes are especially useful for window panes, where they can transform what would be a simple glass into a work of art.
Once you’ve selected the type of glass you want, the next step is to choose a design. This can be done through a consultation with the glass manufacturer, or with the help of a designer. In either case, the design process should take into account factors such as shape, thickness, and strength. Once the design has been finalized, it’s time to begin fabrication.
Glass is a tough and durable material. It can withstand extreme temperatures and resists corrosion. It’s also very transparent, which means that it can allow natural light into your home while still providing privacy and security. When compared to other window materials, glass is very affordable and provides an excellent return on investment.
One of the best things about glass is that it can be molded into virtually any shape. This makes it a great choice for residential windows and doors, but it can also be used in other applications. For example, you can use glass to create a unique backsplash for your kitchen or to make a statement wall. There are many benefits of using glass in your home, from energy savings to a more beautiful appearance.
A custom glass company will work with you to determine the exact specifications of your project. They will then select the appropriate type of glass and cut it to size. Then they will add the necessary finish to give it a polished look. They will also provide you with detailed drawings to help you understand exactly what they will be creating for you. They can even offer you a free estimate! This way, you can be confident that your custom glass will meet all of your requirements.
Cutting
Glass cutting is the delicate process of creating a line of weakness that facilitates the clean separation of glass sections. To cut the glass, a cutter is used to roll over the surface of the pane to score (fracture) it. The glass is then snapped along the scored line. This is a delicate process that can lead to broken glass or uneven edges if it’s not done correctly.
The key to scoring the glass correctly is the amount of pressure applied. Too little force will result in a weak break line that fails to separate the glass properly. Too much force, on the other hand, may crush or fracture the surface of the glass and create lateral cracks that deviate from the original score line. To avoid these problems, the a glass cutter should be lubricated with cutting oil prior to use.
After a glass is scored, the surface needs to be thoroughly cleaned to remove any protective powder coating. Keeping the surface of the glass clean during this process ensures that the score lines are clear and free of debris. In addition, cleaning the surface of the glass prevents the slivers that form during the cutting process from becoming trapped and creating sharp edges.
Choosing the right cutter for the job is another critical step in the glass cutting process. Thinner glass, such as single pane windows or picture frames, requires lighter tools that can generate low amounts of pressure during the scoring process. Conversely, thicker glass, such as large plate window or mirror glass, demands heavy-duty tools that can withstand greater amounts of force.
Before you begin, lay out a straight edge, such as a yardstick or a standard desk ruler, to guide the cutter as it makes contact with the glass. Then, prepare a flat work surface, such as a plywood board or other resilient, cushioned work table. Finally, wipe the glass to be cut with a glass cleaner or solvent and prep the cutter by dabbing a small amount of lubricating cutting oil on its tip.
Begin by positioning the cutter on the edge of your mark and rolling it over the glass with the small carbide wheel. If it sounds smooth, like ripping silk, the score line is clear and well executed. If it makes a gritty sound, this indicates that the glass is being pushed too hard or that the cutter is not oiled enough.
Finishing
After the raw glass is cut, a number of different finishes are applied to make the glass functional and attractive. Depending on the type of glass and the desired aesthetic, this can include etching, engraving, coating, or the addition of decorative elements. These finishing processes can add visual flair and create a sense of uniqueness and exclusivity that is not available with mass-produced glass products.
Custom glass fabrication companies have the skills and equipment to work with a variety of materials and produce quality, customized glass products. These companies can offer a range of services that include chemical strengthening, glass drilling, heat tempering, and glass CNC cutting, among others.
The first step in the custom glass fabrication process is a consultation with the client to discuss the project requirements and goals. This will help the manufacturer to get a better idea of what kind of glass product is needed. Then, the manufacturer can start working on the project.
This process involves a lot of cutting and grinding, which can be difficult on the eyes and hands. It is important to use proper tools and lubrication to ensure safety and accuracy. The right lubrication can also help prevent damage to the glass as it is being cut. Some glass fabricators use kerosene, while others may prefer vegetable oil. Kerosene is cheap and readily available, but it evaporates quickly and can leave a residue on the surface of the glass. Vegetable oil, on the other hand, has the right viscosity and temperature to serve as a good lubricant.
After the glass has been cut, it is usually polished to remove any sharp edges that could cause injury if touched. This gives the glass a smooth, shiny appearance and makes it safer to handle. A variety of edge types can be applied to the glass, including flat polish, pencil edge, seamed edge, and beveled edge.
Some glass manufacturers can even add a layer of anti-fingerprint coating to the surface of the glass, making it more hygienic and reducing the risk of bacteria buildup. This is often done on high-traffic areas, such as bathroom mirrors and shower doors.
