Backpainted glass has become an increasingly versatile architectural tool, though understanding where it works best is what allows designers to get the most out of decorative glass.
There is no one-size-fits-all answer when selecting a decorative surface, says Lucas Brooks, product manager at Dreamwalls/Gardner Glass in North Carolina. The right product depends on the overall goals of the space. In many cases, backpainted glass can be used alongside other decorative materials rather than as a replacement for them.
“Backpainted glass is particularly effective in decorative interior applications where aesthetics, customization and functionality are priorities,” notes Brooks. “Its broad color range, vibrancy and ability to be custom-matched to corporate brand standards, school colors, healthcare wayfinding schemes or unique architectural palettes provide designers with tremendous creative freedom. What makes backpainted glass especially versatile is that it does not always have to compete with other decorative glass products. In many cases, it can be combined with them to create solutions with unique visual and functional results.”
Versatile Design Applications
Brooks explains that backpainted glass can also be used on acid-etched substrates, creating a combination of rich color, a soft matte appearance and reduced glare. The result looks and feels different from traditional glossy backpainted glass, while still giving architects plenty of design flexibility. The etched surface can even retain its functionality, giving designers a way to bring the warmth and lower reflectivity of a matte finish into collaborative spaces.
Backpainted glass also pairs well with digital printing, which allows designers to combine bold background colors with custom artwork, graphics or branding. Brooks says that when it comes to choosing between backpainted glass and ceramic frit, the application determines which material makes the most sense. Ceramic frit is suited to exterior spandrel applications, while backpainted glass offers a broader color range, greater vibrancy and a finish that works well in decorative interior spaces, where people are much closer to the glass.
The capabilities of backpainted glass have been on display for decades, but its ability to offer seamless surfaces and functionality gives architects new ways to use the material. At Virginia Tech’s Academic Building One in Alexandria, Virginia, for example, backpainted glass and glass marker boards showcase the possibilities of decorative glass.
Click here to read more.