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What You Need to Know about Colored Glass

Colored glass is part of our everyday lives. You see it in brown beer bottles, amber oil containers, and traffic lights. There are different elements responsible for creating these color effects.

First, let’s look at the chemical composition of glass.

The most common type of glass is soda-lime glass. This is a mixture of silicon dioxide, calcium oxide, and sodium oxide. This is often found in drinking glasses, windows, utility bottles, and containers.

Another popular type of glass is borosilicate glass – also known as Pyrex. This type contains silicon dioxide and boron trioxide. Because of its excellent durability and heat resistance, borosilicate glass is often found in cookware and laboratory equipment.

Additionally, it allows a higher percentage of light, making it ideal for flashlight lenses.

There are three ways to manufacture colored glass.

1.      Metal oxides

The first method introduces transition metal or rare earth metal oxides to the glass material. The metal ions absorb different wavelengths of light that create a colored appearance.

2.      Colloidal particles

The introduction of colloidal particles is another way to add color to the glass. When heat is applied, the particles are formed and suspended throughout the glass.

The colloidal particles scatter light in different frequencies as it passes through the glass. This creates striking colors such as gold, ruby red, shades of pink, and intense red.

3.      Colored particles

Lastly, colored particles can be introduced to the glass to create color. Common examples of this type of coloration are smoked glass and milk glass.

The most popular application of colored glass is stained glass. You see these types of designs in religious iconography, shade lighting, portraits, art projects, and windows.

Beyond aesthetics, colored glass has many purposes. For example, beer always comes in green or brown bottles. This is designed to prevent specific wavelengths of UV light from spoiling the contents. The same principle applies to chemical bottles.

What is stained glass?

Stained glass art has been around for centuries. Back in Roman times, craftsmen made stained glass art using a technique called cloisonné.

This process involves applying thin strips of lead to wooden or metal frames before adding molten glass.

Once the glass cools down and hardens, these strips create a unique pattern that shines through translucent coloring.

How to choose colored glass for windows

When choosing a type of glass for installing windows, many people overlook the importance of color.

Light window colors can make a space feel bigger and brighter. Meanwhile, a dark or opaque shade will make it feel smaller and confined.

Color can also match your style – whether you want something more modern or traditional.

In terms of energy efficiency, the color of your glass windows can impact the heat inside a room. Therefore, it will also affect your power consumption.

Most designers recommend bright and vibrant colors for window glass. Dark shades can make the window frame disappear, leaving a less appealing effect compared to brighter colored windows.

Are you ready to pick a color?

There is a wide range of colors to choose from when deciding on the color for your windows.

·         Clear glass

If a room gets minimal sunlight, clear glass is the best choice, especially for windows on lower floors.

Clear glass is also an excellent option if the interior motif is dark such as navy or black. When light bounces off the clear glass, those darker shades stand out and create an elegant, sleek look.

·         Blue glass

Blue-colored glass is the perfect choice for matching white window frames. In addition to its novelty look, blue glass adds an extra layer of protection against ultraviolet rays.

·         Sea green glass

Another good pairing with white window frames is green-colored glass. Green panes add some natural vibrancy that brings any room to life.

Sea green glass panes are popular among homeowners for a number of reasons.

  • They are energy efficient
  • They provide safety from solar heat gain
  • They add UV light protection
  • They add a natural touch to a home’s interior design

·         Brown glass

Brown glass panes blend well with dark brown window frames, creating a pleasant monochromatic atmosphere in a home.

Brown glass panes give a room a vintage look with added UV protection. They are great for bedrooms, offices, and other areas with maximum sun exposure.

The only disadvantage of brown glass is that it makes your space look darker. For this reason, it might not be a good idea to install it close to street traffic.

If you’re interested in colored glass, Glass King is a name you can trust. Based in Chandler, we have been providing glass solutions to residential and commercial clients all over Phoenix. Our full range of services – glass windows, tabletops, mirrors – is sure to meet your aesthetic and budget needs. Call us today at 480 389 5656 for inquiries.

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