What Is Silk Screened Glass?
Silk-screened glass is a decorative and functional element of building design. Patterns or images in a variety of colors are transferred through a fine-mesh screen to the surface of glass lites, pieces of glass that have been cut and prepared for use as windows, doors or partitioning walls. The design is adhered to the lite through a strengthening process that uses a tempering furnace. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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The concept of silk-screening is thought to have been around for hundreds of years, but can't be verified until England's Samuel Simon received a patent for silk-screening in 1907. The practice of silk-screening glass didn't occur until the early 1990s, as architects became enamored with the ability to add new design elements to their work as well as have an impact on the amount of sunlight entering a building.
Identification
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Silk-screened glass is recognized by the designs on the glass. This is done by washing the glass and then screen printing ceramic frit, a glass-like, partially fused ceramic enamel, to one side of the glass and then heating to approximately 1,100-degrees Fahrenheit in a furnace, to make the design permanent. The most common pre-printed silk-screened glass patterns are lines, dots, and holes, but custom designs can be created ranging from text to decorative.
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Function
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Silk-screened glass can be used for many purposes, not just as a replacement for traditional glass. Outdoor uses include replacements for signs to the more common uses of windows, walls and building entrances. Interior uses range from handrails and ceilings to racquetball walls.
Benefits
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Even though the primary advantage to silk-screened glass is its appearance, there are many functional advantages, as well. Lighter-colored glass will allow for a brighter interior under certain conditions, while darker-colored glass can reduce the amount of sunlight that passes through, which will reduce reflections and glare, as well as limit the amount of heat entering the building. Because silk-screened glass is heat-treated, it is stronger than traditional glass, which makes it safer for exterior use.
Warning
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Even though silk-screened glass is strengthened by the heating process, it is still susceptible to stress due to outdoor conditions and must be kept away from direct contact with the elements. Many times, silk-screened glass will be used in combination with other glass to give the silk-screened glass the best protection, while still maintaining its appearance and ability to help control light.
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References
- Photo Credit Perspex Art http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/
