OUR CAPABILITY

Glass GLue Chipping by Bear Glass

Glue-chip glass is a versatile decorative glass known for its frosted, fern-like patterns that combine privacy with visual elegance. Its ability to diffuse light while obscuring visibility makes it ideal for a wide range of architectural and design applications.

Glue-chip glass fabricated by Bear Glass showcases a perfect blend of craftsmanship and elegance. Using a time-honored process, Bear Glass carefully sandblasts and applies hot animal glue to the glass surface, creating intricate, frost-like patterns that resemble delicate fern leaves. Each panel is handcrafted to ensure a unique and consistent finish, offering both privacy and artistic beauty. Ideal for doors, sidelights, cabinet inserts, and decorative windows, Bear Glass’s glue-chip glass is available in various thicknesses and can be customized, laminated, or tempered to meet specific design and safety requirements.

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APPLICATIONS

Glue-Chip Glass is a great choice

Glue-chip glass is a versatile decorative glass known for its frosted, fern-like patterns that combine privacy with visual elegance. Its ability to diffuse light while obscuring visibility makes it ideal for a wide range of architectural and design applications.

1. Entry Doors and Sidelights

Used in residential and commercial entryways to add privacy while allowing light to pass through, with a decorative touch.

2. Cabinet Door Inserts

Perfect for kitchen or bathroom cabinets, glue-chipped glass adds a textured, elegant appearance while concealing the contents.

3. Decorative Windows

Ideal for transoms, accent windows, and interior partitions where visual interest and light diffusion are desired.

4. Glass Tabletops and Furniture Panels

Adds a frosted, ornamental element to custom furniture like coffee tables, consoles, and display cases.

5. Religious and Historic Buildings

Frequently used in restoration projects or new construction that seeks a vintage, handcrafted look.

6. Office and Commercial Interiors

Used in conference room dividers, glass partitions, or storefronts to maintain privacy with an upscale appearance.

7. Shower Enclosures

Offers partial privacy with a decorative flair, especially in custom-designed bathroom spaces.

8. Retail Display Cases

Adds a luxurious, frosted backdrop for high-end product displays while minimizing direct visibility.

9. Mirrors and Wall Panels

Often used as an overlay or edge treatment in decorative mirrors and architectural wall installations.

10. Custom Art Glass Projects

Glue-chipped glass is popular among designers and glass artists for its organic, one-of-a-kind texture in bespoke installations.

PROCESS

Glass Glue-Chipping: A Unique Technique for Artistic Expression

The glass glue-chipping process, also known as glass fusing or glue-chipping, is a technique used to create unique, textured designs on glass surfaces. Here's a step-by-step guide to achieve this effect:

Preparation

1. Clean the glass: Thoroughly clean the glass surface to ensure proper adhesion of the glue and paint.

2. Apply a layer of glue: Use a brush or palette knife to apply a thin, even layer of glass adhesive (usually a specialized glue like Liquid Leading or Glasscraft Adhesive) to the glass surface.

Glue-Chipping

1. Allow the glue to dry: Let the glue dry completely, following the manufacturer's instructions. This can take anywhere from a few minutes to several hours, depending on the glue.

2. Crack the glue: Once the glue is dry, use a sharp object (like a needle or pin) to carefully crack the glue, creating a network of fine lines and cracks. This process is called "glue-chipping."

Painting and Firing (Optional)

1. Apply paint: If desired, use glass paint or enamels to add color to the design. Make sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and drying times.

2. Fire the glass: If you're working with glass that can be fired in a kiln, follow the manufacturer's instructions for temperature and firing times to set the paint and glue.

Finishing Touches

1. Inspect and touch up: Examine the glass for any areas that may need additional glue-chipping or paint touch-ups.

2. Seal the glass (optional): Depending on the intended use of the glass, you may want to apply a clear coat of glass sealant to protect the design and ensure durability.

Keep in mind that the specific steps and materials may vary depending on the type of glass, glue, and paint you're using. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions and take necessary safety precautions when working with glass and chemicals.

Glue Chip Glass Specifications

Glass Type Clear Glass, Ultra Clear Glass
Glass Thickness 1/4", 3/8", 1/2"
Customization Sandblasting, Acid etching
Glass Tempering Available
Protective Coating Invisible Glass Guard

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Frequently Asked Questions

Glue-chip glass is a decorative type of glass that has a frosted, fern-like texture created by applying hot animal glue to sandblasted glass. As the glue dries and contracts, it chips away the surface, leaving a unique, crystalline pattern.

It is often used in doors, windows, sidelights, cabinet inserts, and decorative panels—especially in traditional or vintage-style architecture.

Glue-chip glass is semi-opaque. It allows light to pass through but obscures clear visibility, providing both natural light and privacy.

Yes, glue-chip glass can be tempered for added strength and safety. The glue-chipping process is usually done before tempering.

No, each glue-chip pattern is unique due to the natural chipping process. While the general texture may be consistent, no two pieces are exactly alike.

Glue-chip glass can be cleaned with a soft cloth and non-abrasive glass cleaner. Avoid harsh scrubbing tools to preserve the textured surface.

While it offers some diffusion of sunlight, glue-chip glass is not designed to block UV rays. For UV protection, additional coatings or films may be needed.

Yes, it is often laminated with clear glass or used in insulated glass units (IGUs) for added thermal and structural performance.

Yes, when properly sealed or laminated, glue-chip glass can be used in exterior windows and doors. It’s both weather-resistant and decorative.

Glue-chip glass typically comes in standard thicknesses like 1/8", 3/16", or 1/4", but custom thicknesses may be available depending on the manufacturer.