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       Etched glass is an excellent choice as a decorative glass applications for many reasons. Sandblasting glass obscures the view from one space to another without blocking out natural light.  In fact, it actually intensifies the light.  Sandblasting breaks down the glass giving it a finely ground surface which refracts and scatters the rays.
       Sandblasted glass generally reflects whatever colors are in the environment. It can have a silvery look or a whitish one.  If a piece of glass is edge lit it will show off the wonderful blue-green color that is the natural color of glass but is not dense enough to notice otherwise.  The magic of all glass is in the way it interacts with light and color.  A piece of etched glass changes with its environment taking on many moods depending on the time of day or even the weather.  Sandblasted glass is versatile in that it can be used in any space regardless of the color scheme.  It does however, need natural or artificial light.
       Glass panels can be used anywhere you want to divide space or create privacy. The percentage of area that is etched compared to the area that is left clear determines the level of obscurity. You may want an exterior door window completely obscured so a visitor cannot see in. If you do not want to totally interrupt the visual flow between two spaces you might use a partially obscured piece of glass.  For instance, you could use a room divider or hanging piece between a living area and dining room. This use of sandblasted glass creates an intimate feel in the two spaces without making them seem like completely separate rooms.

Commonly asked questions

-How much does sandblasting obscure the view through the glass?

You cannot see through sandblasted glass, though light passes through it freely. How much of the glass is blasted, as opposed to clear, depends on your privacy needs. Since sandblasted glass is such a graphic medium, we recommend allowing at least some clear glass to show.  A completely obscured piece of glass is pretty, but the imagery will not be very discernable, though this may be the effect you want.

 -Does the glass need to be tempered?

This depends on the building codes in your area, but generally you want tempered glass in shower areas, doors, and cabinets.  Tempered glass and laminate glass are both safety glass and can be blasted, although the etch will be applied as a surface treatment only. Tempered glass cannot be blasted deeply or it explodes.  In many areas plate glass can be used. Plate glass can be very deeply carved providing for a very dimensional effect.

 -I have never ordered custom artwork before. How do I know the finished piece will be something I am going to like?

After a consultation, you will be presented with several rough sketches. When you are sure of the direction you want to go we will then do a final design. After the final design is drawn, you can still request small changes without additional cost. The final piece will be very close to the drawn design.

 Can you come to my home and do a consultation?

 Yes.  If you live in Whatcom County a preliminary consultation is free with the bid.  If you live outside the area then an appointment can be arranged for a fee.

 -Do you install the glass too?

 No. We can recommend an installer or you can use your own. Most finish carpenters can do the job. We recommend a glass glazer for many of the specialty installations.

 -Do you deliver?

Yes. We can deliver large pieces in the local area for an additional charge. We do not generally ship. Smaller pieces can be picked up from the shop.

 -What is sandblasted glass and what does it look like?

Sandblasting is a way of methodically removing material with pressurized air and abrasive. The areas not blasted are covered with a resist so only the exposed areas are affected. When you run your fingers over the glass you will feel the varying carved depths. Sometimes people call this art form etched or frosted glass.  There are etching mediums that can affect the surface of the glass, but acid etching does not carve the glass like sandblasting does.  Sandblasted glass has more dimension and texture.

The color of sandblasted glass is sort of white or sometimes grey. When the light hits the glass, the sandblasted part looks like sparkly snow or ice.  If you light the glass through its edge, it appears greenish, like the color you see when you look at the thickness of glass. Colored glass can be sandblasted and sometimes paint can be applied to color the blasted areas. Colored lights can add a particular mood to carved glass.

-Is sandblasted glass expensive?

Generally the price depends on the square footage of the piece and the complexity of the design.  It varies from $20.00 to $100.00 a square foot.

If you want a solid frost, the shop fee is $35.00 an hour. Sandblasting is comparable to stained glass in price.

 Do you have a size limitation?

Yes.  36” x 83”. This is the size of my largest cabinet.

P.O. Box 637, Maple Falls, WA 98266
Phone: (360) 599-2407

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