Glass Types & Processes Help

This page is aimed to help provide you with in-depth information on the different glass types, thickness and glass processing options available so that you can choose the right glass product for your project.

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Glass Types

Clear
Low Iron (Crystal Clear)
Satin
Sandblast
Tinted
Textured
Laminate
Toughened Laminated
Standard Mirrors
Tinted Mirrors
Satin Mirrors
Antique Mirrors
Specialist Mirrors
Toughened Mirrors
Anti-Slip Glass
Scratch Resistant Glass
Anti Reflective
Clear

Clear glass is a versatile and timeless choice for a wide range of applications, providing excellent visibility and a sleek, modern look. It is ideal for use in windows, doors, and partitions, adding both elegance and practicality to any project. However, clear glass is not recommended for painting or coloring, as its slight green tint can alter the intended color, resulting in a less vibrant appearance. For projects requiring painted or colored glass, consider low-iron glass for more accurate and vivid color representation.

✔ Versatile & Timeless – Suitable for various applications.
✔ High Visibility – Provides a clean, transparent look.
✔ Slight Green Tint – Due to natural iron content.
✔ Not Ideal for Painting – The green tint can alter paint color.
✔ Common Uses – Windows, doors, partitions, and furniture.

Low Iron (Crystal Clear)

Low-iron glass is a premium option known for its exceptional clarity and brilliance. Unlike regular clear glass, which has a slight green tint due to its iron content, low-iron glass minimizes this tint, resulting in a crystal-clear appearance. This makes it the ideal choice for applications where color accuracy and transparency are crucial, such as painted or colored glass projects, display cases, and high-end architectural designs. Compared to clear glass, low-iron glass enhances the true colors of objects and provides a brighter, more refined aesthetic, making it perfect for achieving that “wow” factor in your project.

✔ Ultra-Clarity – Minimal green tint for a crystal-clear appearance.
✔ True Color Representation – Ideal for painted or colored glass.
✔ More Expensive than Regular Clear Glass – Premium quality.
✔ Enhances Aesthetics – Used in high-end designs.
✔ Common Uses – Display cases, splashbacks, furniture, and architectural projects.

Satin
 

Satin glass, also known as acid-etched or frosted glass, is designed to offer a perfect balance between privacy and light transmission. Its smooth, matte finish diffuses light while reducing glare, making it an excellent choice for spaces where a softer, elegant look is desired. Compared to clear glass, satin glass provides more privacy, as it obscures visibility without fully blocking natural light. This makes it ideal for bathroom enclosures, office partitions, and decorative elements.

✔ Smooth Matte Finish – Elegant and modern look.
✔ Provides Privacy – Diffuses light while maintaining brightness.
✔ Fingerprint Resistant – Stays clean for longer.
✔ Not Ideal for High-Traffic Contact Areas – Surface can be sensitive.
✔ Common Uses – Bathroom enclosures, partitions, decorative glass.

Sandblast

Similar to acid-etched satin glass, sandblasting creates a frosted appearance by impacting the glass surface with fine sand particles. While the effect is comparable to satin glass, sandblasting produces a slightly rougher, more textured finish with a powdered appearance. Sandblasted glass is an excellent option for enhancing privacy and is highly versatile. One of its key advantages over acid-etched satin glass is its ease of application and ability to create intricate, customized designs. Sandblasting delivers stunning results across a variety of applications, including windows, shower enclosures, doors, signage, mirrors, and more. To protect the delicate sandblasted surface, we apply Ritec’s ClearShield protective coating, which minimizes marks and smudges while preserving the finish for lasting beauty and durability.

✔ Textured Frosted Effect – Achieved by blasting fine sand onto the glass.
✔ Greater Privacy – More opaque than satin glass.
✔ Customizable Designs – Patterns, logos, and artistic finishes.
✔ Needs Protective Coating – Prevents marks and smudges.
✔ Common Uses – Office partitions, shower enclosures, signage, and decorative glass.

Tinted

Tinted glass is a striking and versatile option that combines the functionality of regular glass with a subtle embedded color effect. Available in a range of hues, such as gray, bronze, blue, or green, it offers a unique aesthetic while maintaining transparency. Tinted glass is particularly effective in reducing sun glare, making it an excellent choice for creating a more relaxing environment in spaces where sunlight can be overwhelming. This glass is ideal for a variety of applications, including balustrades, tabletops, showers, and facades, adding a distinctive touch of color without compromising the glass’s core qualities. Whether for practical purposes or decorative appeal, tinted glass is a brilliant way to enhance your project while maintaining both style and functionality.

✔ Stylish & Functional – Available in Grey, Bronze, Gold, Rose Gold, Blue & Green.
✔ Reduces Glare – Helps in sunlit environments.
✔ Heat Absorption – Lowers solar heat gain for energy efficiency.
✔ Maintains Transparency – While adding a unique aesthetic.
✔ Common Uses – Windows, balustrades, tabletops, showers.

Textured

Textured glass, including options like Reeded, Fluted, and various patterned designs, adds a unique combination of style and privacy to any space. Available in a variety of glass thicknesses, these designs create visual interest while softly diffusing light. Perfect for applications such as cabinet doors, partitions, and shower screens, textured glass offers both functionality and a distinctive aesthetic that enhances modern and traditional interiors alike.

✔ Stylish & Decorative – Adds visual interest to designs.
✔ Softens Light – While maintaining a level of privacy.
✔ Available in Various Patterns & Thicknesses – Customizable options.
✔ Common Uses – Cabinet doors, partitions, shower screens, and furniture.

Laminate

Standard laminate glass is made by bonding two or more layers of glass with an interlayer, offering enhanced safety and durability. While laminate glass holds together upon impact, reducing the risk of injury, it is naturally weaker than toughened glass, which is designed to withstand greater force and thermal stress. Popular uses for laminate glass include skylights, balustrades, shopfronts, and areas requiring sound insulation or UV protection. Its balance of safety, security, and versatility makes it a preferred choice for residential, commercial, and architectural applications.

✔ Safety Glass – Holds together when broken.
✔ Weaker than Toughened Glass – More flexible but less impact-resistant.
✔ Provides Sound Insulation – Reduces noise.
✔ UV Protection – Helps prevent fading of interiors.
✔ Common Uses – Skylights, balustrades, shopfronts, and security glazing.

Toughened Laminated

Toughened laminated glass combines the strength of toughened glass with the safety features of laminated glass, making it one of the most durable and secure glazing options available. This glass is created by bonding layers of toughened glass with interlayers such as PVB (polyvinyl butyral) or EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate), which enhance its impact resistance, thermal durability, and security. Compared to standard laminated or regular toughened glass, it offers superior strength and holds together even when broken, preventing dangerous shards from falling. Popular uses for toughened laminated glass include balustrades, structural glass installations, skylights, glass floors, and areas requiring maximum safety and strength. Its ability to withstand high force and extreme conditions makes it a trusted choice for demanding architectural and commercial applications.

✔ Stronger than Standard Laminated & Toughened Glass – Maximum durability.
✔ Breaks into Safe Fragments – While remaining held together.
✔ Uses PVB or EVA Interlayers – Adds extra security and resilience.
✔ Highly Impact Resistant – Ideal for high-risk areas.
✔ Common Uses – Structural glass, balustrades, glass floors, and security applications.

Standard Mirrors
Glass silver mirrors are superior to materials like acrylic, offering a flawless reflective finish with polished or bevelled edges for a premium look. They can be customized with cut-outs, holes, shaping, or sandblasting, making them perfect for applications like splashbacks, mirrored ceilings, and decorative accents.

To ensure perfect reflections, mirrors are supplied as non-toughened, as toughened glass may distort reflections. For safety, protective safety-film or foil backing can be applied, combining elegance with functionality.

✔ Superior to Acrylic Mirrors – Offers higher clarity and durability.
✔ Available with Polished or Bevelled Edges – For a premium finish.
✔ Can be Processed – Cut, drilled, or sandblasted for custom designs.
✔ Not Toughened for Best Reflection – But can have safety backing applied.
✔ Common Uses – Feature walls, bathrooms, splashbacks, furniture.

Tinted Mirrors

Tinted mirrors offer a sophisticated twist on traditional mirrors, available in a range of stunning finishes such as grey, bronze, gold, rose gold, blue, and green. These mirrors combine functionality with style, adding depth and a touch of luxury to any space. Popular applications include feature walls, wardrobe doors, splashbacks, and decorative accents in both residential and commercial settings. Tinted mirrors provide a unique aesthetic while maintaining the versatility and reflective qualities of standard mirrors, making them a perfect choice for creating striking design statements.

✔ Available in Grey, Bronze, Gold, Rose Gold, Blue & Green – Unique aesthetics.
✔ Reduces Glare – Adds a subtle tinted effect.
✔ Creates a Luxurious Look – Used in high-end interiors.
✔ Common Uses – Feature walls, wardrobe doors, splashbacks, and decorative panels.

Satin Mirrors
Frosted, or satin mirrors, combine the elegance of a reflective surface with a soft, matte finish that diffuses light for a subtle and modern aesthetic. These mirrors are perfect for applications where privacy or a muted appearance is desired, such as bathroom walls, wardrobe panels, and decorative accents. The frosted effect adds a unique texture while maintaining the versatility of a standard mirror, making satin mirrors an excellent choice for creating sleek, contemporary designs in both residential and commercial spaces. ✔ Soft Matte Appearance – Reduces glare and diffuses reflections.
✔ Provides Privacy – While maintaining light transmission.
✔ Modern & Elegant Look – Ideal for contemporary designs.
✔ Common Uses – Bathrooms, wardrobe panels, partitions, and decorative accents.
Antique Mirrors

Antique mirrors bring timeless charm and character to any space, offering a range of styles and finishes to suit both classic and modern interiors. With their unique aged appearance and subtle patina, these mirrors add depth and elegance to applications such as feature walls, furniture panels, splashbacks, and decorative accents. Whether you prefer a bold vintage statement or a softer, rustic look, antique mirrors provide endless possibilities to elevate your design and create a sophisticated, one-of-a-kind aesthetic.

✔ Vintage & Timeless Look – With aged or distressed finishes.
✔ Available in Various Styles – To suit different interiors.
✔ Creates Depth & Character – Ideal for decorative use.
✔ Common Uses – Feature walls, furniture, splashbacks, and statement décor.

Specialist Mirrors
Specialist mirrors offer unique features and advanced functionality, catering to both aesthetic and practical needs. With options such as Back-to-Back Laminated Mirrors, Stopsol finishes in Grey, Bronze, and Clear, Dielectric Mirrors, and MirrorView variations (50/50 and 75/25), the range provides versatility for diverse applications. These mirrors are ideal for high-end projects like smart mirrors, one-way mirrors, display installations, and architectural accents. Whether enhancing privacy, incorporating reflective technology, or achieving a distinctive style, specialist mirrors deliver superior performance and creative possibilities for residential, commercial, and industrial uses. ✔ Advanced Functional Mirrors – Includes Spy Mirrors, Stopsol Classic, and Dielectric Mirrors.
✔ Customizable Reflective & Transparent Features – Unique performance options.
✔ Ideal for High-Tech Applications – Smart mirrors, one-way mirrors, and interactive displays.
✔ Common Uses – Commercial displays, security, high-end architectural projects.
Toughened Mirrors

Toughened mirrors are crafted using clear, low-iron, or tinted glass, which is then sprayed with a mirror finish to achieve a highly reflective appearance. Designed for enhanced strength and safety, toughened mirrors are far more durable and, if broken, shatter into small, blunt fragments to reduce the risk of injury. Popular applications include gym and dance studio mirrors, splashbacks, and high-traffic or safety-critical areas such as public spaces and commercial buildings. While toughened mirrors are more costly compared to regular mirrors, they offer the added benefits of superior durability and safety, making them a reliable choice for demanding applications.

✔ Made from Clear, Low Iron, or Tinted Glass – Then coated with a mirror finish.
✔ Stronger than Standard Mirrors – Resists impact and heat.
✔ More Expensive than Regular Mirrors – Due to the toughening process.
✔ Breaks into Small, Safe Pieces – If shattered, reducing injury risk.
✔ May Have Slight Distortion – Due to the toughening process, which can cause minor warping in reflections.
✔ Common Uses – Splashbacks, commercial interiors, high-impact areas, gym and dance studio mirrors, hotels, and public spaces where safety is a priority.

Anti-Slip Glass

Anti-slip glass is a practical and stylish solution designed to enhance safety in areas prone to slipping. Featuring textured finishes such as Lunaris Transparent on Low Iron (Clear), Dots, Boxes, and Lines in translucent satin, this glass offers excellent grip without compromising on aesthetics. Common applications include flooring, stair treads, shower enclosures, and poolside areas where safety is a priority. Anti-slip glass provides durability, functionality, and a sleek appearance, making it a popular choice for both residential and commercial projects.

✔ Textured Surface for Grip – Prevents slipping.
✔ Available in Various Patterns – Lunaris, Dots, Boxes, Lines.
✔ Maintains Transparency While Enhancing Safety – Ideal for high-risk areas.
✔ Common Uses – Stair treads, flooring, shower enclosures, poolside glass.

Scratch Resistant Glass

Scratch-resistant glass is designed to provide enhanced durability and protection against daily wear and tear, making it ideal for high-traffic or heavy-use areas. Its specially treated surface resists scratches and abrasions, ensuring a pristine appearance over time. Common uses include tabletops, countertops, display cases, touchscreen devices, and protective screens in both residential and commercial settings. Scratch-resistant glass combines functionality with longevity, making it a reliable choice for applications where maintaining a flawless finish is essential.

✔ Durable & Resistant to Wear – Maintains a pristine finish.
✔ Ideal for High-Traffic Areas – Withstands frequent use without scratching.
✔ Common Uses – Tabletops, countertops, display cases, chopping boards.

Anti Reflective

Anti-reflective glass, such as Clarity on Low Iron (Double Sided), is designed to minimize reflections and maximize transparency, providing crystal-clear visibility. Its advanced coating reduces glare, making it ideal for applications where clarity is essential. Popular uses include display cases, museum exhibits, storefronts, control rooms, and high-end architectural projects. Anti-reflective glass enhances viewing experiences by eliminating distractions from reflections, ensuring that the focus remains on the displayed content or view while maintaining a sleek and professional appearance.

✔ Minimizes Glare & Reflection – Enhancing clarity.
✔ Highly Transparent Appearance – With double-sided coatings.
✔ Common Uses – Display cases, museum exhibits, storefronts, and control rooms.

Edge Finishes

Arrised Edges (un-polished)

Arrised edges, also known as safety edges, have their sharp edges lightly sanded down to prevent injury. This type of finish is commonly used when the glass edges will be hidden in frames or fittings.

Flat Polished Edges

A flat polish edge provides a smooth, glossy, and sleek appearance. This edge finish is ideal for glass tabletops, shelves, and display cases, ensuring a refined and professional look.

CNC Polished Edge

CNC machine polishing delivers a high-precision, flawless edge. This method is ideal for custom glass shapes, offering a perfectly smooth and aesthetically pleasing finish suitable for premium applications.

Mitred Edge

A mitre edge polish features an angled cut, typically at 45 degrees, creating seamless joints when joining multiple glass panels. This finish is commonly used for frameless glass installations and high-end architectural designs.

Bevelled Edge

Bevel edge polishing creates a slanted, decorative edge, adding elegance and depth to mirrors and glass panels. This finish is commonly used in decorative glass applications, such as wall mirrors and tabletop inserts.