We are often asked to explain the difference between etched glass and cut glass.
Both types are created using the same equipment and techniques of sandblasting, however, the process of carving goes into the glass to create multiple depths and effects of sculptural relief. Glass carving allows our artists to add a two-dimensional pattern (similar to engraving) while adding a three-dimensional texture to the glass. The visual effect of a carved glass design is nothing short of impressive.
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| Etched Glass and Carved Glass |
The color makes all the difference
The main difference between engraving and sandblasting and carved and airbrushed glass is the addition of bright colors. After the glass has been carved, the etched surfaces are colored with a wide range of color dyes and precision brushing equipment with air to enhance the sculptural effect by adding shadows and realistic colors to bring the glass design to life of the airbrush Color dyes can be translucent or solid with a glossy, matte or metallic finish, depending on the effect required by the design.
We start with the wishes and ideas of our clients
As always, we start with a consultation between our artists and our client to determine the scope of the project, the physical size and the intended use. For example, it will be a bathroom cabinet, a front entrance, cabinets doors, a table, interior doors, a separate room divider, a partition, to name just a few possibilities. At Antique Mirror New York, we have hundreds of examples and design drawings, all you have to do is tell us what you like (and what you do not like) and our expert artists will create a custom design just for you.
Production begins with the design mask
Once we have an approval for the design, we use a rubber masking material to cover the entire surface of the glass. Then, the design is transferred to this rubber mask and our expert artists carefully cut it by hand to expose the sections of glass that will be sandblasted and carved.
Carving with high pressure abrasive jet
The masked glass panel is placed inside our sealed engraving room, where we use our high-pressure cleaning tools to blow an abrasive onto the exposed areas of the glass. At the beginning, the abrasives engrave an opaque or translucent surface on the glass. Then, the artist will adjust the air pressure and vary the blasting time in specific areas to create the size effect. Some sections can only be slightly engraved, others will be carved a bit, while others will be carved with a lot of depth. This technique of sculptural carving requires practice, many patients and skillful coordination to highlight the shadows and fine details that will finally achieve an impressive 3D effect.
Airbrush color on glass
When the engraving artist finishes the carving process, the next step is to add the color of the airbrush. The colors of the airbrush glass paint are mixed to measure to achieve the desired effect, then the airbrush is loaded and the color is sprayed on the glass to give life to the pattern or image. The paint is left to dry for a period of time and then a clear sealer is added to fix and protect the color layer.
Give us the opportunity to turn your idea into a work of art
We offer a full range of cut glass and airbrush custom made. On the other hand we make different projects with glass and mirrors that you simply want to take them all due to the quality of our work and of course our incredible prices. In addition to carved or engraved glass, you can choose between our mirrored furniture, if you have a fireplace, we can put mirrors to give a decorative touch or place glass doors, we make beautiful tables with glass that add style to the moment of renewing your space, our specialty in antique mirrors, antique glass and much more. Browse our portal know our services or contact us and receive our quotes
