7 awe-inspiring uses for digitally printed glass
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Digitally printed glass is versatile, durable and easy to maintain. Discover 7 amazing uses in our article.
For centuries, people have been discovering new ways of colouring and decorating glass – from mediaeval stained glass to 20th-century PVB interlayers.
An exciting addition to the world of coloured glass is digital printing. This is where ceramic inks are fired into the glass. This design then stays baked in the glass for the lifespan of the material.
It's an impressively versatile method. You can print pretty much any image or piece of text onto glass and be sure it won't fade over time.
In this article, we look at some of the benefits of digitally printed glass – as well as some stunning real-life examples.
What are the benefits of digitally printed glass?
Here are five reasons why should you consider exploring the world of digitally printed glass.
1. It's durable
If you're going to spend money on some high-quality glass designs, you want to be sure that they'll last. Digital ceramic printing bakes inks into the glass – so they won't fade in a hurry.
2. It's high-res
This isn't some low-res knock-off – the glass equivalent of a bootleg band t-shirt. No matter what design you choose, digital printing will replicate it in glorious high definition.
3. It's versatile
We say "No matter what design you choose" – and the choices are endless. Virtually any design can be printed onto glass.
It's also versatile in the sense that you're not limited to any one
type of glass. Designs can be digitally printed onto laminated glass, acoustic glass, structural glass and even smart glass.
4. It's easy to install and replace
The process of digital printing doesn't add any complexity to the installation or replacement process. Put in an order for digitally printed glass and you can be sure your design will be on show without a hitch.
5. It's easy to clean
It's a common misconception that glass is difficult to clean. All it takes is a quick spray and an equally quick wipe-down. Digitally printed glass is no exception – so don't let this myth stop you from exploring your options.
Printed glass applications
We've covered the key benefits – so what are some of its applications? Here are seven of the best.
1. Shopfronts
For a brick-and-mortar store, a shopfront is another opportunity to market your brand. Getting the frontage digitally printed means you can realise whatever design vision is in your head – and the results are long-lasting and low-maintenance. What's stopping you?
2. Offices
If you work in an office, you'll know that "vibe" is all-important. A poky, dusty cave of a place will be less attractive to both staff and visitors than a clean, attractive, well-laid-out workspace.
Digitally printed glass can help you make that good impression. You could, for instance, get your way-finding signage printed digitally – or have your brand logo, text or other design sketched onto office partitions.
It's not just about making a good first impression. It's also about consistent branding throughout your premises. Digital printing is a powerful tool for solidifying this brand identity for visitors and staff alike.
3. Kitchen splashbacks
Kitchen splashbacks can be made from tiles or stainless steel – but for our money, a glass splashback is your best bet.
We've explained
why elsewhere. As well as being low-maintenance, it's extremely easy to customise your glass splashback.
Digital printing allows you to add an eye-catching photo, text or other design to your splashback. This gives your kitchen space a sense of personality that tiles and stainless steel can't match.
So if you're looking to make your splashback beautiful as well as practical, consider digitally printed glass. The possibilities are as big as your imagination.
4. Glasses and bottles
Many beverage manufacturers have started to put out digitally printed glasses, tumblers and bottles. Alongside sandblasting, it's a great way to brand these everyday items and accentuate the customer experience.
There are plenty of examples to be seen in your supermarket or bottle shop, but here's one we especially like – a French aperitif bottle with a striking peacock design.
C'est bien!
5. P-huset Hyllie, Malmö, Sweden
Who says car parks can't be beautiful? Not FOJAB, an architectural firm whose parking facility in Malmö, Sweden is as eye-catching as it is practical.
In the architects' own words, "The façade consists of over 3,600 adjustable 'glass wings', which can be set in different patterns". This is a great example of how flexible glass can be – up there with coloured glass as a way of making a facade a living, breathing, changing entity.
On the eastern side of the building, diamond glass is printed with ceramic, double-sided print, creating a pattern of pixellated autumn leaves.
It is, as they say in Sweden,
"ganska cool" (pretty cool).
6. Wall art
Paper, card or canvas pictures fade over time. A digitally printed design lasts as long as the glass it's fired into. This makes it an ideal choice for wall art.
And remember, digital printing is high-res, so whatever design you hang on your wall, it will look both high-quality and as good as new for years to come.
7. Furniture
Interior design fans, take note: any glass surface on your furniture can be printed with a design of your choice.
So if you've got a vision for a decorated glass table, say, consider digital printing. It could be just what you're after.
Final thoughts
We live in an age of choice – and the world of glass design is no exception.
Whether you're a business looking for ways to brand your built environment, or a tenant or homeowner looking for ways to zhuzh up your home, digitally printed glass is a fantastic option. It's sturdy, beautiful, high-res and easy to maintain. What's not to like?
Do you want to explore
printing on glass? At ToughGlaze, we're your one-stop shop for digital printing and more.
Get in touch today to find out more about what we offer.
