Are you looking to freshen up your interior with just a single piece of furniture? If so, glass table tops are an ingeniously simple way to add sparkle to a living room, dining room, or bedroom. And with bespoke sizes, shapes, and finishes on offer, abc Glass’s glass table tops service is the smartest route to a sleek, stylish, and robust piece of furniture.

Why should I invest in a glass table top?

The first and most obvious benefit of a glass table top is resilience. As a material, toughened glass offers an extremely high level of protection against impact damage and scratches. It is also stain-resistant – no more frantic cleaning up after spilt wine or food.

Aside from preventing scratches and stains, glass table tops offer a hygienic surface that is quick and easy to clean. This is good news if, like us, your awareness of surface hygiene has been sharpened as a result of Covid-19. For glass table tops, simply wipe down the surface with a microfibre cloth and the occasional spray of glass cleaner.

Looks are important, too. By their nature, glass table tops are remarkably thin – this means a sleek, modern appearance that trumps any wood or marble counter. As for the exact thickness, we recommend 12mm for small glass tables (by “small” we mean glass coffee tables and glass side tables up to 1000x1000mm.) Larger glass tables, such as dining tables, are best manufactured in a thickness between 15mm and 19mm.

And there’s more: Glass table tops can be tinted to protect against UV damage – handy for tables near a window that basks in plenty of sunlight throughout the day.

What is a table top protector?

A table top protector is a simple sheet of toughened glass, usually 4-6mm in thickness. It sits directly on top of a table or cabinet top to protect the surface from impact damage, scratches, and liquid spills. Just like a regular glass table top, glass protectors can be tinted to offer protection against harmful UV rays.

The material of your table doesn’t matter: Whether made from wood, marble, or another delicate material, any table or cabinet can be fortified with a glass table top protector. The glass sheet offers the exact same advantages of a regular glass table top – attractive, easy to clean, and resilient.

Another word on size – the thinnest glass table top protector, at 4mm, is only offered for glass sheets up to 1000x1000mm in size. For anything larger, the thickness can go up to 6mm.

Does abc Glass offer bespoke sizes, shapes, and finishes?

Of course! Our technicians specialize in precise cutting and shaping of glass to meet virtually any dimensions. For glass table tops and glass protectors, we use advanced CNC and waterjet technology to cut and shape a glass sheet. We can also add holes and cut-outs to accommodate fixings. As standard, the edges of the glass are polished to result in a neat, safe, and attractive finish. We offer square and radius corners, as well as an optional beveled edge.

As for the glass table top options, we offer four styles:

Standard clear – our basic, most commonly-used glass sheet
Ultra-clear – a low-iron glass that gives an exceptionally clear appearance without the slight green tint found in standard clear glass
Grey tinted – perfect for glass table top protectors, as UV rays are blocked out
Frosted – a classic sandblasted effect

What abc provides (and what we don’t provide…)

We offer brand new and replacement glass table tops and glass table/cabinet top protectors. For table tops, we only supply the bespoke glass top piece; we do not supply other table fixtures such as the legs, feet, or skirt.

If a glass table top or protector sounds up your street, get in touch with abc Glass. We offer 25+ years of experience in producing high-quality glass sheets for tables and table top protectors. Our friendly staff will be happy to answer any questions about glass table tops, or indeed any of our glass products.

In interior design, a lack of space can prove as big a challenge as a tight budget. However, unlike the latter, there are several creative ways to get around a shortage of square feet – the easiest of which is to install a few well-placed mirrors.

As well as expanding the sense of space, mirrors dramatically increase the light levels in a room. And even in this age of phone cameras and selfies, bathroom and bedroom mirrors remain the only serious way to check your appearance.

While home retailers and furniture stores are great places to find “off the peg” mirrors, bespoke options are worth considering. At abc Glass, we specialise in cutting mirrors to size for a made-to-measure design.

So, where to start? With dozens of different mirror styles on the market, it helps to know what kind of mirrors work best in what spaces. In this blog, we’ll run through some of the most effective ways to use mirrors to increase light and space.

Large wall mirrors

Sometimes the simplest option works best. Large wall mirrors are a quick and cost-effective way to make a living room or bedroom seem bigger and brighter. Requiring no installation, they can be simply hung or lent against a wall, serving as a statement piece of furniture.

By adding a frame, you can tailor the mirror to the style of any room. In a period bathroom, for example, an ornate mirror frame is the perfect counterpart to a traditional bathtub with Edwardian-style brass or chrome taps. There’s no better way to boost the authenticity of the room’s style while adding extra space and light.

Splashbacks

No two splashbacks are exactly alike – especially when mirrored. A bespoke mirrored splashback can add depth and light to your bathroom or kitchen. This is in stark contrast to frosted glass splashbacks or wall tiles, which, although great to look at, lack the multi-purpose benefits of a mirror.

What’s more, mirrored splashbacks are often cheaper and simpler to install than wall tiles. In bathrooms, they can be used against a bath panel to reflect the floor tiles and create the sensation of more space. Another trick is to install them around a bathtub on multiple walls.

Wall cladding

Wall cladding instantly “doubles” the size of a room, no matter how small the space. Cloakrooms are the classic example, with half-tiled, half-mirrored walls proving a popular style in contemporary homes. But you can also apply wall cladding to awkward areas like alcoves and hallways to create the illusion of a long corridor.

If possible, consider cladding two walls or more – nothing beats the radical feeling of space with multiple reflections.

Mirrored doors

Like any glass product that can be cut and shaped, mirrors offer incredible versatility for designers. Take our bespoke mirror service – we can create a customized mirror to fit almost any door, wardrobe, cabinet, or vanity unit in your home.

What better way to add space and light in the bedroom than adding mirrors to a fitted wardrobe door? Just like with a floor-to-ceiling mirrored wall, you’ll be able to instantly check your appearance in its full head-to-toe glory. Mirrored doors are also a great option for vanity units in bathrooms and dressing rooms. Even shower doors can be kitted out with a mirror to squeeze more space from a small bathroom.

Courtyard gardens

It’s not just interiors where mirrors can transform a space. If you’re proud of your garden and want to add a whole new perspective, why not prop a large mirror against a tree, fence, or bench? Another trick is to place mirrored panels on the ground against your borders – this will capture the best of your flowers and plants, making them seem fuller and more lush.

Antique and silver effects

Clear mirrored glass is just one of several options available to designers. Softer, warmer finishes are often more welcome than the sharpness of a standard mirror. We specialise in both modern silver mirrors and antique effect mirrors, which our technicians can cut to virtually any shape or size. This includes cut outs for sockets, handles, and light fittings, depending on your requirements.

To learn more about abc Glass’ made-to-measure mirrors service, feel free to chat with one of our experts. You can contact us via phone or email – we’re always happy to offer advice and tips relating to our glass products and services.

A simple sheet of glass holds so many possibilities. For our glass processing experts, glass offers the opportunity to utilise both modern and traditional methods to process glass and create stunning glass solutions for homes and commercial spaces.

But have you ever wondered what happens to glass, step-by-step, as it’s processed? In this article, we’ll take you on a quick journey through our factory and manufacturing processes to show you how we process glass. From advanced cutting and shaping methods to stylistic touches such as sandblasting and back-painting, our factory does it all.

Stock

At abc Glass, we specialise in glass processing – which is different from creating glass from scratch. (If you want to learn how the latter is done, read our guide to how glass is made.) As such, all our products start life as a large, untoughened sheet of glass called “float glass”. Each sheet is 4m square in size, ranging from 4mm to 19mm in thickness. We also stock ultra-clear glass, coloured glass, mirrored glass, and fire glass for more specialist projects.

This video shows how float glass is stored and moved using an automated system in our Portsmouth factory. When a project starts, we utilise a state-of -the-art robotic machine to pick each sheet and carry it to the production line.

Cutting

Our technicians enjoy cutting intricate glass shapes by hand, the “traditional” way. However, for the vast majority of our customer orders, we instead use a state-of-the-art glass cutting system. This behind-the-scenes factory video shows how it’s done.

The automation process follows several steps. First, a program calculates the most efficient layout for cutting individual glass orders from one sheet of float glass. Next, the system selects the correct sheet of float glass before loading it into the cutting table. A machine then cuts each piece of glass to perfect precision, keeping waste to a minimum. Finally, an automated cutting head scores the glass.

Our technicians are still required to split each batch by hand. They also double-check every piece before we process glass to ensure the specifications are 100% accurate, as even the slightest error can prove costly.

Machining and shaping

Depending on the customers requirements,to process glass, we may also need shape or drill it. Glass partitions and glass shower screens, for example, require holes for components such as handles and hinges to be fitted during installation.

For this specialist job, we use a mix of computerised numerical cutting (CNC) and waterjet technology. Our technicians can shape, drill, and add detailed cut-outs to a piece of glass to suit any application. Both our flat-bed and vertical CNC machines make this process a piece of cake.

Polishing, bevelling and sandblasting

Edge polishing is often the final stage in the initial glass processing. We take care to eliminate any sharp or exposed glass edges, especially in our frameless shower enclosures, tabletops, and wetroom screens. To achieve this, our experts use a machine to polish the edges of the glass, leaving a neat and safe finish. We also offer a bevelled edge service for mirrors.

As for glass sandblasting, we are adept at applying simple techniques that result in the utmost privacy. Shower screens, balustrades, and interior partitions are just some of the products we produce that lend themselves to an obscured or frosted finish. To create the effect, our technicians can either by sandblast or acid-etch the glass. We then process glass with a coat of ClearShield to protect from grease and dirt.

Toughening and laminating

Once all processing steps are finished, the final stage is to toughen or laminate the glass. For toughening, we heat each glass product to over 600°C in our Glaston toughening plant. This ensures that all toughened glass from our production line meets the British standard EN12150.

For lamination, our advanced Pujol laminating plant produces laminated glass in thicknesses ranging from 4mm to 19mm. This type of glass is ideal for safety-first applications such as balustrades, balconies, glass floors, and staircases.

Painting

For a dash of style, back-painted glass can’t be beat. This step comes only after we process glass and toughen it. The customer chooses their preferred RAL colour, which we spray onto the glass before baking it and applying a protective aluminium coat.

Delivery

The final step is, of course, transporting the glass from the factory to our customers. We offer a free delivery service in the south of England – check out the map to see if you’re in our area. Customers can also collect their processed glass from our Portsmouth HQ.

What makes laminated glass such a popular choice for commercial and domestic spaces? Put simply, it comes down to two core features: safety and style.

In this article, we explore what makes laminated glass so robust, and why designers and architects trust it for a wide range of safety applications. We’ll also look at how to add a decorative touch to laminated glass to ensure your interior or exterior space excels on a stylistic level.

Why is laminated glass used for safety applications?

You sometimes hear laminated sheets of glass referred to as “safety glass”. The safety aspect comes from the laminating process used to give the glass structural integrity. When a laminated panel breaks, the glass keeps its shape – whereas standard glass may shatter into hundreds of shards. All laminated glass sold in the UK must meet these requirements, labelled the EN 14449 safety standard.

To understand why laminating gives glass strength, look at its structure. Laminated sheets of glass consist of three or more bonded layers, the most important of which is a plastic inter-layer. This is usually made from polyvinyl butyl (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA) layer. At abc Glass, we stock float glass in 4mm to 19mm sizes and this allows us to produce laminated glass in thicknesses to suit projects ranging from internal glazing to laminated glass floors.

What other benefits does laminated glass offer?

Aside from safety, laminated glass offers several key benefits for both domestic and commercial use. The first is protection from solar and UV rays – up to 99%, in fact, compared to just 65% for tempered glass. Second, laminated safety glass is better at blocking out noise, so much so that it’s used on professional recording studios.

Third, there’s the fire-proof aspect of glass when laminated. While not quite as high performing as fire rated glass (which uses a gel interlayer instead of plastic), laminated glass is nonetheless recommended by engineers as “effective… for architects and building occupants.” The fourth advantage is one that will hopefully never be needed: laminated glass is bullet-proof.

Last, but not least, is decorative laminated glass. Our glass technicians can create beautiful patterns of almost any texture and hue, all using modern digital printing methods. We can also add a sandblasted effect to your laminated glass, as well as custom back painting in any RAL colour.

What are the best uses for laminated safety glass?

Balustrades and balconies – We’ve supplied laminated safety glass panels for dozens of clients’ balconies and balustrades. Many opt for frosted or decorative glass for a touch of privacy. No matter the style, laminated glass ensures safety while you enjoy the views.
Internal glass balustrades – It’s not just balconies where laminated safety glass is needed. Internal balustrades, such as those used in staircases and landings, call for robust safety glass.
Glass floors and stairs – Designers can liven up the most mundane floor or staircase area with laminated glass. From spiral glass stair treads to glass balcony floors, glass can be used to bring a wow-facture – so long as you’re not scared of heights.
Interior glass partitions and doors – Last month we explored why glass office partitions are going nowhere after the pandemic ends. Laminated safety glass partitions and doors offer extraordinary strength as well as style – ideal for workspaces as well as the home.
Glass shelves and table tops – These sleek units are commonplace in shopping malls, hotels, and other luxury spaces. But with recent trends towards home bars, glass bathroom counters, and glass table tops, designers of home interiors are starting to jump on the bandwagon. Glass shelving and tops can also be produced from thick toughened safety glass.

To find out more about our laminated safety glass products, or to see how abc Glass can help with your next project, please contact us. Our friendly team is on hand to answer any questions about glass, laminated or otherwise.

The future of office working has never looked so uncertain. According to a recent survey by PWC, less than one in five executives predict a return to the pre-pandemic “five days a week” office schedule. For those who are returning to work, glass office partitions and screens could provide added protection.

This doesn’t mean, however, that offices are no longer important. In the same survey, 87% of employees say the office is “important for collaborating with team members and building relationships”. Most workers will still want to come into the office – just not as regularly as before.

The upshot is that designers and office managers need to think hard about how offices will look post-Covid. With fewer bums on seats (or office chairs), there is now an opportunity to re-imagine how space is used in the office.

One office design trend we can predict with confidence is glass partitions. In this article, we’ll explain why glass office partitions are here to stay, and how offices can best adapt to the “new normal”.

Moveable glass partitions

In the post-Covid office, flexibility is king. Companies that embrace moveable glass partitions will find it easier to re-zone their office space to suit new working patterns. These “walls-on-wheels” offer the same style and professional sheen of regular glass office partitions, while allowing you to shrink, expand, or modify your office space as you see fit.

Movable glass walls offer all kinds of options for office zoning. You can quickly create an impromptu interview room, or even a large conference area. Managers can assign small or large teams to “pop-up” meeting rooms, fostering teamwork and face-to-face communication.

When not in use, moveable glass walls can simply be stacked and put to one side. It really is that simple!

Frosted glass walls

Hot-desking, as well as subleasing of extra office space, are just two ways that companies can save money and find efficiencies post-pandemic. For the latter option, you’ll need an opaque divide between one group and another.

This is where frosted glass partitions come into their own. Sandblasted or frosted glass is a stylish way to achieve privacy in the office. Frosted glass walls are ideal for meeting rooms and other suitable spaces. You can even augment the frosted glass with lettering, graphics, and other patterns.

As a bonus, abc Glass can apply a RITEC ClearShield coating to your frosted glass office partitions. This will prevent any build-up of fingerprints, smudges, water marks on the glass surface.

Screens and full-height glass partitions

With scientists warning of several more years of social distancing, office managers need to be realistic. While open plan offices will remain popular, they are not easily adaptable to Covid safety rules.

There are two ways around this problem. The first is to install glass screens between workspaces. Clear, frameless glass screens made from toughened safety glass can ensure compliance with the 6ft rule without blocking light or sightlines.

The second trick is to use full-height glass partitions. These can be fixed or moveable – either way, the goal is to create a fool-proof barrier between desks and workspaces. What’s more, abc Glass can create cut-outs in the glass to allow for hinges, door handles, and fittings.

If you’re a designer or office manager needing glass office partitions, get in touch. Our expert team will happily answer any questions you may have about glass partitions for offices and guide you through our glass processing services.

Nothing turns heads quite like a beautiful, azure-blue swimming pool. Whether at home or on holiday, an outdoor pool offers the ideal place to rest, play, and even exercise.

But a swimming pool without a surrounding balustrade is not quite complete. Glass swimming pool fencing can to jazz up your pool space while adding a much-needed layer of safety. In this article, we’ll explain why glass is by far the best material for swimming pool fencing, and how designers can use glass fencing to bring out the very best in an outdoor space.

1. Safe and secure

When water is involved, safety must be the number-one priority. Glass swimming pool fencing provides a safe, robust border for your pool area. It greatly reduces the risk of injuries by preventing unsafe access to the water – especially from children.

Modern glass fencing consists of toughened or laminated glass panels fixed to the floor only or joined by patch fittings and newel posts. It’s no different to the safety-first design of glass balustrades, balconies, and staircases.

2. Uninterrupted views

Visibility is a key advantage of glass fencing over wood or metal alternatives. Crystal-clear glass panels offer uninterrupted views of your entire outdoor space. This is especially welcome around a swimming pool area: Why hide your shimmering, luxurious pool behind opaque barriers?

To achieve even fewer sight obstructions, designers can opt for frameless glass swimming pool fencing. This stripped-down look allows for a seamless glass fencing design, with no metal components to get in the way (except for at the base).

3. Multiple glass finishes

Modern glass processing techniques allow for all kinds of creative finishes and decorations. This allows for an added layer of privacy while enjoying the the outdoor pool. The most popular finishes are frosted or tinted glass panels, implemented as part of the glass laminating process.

Adventurous designers can opt for dozens of decorative glass patterns, from vibrant textures to cool veins. Back painted glass, meanwhile, comes with of hundreds of RAL colours to choose from.

4. Little-to-no upkeep

Maintenance is always a factor when selecting materials for a design project. Fortunately, glass swimming pool fencing fencing requires very little upkeep versus wood or metal. Glass is unaffected by wet conditions, is resilient against the elements, and requires no painting or protective coatings.

Best of all, glass fencing panels are remarkably easy to clean. Just use a basic glass cleaner spray and cloth – no specialist products required. And for added protection and convenience, the glass can be coated with a water repellent coating that helps to keep it clean and free from water marks and calcium deposits.

5. Any size or specification

Glass balustrades aren’t an “off the shelf” solution for protecting a pool. Instead, glass panels can be cut and shaped to fit any kind of bespoke design. This flexibility allows manufacturers to supply glass fencing for all swimming pool dimensions. No matter your preferred height, length, or shape, there’s always an answer.

At abc Glass, for example, we use several CNC and waterjet cutting machines to produce made-to-measure class panels. This includes detailed cut-outs for any components that your design calls for.

Are you considering a glass fencing solution for a swimming pool? If so, abc Glass’s technicians will cater to your exact specifications with robust, stylish glass panels Check out our wide range of glass processing services, or contact us if you have any questions.

At abc Glass’s Portsmouth HQ, we process thousands of square metres of float glass every year. But like any manufacturer operating on this scale, we’ve had to solve some practical and environmental challenges to minimise our glass waste.

The first challenge relates to our manufacturing methods: How can we use the most efficient technology and processes to reduce consumption and waste? The second challenge is simpler: What to do with the waste glass?

In this article, we’ll show how abc Glass has invested in better glass processing tech to boost efficiency and reduce waste. We’ll also explore how several of our partner companies are leading the charge in glass recycling schemes to help reduce the glass industry’s carbon footprint.

More efficiency = less waste

Most of our glass processing relies on sophisticated glass-cutting machines. Over the last 20 years, we have invested heavily in cutting-edge digital machinery to reduce waste, increase accuracy, and perfect the quality and tolerance of our glass products.

One such machine is our computer-controlled and -automated glass cutting lines (seen here in this factory tour video). This extraordinary kit calculates the most efficient use of glass by digitally laying out separate glass orders across a single 4-metre sheet of float glass. The aim is to minimise waste by intelligently maximising the amount of glass used on every sheet. We simply couldn’t achieve this level of waste-reduction without help from automation.

Several other computer-controlled machines help to reduce our glass waste. These include three high-tech CNC (Computerised Numerical Cutting) machines, which we rely on daily to create extremely complex and accurate glass shapes. CNC machines can be programmed by our technicians. Such easy-to-use technology drives accuracy and reduces waste as we process glass for customers.

How is our waste glass recycled?

In a perfect world, improved efficiencies in the manufacturing process would result in no glass waste at all. However, despite all our progress, abc Glass still ends up with a small amount of waste each day. Rather than consign this glass to landfill, we have launched several partnerships with outside companies who specialise in recycling glass waste.

One of these companies, Saint-Gobain, recycles around 55,000 tonnes of glass waste each year. A small fraction of this glass consists of waste from the abc Glass factory – we collect the off-cuts (or “cullets”) from our glass processing machines and store them in large bags for collection. Once delivered to recycling plants, the cullets are sorted using smart digital machines before being processed into brand-new float glass.

Last year we recycled over 300 tonnes of waste glass through various Cullet Return Schemes. This works out to 25 tonnes a month – a figure we are proud of. The vast majority of this glass waste comes from off-cuts of float, coated, and mirror glass sheets used to process our wide range of glass products.

If you have any questions about glass recycling, or want to know more about how we’re improving our carbon footprint through efficient processes, please get in touch. Our glass processing experts will also be happy to lend advice on your next project and explain how our range of services could help.

Glass has been around for thousands of years. But the way we use glass to enhance our homes, workplaces, and leisure areas has fluctuated along with tastes and fashions. In 2021, savvy designers will once again look to embrace glass for their latest projects. But what are the key glass design trends for the coming year?

At abc Glass, we learn about the latest glass trends simply by looking at our order book. 2021 is set to be a big year for several of our glass processing services, with products such as French doors and glass tabletops making a splash. Read on to see the five biggest glass design trends this year, according to our experts.

1. Glass design trends: Airy glass-door cabinets

If you’re blessed with a pretty crockery collection, why hide it behind opaque cabinet doors? Glass-door cabinets allow homeowners to show off all kinds of style-matched items, from bold coffee mugs to vintage plates. They also lend an airy and open feel to your kitchen, which if nothing else will encourage you to organise your crockery.

Glass-door kitchen larders are another 2021 trend to celebrate. You can fit a surprising amount of shelving in a stand-alone cupboard, whether as a traditional food pantry or an area to store pots and pans.

2. Bringing the outside in

So far, 2021 is proving a far cry from the “back to normal” that many hoped for. Indeed, millions of us of us will still be stuck in the house for months to come – which calls for a rethink of our indoor-outdoor balance. Designers are starting to embrace “biophilic design”, blending inside and out with glass partitions and sliding doors will be one of this years key glass trends.

“Clients continue to request spaces designed in a way that brings the outdoors in and often don’t want there to be a distinction between exterior and interior,” says designer Eilyn Jimenez. This approach that dramatically opens up kitchens, dining rooms, and living rooms, allowing more natural light to pour in. Speaking of which…

3. French doors for a statement entryway

With barn doors on the way out, French doors are being tipped to replace them and this will be another of 2021’s biggest glass trends. French doors are used as both interior doors and patio doors, boasting divided-glass panes from floor to ceiling. While this traditional style is rarely tinkered with, there are in fact many great glass door alternatives you can pick from. Read our guide to getting creative with glass door panels – you’ll soon know the best way to add some glass wow-factor to an entryway.

4. Glass-topped furniture and worktops

One reason for the recent resurgence in glass worktops is their easy-to-clean properties. Bacteria-free surfaces are a must in 2021 (for obvious reasons), and glass can be quickly rubbed down with a simple bacterial cleaner. Glass worktops and tabletops can also be customised with all manner of design effects, such as tinting and etching. With more of us working from home these days, traditional glass-top desks are expected to sell like hot cakes.

5. Audacious decorative glass patterns

Last month, we explored the benefits of decorative laminated glass. It’s a great way of livening up a domestic or commercial space, with a shatter-proof build for added peace of mind. We’ve noticed that designers are more willing these days to embrace bold and eye-catching decorations to inject some vibrancy and personality into a space. From sandblasting to back-painting, abc Glass provides all manner of services to put a colourful spin on any glass panel.

By now you’re hopefully sold on an ambitious glass overhaul for your home or commercial space with our look at 2021’s hottest glass design trends. To kick-start your 2021 interior design project, speak to one of our glass processing experts today.

We hear this question a lot from our clients. And no wonder: decorative laminated glass is growing in popularity year-on-year. By combining the toughness of laminated glass with the beauty of customised patterns, textures and colours, decorated laminated glass offers a robust yet stylish solution for livening up a home or commercial interior.

In this article, we’ll show you how decorative laminated glass is actually made in our Portsmouth factory. We’ll also explore the glass’s unique properties and reveal how laminated glass can be decorated with a choice of hundreds of artistic features. Finally, we’ll run through some of the best uses for decorative glass both indoors and outdoors.

How is decorative laminated glass made?

At abc Glass, our process of making decorative laminated glass differs only slightly from that of standard laminated glass. The key thing to remember is the extra mesh or fabric “interlayer” sheet added during the laminating process. This sheet, made from either polyvinyl butyl (PVB) or ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), can be decorated in a myriad of ways, as we’ll explore later.

The step-by-step process is simple. First, our technicians insert the decorative interlayer between two toughened or untoughened glass sheets. Our state of the art glass laminating machine bonds the three layers together to form the final product. And bingo: your decorative laminated glass is ready.

Tougher stuff

To the untrained eye, decorative laminated glass may seem a purely stylistic choice. But as we’ve seen, it’s also an extremely robust product. In the UK, all decorative laminated glass must meet EN 14449 safety standards to be considered legal. This ensures that, when shattered, the glass sheet keeps its original form, displaying a trademark “spiderweb” crack pattern. Contrast this with untreated regular glass, which breaks into a handful of unsafe sharp shards – disastrous in the event of breakage or a fire.

Further benefits of decorative laminated glass include better sound insulation as well as blocking out harmful UV rays. What’s not to like?

A layer of personality

The most exciting aspect of decorative glass is, of course, the decoration. You can add an incredible array of patterns and colours to your mesh or fabric interlayer. Our website showcases just a few of the patterns we offer, from cool metallic to sandy textures.

Putting decorative glass to use

In theory, anywhere that normal laminated glass is found can be kitted out with decorative glass. Popular uses include for glass balconies, glass partitions, glass balustrades, glass table tops and shelves, glass staircases, glass flooring, frameless glass shower enclosures, and much more.

Bear in mind, however, that certain spaces may not lend themselves to added decoration. In some cases a simple clear or frosted laminated glass sheet will work better – far be it from us to judge!

Before ordering any decorative laminated glass, we recommend speaking to one of our in-house glass experts. We’ll explain the process for processing and supplying glass for your specifications and show you the many patterns and colour options available.

What goes on at a modern glass processing factory? The answer: a heck of a lot.

To illustrate this, we recently filmed an exclusive video tour of abc Glass’s Portsmouth HQ, using hi-definition drone and video camera footage. In just 5 minutes you can explore our entire indoor facility from a bird’s eye view and enjoy close-up shots of our glass processing techniques in action.

A sneak peek of cutting-edge

The opening sequence takes you on a panoramic tour of our warehouse during a typical working day. Starting at the eastern end, the drone sweeps across the entire factory space – far above the heads of our 30-strong team of technicians. We’ve even labelled each machine in turn, so you can see where specific glass processing tasks are carried out.

From the 1:17 mark, focus shifts to our state-of-the-art glass processing technology in action. The first technique we see is high-pressure water jet glass cutting and shaping, made possible by our Intermac Primus Water Jet machine. We then get a glimpse of a glass toughening plant (2:36), futuristic automated glass cutting line (2:57), and glass laminating (4:32).

The longest sequence is devoted to our pride and joy: the CNC glass cutting and shaping machines (3:45). Here you can see both our horizontal and vertical machines in action, with torrents of water blasting against toughened glass sheets. These machines are 100% computer controlled and allow us to produce glass to complex shapes and designs.

It’s not just snazzy machines that do all the work, though. Our team’s glass wizardry extends to cutting, shaping and painting by hand, using methods that have stood the test of time. At 2:15 we see an abc Glass technician back painting glass sheets with a hand-held spraying device. Next up is glass polishing and bevelling by hand (2:20), a process that calls for extreme care and attention to detail and we are one of only a handful of companies in the UK still to offer this service.

Last, but certainly not least, we see the unsung heroes of abc Glass: the customer service team (4:46). These are the friendly folks who help with any and all enquiries about our services and glass products.

How did we film it?

To shoot the video, we turned to our partners Carica Media. Days of planning went into a single day’s shoot – we had to consider safety, time constraints, and the physical challenges of shooting in a busy workspace.

Phill, Carica Media’s resident photographer, used a combination of drone footage, static tripod cameras and gimbals to capture our people and processes in action. The drone sequence was challenging due to ceiling lights and the roof structure, and the hand held shots required great care as many of our glass processing machines are fitted with laser circuit-breakers that cause a full shut down if interfered with. Filming around these sensitive lasers was like walking through a minefield!

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