An introduction to digitally printed glass and ceramic inks

Decorative glass has a long and colourful history, with stained glass windows traced back as far as the 4th and 5th centuries. With industrialisation came decorative techniques such UV printed glass, and screen printed glass – the latter using a ceramic frit applied to the glass via a traditional silkscreen process.

The first direct to glass printing process was pioneered in the early 2000’s by DipTech, using flat-bed printers to apply ceramic inks (frit) directly to the glass surface as a full colour printing process. Once printed, heat treatment such as toughening fuses the inks permanently into the glass surface. This innovative process eliminated the use of silkscreens, and greatly increased the size of panels that could be printed, offering designers a huge range of creative benefits.

Benefits of ceramic inks in decorative glass

• Creative freedom: It allows for a single image to be scaled and tiled over huge areas of glass – digitally printed facades of 1000sqm are not uncommon.
• Full colour process: Commerical screen prints are typically limited to 1 or two colours per screen, flat bed printing is a full colour process.
• Ultimate durability: Ceramic inks are fused permanently into the glass during heat treatment processes (toughening, heat strengthening) to create a permanent surface resistant to UV, scratching and moisture. There is no other digitally printed decorative glass that offers the same durability.
• Naturally translucent: Ceramic inks have a range of translucent properties that translate well to illumination, whether natural or artificial light sources.
• Endlessly configurable: Ceramic printed glass can be treated the same as any other glass, accepting a range of processing options: Double glazing, laminating, shape cutting, hole cutting and more.
• Cost effective: Ceramic printed glass is typically the most economical decorative option due to the simplicity of the manufacturing process.
• Reduces glare & reflections: Ceramic printed glass is so durable it can be installed with the printed surface exposed. Doing so creates a matte finish, as the ceramic inks greatly reduce the reflectivity of the glass. For even further reduction of reflection, consider printing on a low reflectivity glass such as Guardian Clarity.

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Decorative glass for bathrooms: shower screens & tile alternatives

Printed glass is an excellent choice for achieving privacy in shower areas, offering functionality, durability and aesthetic appeal. Carefully considered printed designs will achieve a wide range of privacy outcomes, transforming a bathroom into a stylish and modern space. Etch effect inks achieve a soft frosted effect that provides light transmittance and privacy, replicating the visual appearance of acid etched glass.

The use of ceramic inks ensures shower screen patterns are durable and resistant to moisture and cleaning products, making them ideal for high-humidity environments such as bathrooms. The printed surface can be installed internally (exposed to the water) or externally - the choice comes down to aesthetics.

Opting for printed glass as wall cladding in bathrooms instead of traditional tiles offers compelling benefits that enhance both the functionality and aesthetics. Available in sheets up to 2450 x 4800mm, printed glass cladding provides a sleek, seamless surface that significantly reduces grout lines. As a harbour for mould and mildew, minimising grout makes glass an exceptionally hygienic choice for bathrooms where cleanliness is paramount.

Additionally, the ability to print any design on glass—from intricate patterns replicating natural materials like marble and onyx allows complete customisation to fit any interior. The ImagInk Design collection showcases over 60 high resolution marble, onyx and granite textures designed specifically for printed glass applications and is free to use.

The installation process of printed glass cladding is typically quicker and less labour-intensive than that of tiling, which can further reduce renovation costs and complexity. Furthermore, the reflective properties of glass can help to brighten bathroom spaces and make them appear larger, an advantage that is particularly beneficial in smaller bathrooms.

Other decorative glass options such as Vanceva coloured interlayers or tinted glass can be as standalone treatments, or combined with ceramic printing to create visually stunning outcomes.

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DecorativeGlass Flooring: Non-slip ceramic inks

Decorative glass flooring is a bold and innovative application that can elevate the design of both residential and commercial spaces. Whether used in entryways, mezzanines, or as an accent in living areas, glass flooring can create a sense of openness and modernity.

When designing with glass flooring, key considerations include structural support, lighting, and safety. The glass must be strong enough to bear the expected loads, which often involves using laminated or tempered glass for added strength and safety. Additionally, lighting—either from above or below—can dramatically enhance the visual impact of the glass, highlighting its texture and design.

The ability to print realistic textures like marble, wood, or abstract designs onto the glass adds a unique aesthetic dimension while maintaining the strength and durability needed for flooring applications.

Combining decorative prints with non-slip ceramic inks ensure all safety standards are met. These specialty inks can be printed directly to the glass to achieve P3 – P5 rated anti-slip treatments, suitable for indoor or outdoor applications. The non-slip surface can be printed as a functional layer based on a simple dot pattern, or as an aesthetic layer, with an artwork or design reproduced on the glass using the ceramic inks.

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Decorative glass cladding: External wall treatments

Common in commercial projects, decorative glass offers increasingly versatile option for residential wall cladding. Providing a sleek, modern aesthetic that can enhance both interior and exterior spaces, cladding can be used indoors to create stunning feature walls, backsplashes, or applied externally as part of a home's façade.

Digiglass is a digitally printed decorative glass process featuring featuring high resolution printed interlayers. Digiglass utilises a CMYK colour gamut, allowing artists and designers to reproduce colours on glass with pinpoint accuracy across building facades.

The JartB House in Melbourne is a prime example of how external glass cladding can be employed to striking effect, utlising Digiglass panels used to add visual depth and character to the building's exterior. Designed by Kavellaris Urban Design, the house combines architecture and art to create a gallery-like residence. The project has won a range of awards including Gold in the Melbourne Design Awards 2020 in the Architecture; Residential Constructed category.

One of the standout features of decorative glass as wall cladding is its adaptability to various design needs. This allows it to be customised with a wide array of colours, textures, and patterns. Externally, decorative offers all the practical benefits of regular glass, such as being resistant to weathering, easy to clean, and highly durable. Additionally, glass cladding can be designed to manage light, providing privacy while still allowing natural light to penetrate the space. This makes it an excellent choice for both residential interiors and exteriors, bringing a refined, contemporary edge to modern living spaces.

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Design considerations for printed glass in residential architecture

When considering using decorative glass it's essential to think beyond just the aesthetic appeal to ensure the outcome matches the original creative vision. Correctly assessing lighting, reflection and installation requirements prior to manufacture are some of the most important design decisions.

Lighting, reflection and glass colour

Lighting plays a significant role in the final appearance of decorative glass. Depending on the design and setting, room lighting, natural lighting, or even backlighting can dramatically affect the visual impact of the glass. For example, backlit decorative glass can create stunning visual effects, especially when used as feature walls or in lobby areas, enhancing the depth and texture of the printed patterns. Warm or cool lighting can also influence the colour of the glass and the printed surface.

Reflections are a naturally occurring property of glass, either enhancing the design or causing glare, so the positioning and exposure of the glass surface should be carefully planned. Depending on the desired effect, you may need to decide to install the glass with the printed surface exposed to reduce reflectivity.

Glass colour will be the most important factor early in the design stages. Clear glass has a high iron content, and results in a green tint. Dark designs will not be affected noticeably, however light designs such as white marble will be impacted significantly. Using low iron glass mitigates unwanted tinted of the printed design.

Installation & Accessibility

Installation is another critical factor. The surface to which the glass is affixed must be suitable for supporting its weight and ensuring durability. For outdoor installations, it's crucial to consider wind-loading ratings to ensure the glass can withstand environmental stress. A qualified glazing professional can advise the correct glass thickness for your application. The choice of fittings also influences both the safety and aesthetic outcome, as improper fittings can detract from the glass's appearance and compromise its stability.

Additionally, access to the installation space is vital; large glass panels may be challenging to transport and install, so planning for smaller panels or modular designs might be necessary in confined spaces.

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Explore the limitless design opportunities digitally printed glass offers

As the design and construction industry continues to evolve, printed glass evolves with it, firmly established as a versatile and innovative material that offers a wide range of applications in both residential and commercial projects.

With the ability to replicate natural materials, create custom designs, pair with backlighting and provide practical benefits like durability and easy maintenance, printed glass is a compelling solution for architects and designers looking to push the boundaries of what is possible in modern spaces.

If you’re looking for a unique way to enhance your next project, contact us for a printed glass consultation.