Metallic shades in tempered glass decoration - what to watch out for?

Metallic ceramic paints are a modern technology for the decoration and protection of flat glass. They combine ceramic pigments with metal particles to create a unique metallic effect and high durability.

Main advantages:

• High durability.
• Attractive appearance.
• Architecture (facades, glass tiles), interior design or furniture making.

Metallic colours - how do they work?

Metallic paints contain tiny metal particles that reflect light and create a metallic effect.

• The difference to conventional paints - Classic ceramic paints contain finely ground pigments, whereas metallic paints use larger metallic particles that scatter light and create a metallic sheen effect.
• Interaction with heat treatment - Changes in particle arrangement can occur during hardening, affecting the final visual effect.
• Special "mica" metallic pigments - Thin, translucent, shiny layers improve light reflection and allow the creation of more complex shades (e.g. Pink, purple, gold).

Methods of applying metallic shades:

Each application method has its own benefits and risks that affect the final appearance and quality of the decoration.

1.

The most commonly used method allowing precise and uniform application.

⚠️Risks:

• Too thick paint does not pass through the screen, too thin causes an uneven effect.
• Metal particles "lying" during drying can affect the final appearance.
• Paint drops from the squeegee may be visible after firing (software correction required).

2. Rolling

Quick and easy application to smaller areas.

⚠️Risks:

• Visible roller marks - may adversely affect appearance.
• Difficult to maintain consistent layer thickness - can lead to uneven gloss.

3. Spraying

Allows for precise application to a variety of surfaces.

⚠️Risks:

• Too dense dispersion - droplet formation, inhomogeneous surface.
• Too fine dispersion - reduction in the intensity of the metallic effect.
• Recommendation - spray more layers with less coverage and allow the layers to wilt.

4. Rollercoating (Rollercoater)

Effective for large areas.

⚠️Risks:

• Improper roller design can lead to horizontal and diagonal streaks.
• ROLLMAC rollers solve this problem with bevelled cones.

5. Digital printing

A modern method that allows the printing of imitation metallic effects.

⚠️Risks:

• Most printers are not capable of printing with metallic pigments.
• TECGLASS printers allow printing with inks with the addition of precious metals (gold, platinum, etc.).

We can also tint metallic shades!

In our laboratory we offer the possibility of developing and adjusting customized colour shades according to RAL EFFECT, PANTONE and NCS.

When mixing colours , we take into account not only the desired shade, but also the thickness and type of glass to which it will be applied, so that the resulting colour matches your ideas.

Metallic effects can be combined with opaque layersto achieve optimum coverage, allowing for greater colour saturation and uniformity even on transparent materials.

Want to know more about metallic paints?

Do you want to know more than just metallic paints? If so, sign up for our course on decorating flat glass with ceramic paints, where you will experience working with metallic shades in practice and learn techniques that will give your projects a unique look.

Article written by:

Martin Valášek

Flat glass, paints, UV adhesives

technical support, blasting systems