Stained glass is a varied glass. Unlike ordinary clear glass, the distinctive quality of stained glass conveys a multitude of impressions which intrique the eye.  This distinction is developed by both a mechanical process as well as one of chance. Machines are used to “roll” stained glass for uniform thickness as well as to produce a smooth or pronounced texture. Hand rolling is also used to create uniquely characteristic stained glass. Both of these processes allow a certain element of  unintentional visual  “imperfection”  to emerge in the final product. Visual imperfections in stained glass, which do not affect the intrinsic quality of the glass itself, are what make it captivating and reminiscent of old-world ambience. For this reason, stained glass artisans love such imperfections. Examples of imperfections are subtle ripples, bubbles (seeds), swirls, striations and waves which can occur naturally in the mechanical or handcrafted process. Most common are tiny bubbles, which lend a very antique look to stained glass, as they sparkle in random, suspended beauty. Some glass companies, such as Kokomo and Wissmach, are more notable for these imperfections due to their specific manufacturing techniques. Other companies, such as Spectrum, control their manufacturing processes to almost eliminate imperfections enabling a more uniform looking product. And even though Spectrum glass is uniform, the way this company blends and swirls color mixes is an art in itself.

In contrast to regular clear glass which allows light to pass through it unchanged, stained glass transfoms light into sparkling brilliance and dramatic color as it refracts and “holds” the light path. Stained glass is generally categorized by its elemental light transmission property. Cathedral stained glass is usually one color, but can also be a blend of colors. This glass is the most transluscent of all stained glass because it is pure color without the addition of white which allows a high degree of light transmission. Opalescent stained glass can also be one or many colors blended to a milk white base. This glass possesses luminescence, capturing light but still allowing light transmission to a considerably reduced degree because of the white base. Streaky cathedral glass is a blend of two or more pure colors and wispy glass is a combination of cathedral and opalescent glass, the degree of light transmission varying with the amount of white base used in production. Needless to say, there exists countless variations of these glass mixes as well as words to describe them!

 The following machine-made glass textures are either mechanically manipulated or produced with metal rollers embossed for specific surface impressions. These are intentional textures. However, random ripples, seeds and mysterious waves can naturally evolve during molten and cooling stages. Even though machine made, these glasses add a high level of distinction to any stained glass panel. These textures can be found in both clear and colored glass.

Rippled Glass: “wormy” texture or wide-band irregular striations

Seedy Glass: entrapped air bubbles made by mechanical injection of air pressure, or naturally ocurring in the process ( especially in hand rolling )

Wavy ( Water) Glass: stretching the glass sheet while still pliable creates gentle wave texture

Hammered Glass: raised round or oval impressions

Granite Glass: rough texture used often in lamp shades due to greater light dispersion

Baroque Glass: elegant, swirly texture

Glue Chip Glass: fern-like texture resulting from the cooling of boiled glue applied to the glass surface

There are many more textures available in the studio. Please come in for a first-hand look at what we have to offer. Thanks for reading…stay tuned for more articles.