| Why have a generic glass block project when you | | | | look and not require an image from a customer. In the |
| can have a one of kind design? Many people know | | | | stock series there is a Contemporary Group of |
| that block come in wavy designs and can be used for | | | | patterns with designs called Hypnotic, Frank Lloyd |
| a window, shower, or wall, but they don't realize you | | | | Wright, Psychedelic, and Pentagon. An entire Floral |
| can customize your blocks with unique images and | | | | Series and Traditional Series is a nice fit with more |
| patterns to have a personalized look at an affordable | | | | conservative decorating. The Earth Series has |
| price. | | | | patterns with sunbursts, raindrops, butterfly leaves, and |
| With the use of a sealed beam laser process intricate | | | | pavers for either outdoor or indoor applications. If |
| details, designs, and patterns can be etched into the | | | | you're a sports or pet lover there is several choices to |
| glass surface to turn an ordinary project into | | | | choose from in the Hobby and Pet Lovers Series. |
| something special. This process can be used to create | | | | Step 3 - For a glass block window or wall should you |
| a structural window or wall, directional sign or even a | | | | use a single or multiple block pattern? Since block |
| personalized glass gift. Learn 5 steps on how to take | | | | murals are laser etched together as one assembly (so |
| advantage of the laser etching option. | | | | the design continues from one block to another) it is |
| Step 1 - Determine where you want to use the etched | | | | best to have the joints between the blocks closer |
| glass block - What's unique about etched blocks is | | | | together for window or wall applications. With this fact |
| their ability to be used as a structural building element | | | | in mind it's important to consider the material that will be |
| for a window, wall, or as a gift or award for a friend, | | | | used to join the blocks in conjunction with the choice of |
| neighbor, or team. | | | | whether a single block or multiple block etched design |
| To create an etched glass block window think through | | | | will make the most sense. With the single blocks you |
| where the product will be used. The most popular uses | | | | can create a stripe through the wall, a checker board |
| include basement, bathroom and kitchen windows. | | | | pattern of blocks, or just randomly insert the etched |
| Most finished basement windows put the etched glass | | | | designs in the window wall. |
| design on the inside so it can be enjoyed while | | | | Step 4 - Consider using color glass block or dichroic |
| watching television in a man den or recreation room. | | | | glass units - For additional style consider adding color |
| Some of the images chosen have been replicas of | | | | or mirrored finished dichroic glass to a window, wall or |
| sporting interests, teams, hobbies, pets and floral | | | | shower design. Colors for the blocks are virtually |
| patterns. Bathroom windows can add a nice interior | | | | endless and even the ends, corners, and angle blocks |
| design touch by either mirroring or contrasting the | | | | can have etching and coloring combined. Dichroic glass |
| surrounding style of the room. A popular use in | | | | appears like a reflective mirror finish on the blocks and |
| kitchens is to play off either the architectural theme of | | | | the light is both reflected back and transmitted through |
| the room (for example a Traditional, Tuscan, or | | | | the block. When you change your viewing angle on the |
| Contemporary design) or to go with a fruit or | | | | dichroic units the colors actually appear to change. |
| vegetable theme into the blocks. | | | | Step 5 - Determine the best method to install the |
| An etched glass block wall can be an exciting place to | | | | window, wall, shower or directional sign- There are |
| put an entire mural over a grouping of blocks or spot in | | | | several methods used for glass block installations. |
| individual blocks. For mural applications it is preferable | | | | Probably the hardest way to install is block by block |
| to use smaller joints between the blocks so the design | | | | since it requires the highest skills level and takes the |
| in the image appears as one. Walls are popular for | | | | most time. A more common installation method now is |
| waiting rooms and lobbies to include a corporate logo | | | | with the use of prefabricated glass block panels. |
| and to move light through the interior of the office or in | | | | Pre-made wall or window sections can be constructed |
| partition or shower walls for a private residence. | | | | with or without vinyl integral spacers between the |
| Laser etching a bank, vase or solid block also makes a | | | | blocks. The vinyl stack spacing system provides |
| unique gift. Popular uses include weddings, | | | | increased wall rigidity and permits the use an anchor to |
| anniversaries, baby showers and for awards. Any | | | | tie the panel to a surrounding wall(s). Vinyl frames can |
| combination of text and image can be included in the | | | | also be used with the windows to provide a nailing |
| blocks with either custom or stock designs. The vases | | | | flange (or fin) which makes the block installation much |
| make nice centerpieces for events, and the banks | | | | easier in framed openings. Consult a glass block |
| make excellent gifts for kids. | | | | specialty fabricator for the best method to use for |
| Step 2 - Do you want a custom image or standard | | | | your particular project. |
| pattern - For personalized gifts, awards, logos, or wall | | | | Now that you're equipped with these 5 steps you're |
| murals the custom image is the obvious choice. In | | | | ready to design your own etched glass block window, |
| many cases though a stock image will capture the | | | | wall, shower or gift. |