Glass
Splashbacks
Let’s
start at the beginning; how is a splashback made?
Splashbacks, (sometimes called Colour Back
Glass) in their most common form are simply processed glass panels with paint
applied to one side.
This sounds simple, but the process of
creating a strong bond between the toughened glass surface and the special
paint is quite rigid in application. The 2 pack paint is baked to a specific hardness
before being ready for installation.
To begin, we generally cut our splashbacks
from super-clear (low iron content) glass to obtain a near perfect colour
match. Occasionally we use standard glass where the effect required is a green
tinged white.
After cutting, the glass has all its edges
polished and then washed. From the washer it goes to the processing area for
shaping and cutouts for power points. It then goes back through the washer and
into the furnace for tempering.
In the tempering process the glass is heated
to 650 degrees Celsius and rapidly cooled to produce the hardening effect.
After checking for imperfections, it is
transported to the painters for surface treatment, sprayed, sealed with a
blackout coat and baked in the painting oven.
It is then given a final check before being
transported to site for fitting.
What is
the cost?
While they are labour intensive, the cost is
usually less than expected by most customers. It is difficult to accurately
price a job by the square metre because the polished edge length can vary quite
a bit due to the shape of the panels. On top on that we have power point holes,
sometimes holes for taps and stove switches, corner cuts, cuts around range
hoods and many other variations.
For a guide to pricing, start with a simple typical
rectangular panel 600 high by 2100 long. This would normally fit between the
bench top and the over head cupboard and cost about $750.
A typical job with a range hood, behind cook
tops and a few panels under the overheads would often come in around $2,000.
How
close can it be fitted to the cook top?
The rule is that toughened can be used up to
within 100mm of the gas jet on full power. Any closer and there is a risk of
losing the panel (and possibly your dinner).
What
colours are available?
Essentially, any colour is possible and we
only need the manufacturer's code number to give to the painters. If an exact
shade match is expected, we recommend taking your sample and putting it behind
a glass sample to be confident in the end product. In any case we recommend you
do not have too high an expectation of a perfect match.
We have had many examples of customers
checking a colour in a showroom only to find it looks quite different in their
kitchen.
We have even seen identical panels that seem
to be different shades within the same kitchen, so do not get too hung up on
shade. Colour perception is a very personal experience and once a colour code
is selected, the result is the result. Light and shade will effect the colour
perception in different ways.
Can we
have mirror splashbacks?
Yes. This comes in two popular forms.
Standard mirror works well for all situations except close to the gas flame.
You would need at least 125mm clearance, preferably a little more. For electric
of course this is no problem. The only issue would be very hot pots pushed back
against the mirror.
If there is a heightened risk of breakage,
another product is available which is essentially a micro-thin metallic layer
applied in a hard coat to clear glass. This is an imported product marketed as
MirrorStar and it can be toughened. Significantly higher cost and poorer
reflectivity are the drawbacks.
Are
holes for power points expensive?
The cost of a power point hole is about $40
to cut and process. Accuracy in locating the hole is important and cannot be
changed for even as little a difference as 10 mm, so electrical work must be
clearly laid out before ordering. Once the splashback is toughened, it will
only fit that particular space and it cannot be resized to any significant
degree.
Is
there any guarantee?
We are offer a full replacement for any
splashback that loses its colour backing within 5 years. The only restriction
would be if the glass was subject to very high localized heat levels.
Essentially we are providing a guarantee on part of a product that we have
little control over, but we feel a commitment to our customers outweighs any
risk that our painting subcontractors will under perform.
Can I
have my splashback is a single piece?
Yes. Even very complicated shapes can be made
to accommodate range hoods, protruding gables and overheads. Each complex shape
requires a template to be made in ply. The glass is then cut to the pattern and
edges processed. As most glass processing machinery is designed to rectangular
glass panes, complex shape edges are polished by hand. There is also a
significant risk attached to moving complex shapes and it is not unusual to
damage glass in the handling and moving of complex shapes. The main consequence
of these issues is the increase in cost. Generally, a single complex piece will be about
2 to 3 times the price of the same area with polished edge joins.
Splashback fitted before exhaust hood installed.
Can I
use them in the bathroom?
Yes, in fact they can be fitted into shower
recesses as a replacement for tiles or sheeting. Obviously the glass is
toughened so it automatically complies with the building regulations for Grade
A safety glass in bathrooms.
What now?
Get a quote.
To save your time and ours
(and keep costs down) we do all our quotes over the phone or preferably, by
email. We don’t send out sales reps just to quote. In fact, we don’t have any
sales reps at all because we don’t believe our customers need to be “sold”
anything. We are sure you are perfectly capable of deciding if you want to buy
glass.
We do not vary the quote for
minor changes, even moderately different sizes, so generally, what we quote,
will be the final cost to you. In fact, we pride ourselves in NOT changing from
our original quote if at all possible.
After we receive your signed
off quote and deposit, we send a tradesman to take accurate measurements.
About a week or so later, we
will make a time with you for the installation.
Call or hit email now while
you have all the information in mind.
Day time, between
Call 07 4725 4444 or email info@austinglass.com.au
Evening, between
email info@austinglass.com.au and we will
call you (if you want) at your convenience.