5 Tips for Creating the Perfect Back-Painted Glass Samples
If you're familiar with your customers and back-painted glass, you'll understand that crafting professional back-painted glass samples is a meticulous process that significantly influences future projects. Getting the sample specifications right, on time, and within budget can be challenging.
With over 15 years in the business, Glass Paint Technology, also known as GPT, has witnessed a myriad of samples done on various types of glass, featuring different colors and special effects. We want to share our knowledge with our customers and blog readers in case you need samples for an upcoming back-painted glass project. Here are five tips for creating the perfect back-painted glass samples:
1. Leave Your Back-Painted Glass Samples to the Professionals
At GPT, there's no sample we haven't encountered. We receive diverse professional-grade glass paint sample requests for metallics, pearls, Benjamin Moore colors, Sherwin-Williams, and more. GPT proudly offers a comprehensive range of back-painted glass sample options for our customers.
While we carry 6mm clear and low-iron glass, we encourage customers to send us their glass for spraying of either solvent-based or water-based glass paint to ensure the most accurate results for your customers. For quick turnarounds and laboratory color accuracy, give GPT a call, and let us create the samples for your next job.
2. Become a Back-Painted Glass Expert
GPT customers can cut the lead time on back-painted glass samples in half by setting themselves up for success in their shops. Allow our experienced professionals to help you set up the tools necessary to match, mix, and produce professional-grade glass paint colors in your shop for the quickest and most economical setup possible. GPT has assisted many customers in becoming experts at making samples. Find out how we can help you become the next expert.
3. Precise Attention to Detail
When providing customers with back-painted glass samples for an upcoming job, attention to detail is crucial. Focus on the following details:
Type of Glass to Use for Samples
Not all low-iron glass or clear glass is the same. Different manufacturers have varying quality standards, which may cause unexpected differences when professional-grade glass paint is involved. Whenever possible, ensure the sampled glass is the same as the glass used in the job.
Glass Paint Color Retention
Ensure there is more than one master copy of the approved back-painted glass color. Having multiple copies with the paint manufacturer, yourself, and the customer reduces shipping costs and anxiety levels. This way, everyone involved is looking at the same master if color questions arise.
Glass Paint Color Variation
In a perfect world, the back-painted glass sample would match the manufactured batch exactly, but practicalities may lead to slight differences. Make customers aware of potential shifts. At GPT, we perform a physical inventory on every water-based or solvent-based glass paint color leaving our shop, ensuring your color is always within a 1.0 DE range.
4. Purchase Affordable Paint Sample Kits
Using store-bought paint sample kits from brands like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin Williams, Home Depot, or Lowe's is a convenient way to satisfy customers unsure about how colors will look through glass. Most paint stores will carry very small $5-$10 sample kits for their customers.
In terms of adhesion and performance characteristics, this paint will not meet the standards of our professional-grade glass paint, however, if you are simply trying to find out how a color will look through the glass, it may be the perfect option. The sample size kits are a cost-effective option for assessing how a color will look through glass.
5. Keep Back-Painted Glass Samples on Hand
Customers often seek inspiration when unsure about the color they want. Most of the time, that inspiration comes from back-painted glass samples in the showroom or from previous jobs.
When applying different colors to various jobs, use excess paint to apply to extra glass lying around for samples. Customers love to touch and hold the back-painted glass product, so the more chances you have to put samples in people's hands, the better.
Contact GPT Today to Learn More
At Glass Paint Technology, your success is our priority. Reach out to learn more about creating the perfect back-painted glass samples for your clients and accessing our top-of-the-line, professional-grade glass paint products. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your projects and help you and your customers achieve stunning results.
FAQs About Back-Painted Glass Samples
Here are some of the most common questions we get about back-painted glass samples for further insight.
How accurately do back-painted glass samples represent the final product?
Our samples are created with high precision to ensure they closely represent the final product. We use the same paint and techniques for both samples and larger orders. However, be aware that production batches may vary slightly from the original sample.
What kind of glass should I use for my back-painted glass samples?
We primarily use 6mm clear and low-iron glass for samples. “Clear” glass has a green tint that will affect the color through the glass, so usually we recommend “low-iron” as the best glass for samples. It's important to consider the quality standards of different glass types, as they can affect the final appearance of the paint. The sampled glass should ideally be the same as the one used in the final installation.
Can you give advice on choosing the right paints and colors for my samples?
Definitely! Our team offers expert advice on selecting the right professional-grade glass paints and colors to use for your samples. We consider various factors like space usage, lighting, and overall aesthetics to ensure your samples align perfectly with your project needs.
Can GPT customize the color of back-painted glass samples to match specific branding or design themes?
Absolutely! GPT specializes in precise, professional color matching for back-painted glass. We can match almost any color to suit your branding or design needs for color accuracy across all of your projects.
Is there a difference in quality between types of glass when painted?
Yes, low-iron glass is more clear and is a more true color representation compared to clear glass, which has a slight greenish tint. This tint in clear glass can affect color perception, especially in lighter shades, making low-iron glass a better choice for accuracy in back-painted glass applications.