The Facts On Glass Worktops
On the market for a new kitchen worktop? Want one that cleans easy and wont stain? One that wont chip easily? One that is relatively inexpensive, yet glorious in its looks? Before you do anything else, make sure you have a look at glass worktops, you may not have guessed it, but they tick all of the right boxes.
While countertops made of granite or marble are extremely durable, it is possible for bacteria to harbour in the fissures and pits of both these materials, which in turn, can transfer onto your food. Glass countertops are both hygienic and strong. A common misconception involving glass worktops is that because they are made of glass, they must be fragile. This is not the case. While glass cups may be easy to break, this does not mean that all glass products are the same. Think about it, every time you get in to your car you are trusting that your windscreen glass is strong enough to withstand 70 mile an hour winds, not to mention the odd bug or woodchip smashing into it. The glass used for Glass worktops, unlike your average car windscreen, has been reinforced, making it far stronger than almost any windscreen on the road.
Another great example of Glass’s strength is glass chopping boards. These are very popular amongst chefs. This is because glass chopping boards are great for tough foods, and its smooth surface means that it will not chip and can also be washed and cleaned very quickly and easily.
Still not convinced? Well let’s consider the cost. Many people don’t even consider looking at a glass worktops because they believe that it will be well out of their price range. Once again, this is untrue. In fact, glass is an inexpensive product, particularly when you compare it to the cost of natural materials such as granite. House windows are affordable, mirrors can be bought for next to nothing, even glass chopping boards, in many cases, cost less than wooden ones. So why would glass countertops be different? Even though glass worktops are made to fit the exact contours of your kitchen, which does add some cost to the price, they still work out to be cheaper than other lasting worktops. Especially when you take into consideration, a perfect fitting worktop will dramatically decrease your installation time and costs, as well as improving the lifetime of your kitchen. The extra expense soon pays for itself.
Of course, its nice to have a countertop that you know is hygienic and strong. But what about its looks? Once again, glass worktops have it covered. Not only do they give any kitchen a modern and clean feel, unlike most worktops, which absorb light, glass worktops reflect light, giving your kitchen a fresher, lighter and more open look and feel.
So what are you waiting for? Head down to Glass Logic and check out their stunning range of glass worktops.
Coloured Glass Splashbacks
While splashbacks aren’t generally looked upon as being anything more than a convenient and easy way to clean up the splatters from your bolognaise or stir-fry dinner, they are also a great way to bring your kitchen to life. This is especially true with coloured glass splashbacks. They are modern, stylish, and a must-have kitchen design accessory.
The colours that you can use for glass splashbacks are only limited to your imagination. In other words, if you can think of the colour, you can rest assured you will be able to get a glass splashback to match. This is quite simply because the paints used can be mixed to create any colour.
While traditional tile splashbacks are difficult to clean, due to the grout lines between spaces, where dust and dirt can easily accumulate, Glass splashbacks are incredibly easy to clean. Its smooth surface makes it so that all you need to do is give it a quick wipe-over with a cloth, and your splashback will be sparkling clean. Of course if you wanted to give it a serious clean, you still only need to have a few spare minuets, and you will be able to make your glass splashback clean and hygienic enough to eat off of.
Glass splashbacks are rapidly becoming the preferred alternative to traditional tiling. Not only are they more stylish and easier to install than tiles, they are also far more hygienic as there are no lines to grout.
Glass splashbacks are water resistant, so they’re highly suitable for wet areas like the bathroom, giving any area you install them, a very stylish, clean, and elegant look. Glass splashbacks reflect light rather than absorb it, giving you a feeling of more light and space.
So do yourself a favour and choose glass for your next splashback. And of course make sure you check out Glass Logic’s vast range of glass and coloured glass splashbacks. You wont be disappointed.
Recommended Cleaning Products For Glass
Glass is an extremely easy product to clean. A little elbow grease, combined with the right cleaning product can go a long, long way. So why is that glass cleaning topped the list of the most dreaded household chores, in a recent U.K. survey? Products on the market that leave you with a streaky finish, could have something to do with it.
So what are the best products for cleaning glass on the market right now? Below is a list of recommended cleaners that will leave your glass streak-free and looking as clean as can be.
Windex – This is probably the best known brand out of all the glass cleaning products, and with due reason. Both the No-Drip Streak-Free Foaming Action Windex, and the original Windex with Ammonia-D can cut through any grime your windows and mirrors can muster. Windex is great for both inside and outside jobs, and although it is a little more expensive than some cleaners, it wont cost you anywhere near as much as what, other, lesser-brands sell for. With Windex, no grime or smudges are safe.
Glass Plus – This is a great cost-effective glass-cleaning product. Don’t be fooled by its price tag though, Glass Plus offers almost the same amount of cleaning power as almost any product out there, and it is suitable for indoor and outdoor use. Still tough on grime, grease, and random bits of toothpaste, Glass Plus does a great job cleaning household glass.
Store Brands – While this may come as a bit of a surprise, the majority of store brand glass cleaning products, use a formula that will do a pretty good job on your mirrors and glass. They might not cut as easily through tough outdoor grime on windows, but indoor glass will be clean and shiny. Most major grocery centres have their own brand that will work well.
Homemade – While there are many methods that can be used to make your own glass-cleaning product, the following is considered by many to be the most effective. All you need to do is combine a 1/2 cup of sudsy ammonia, 1 tsp of your favorite dish soap, 1 pint of rubbing alcohol, and enough additional water to make a gallon of cleaner. This will clean outdoor, indoor, grime, grease, grit and more. It makes a gallon of window cleaner, so be prepared with some extra bottles that are clearly marked as window cleaner. One of the downsides of homemade window cleaner is that without the signature blue color it can be easier to be mistaken for water or juice, so keep your window cleaner safely stored and clearly marked to avoid confusion.
Seventh Generation Natural Glass & Surface – If you are environmentally conscious, but still want sparkling windows, than this is the choice for you. While not quite as affective as other cleaners, Seventh Generation’s cleaners are created from natural sources, and the cost is very close to that of other cleaners.
Why Glass Partition Walls In The Office Make Sense
Having glass partition walls in your offices has several advantages. Clear glass partitions provide an innovative way of creating separate working areas, while giving the office a modern, spacious look. They are an innovative, modern and stylish alternative to traditional partitions.
Advantages of Using Glass Office Partition Walls:
- Glass partitions can be used for dividing the office space into multiple partitioned areas, creating a complete room inside a bigger room or even adding a decorative division.
- Glass partitions help to lower noise levels and provide some amount of privacy in the office-working environment.
- They are cost-effective way of dividing rooms requiring minimal or no structural modifications, thus keeping the costs low.
- They can assist in creating an airy and light office environment. You can opt for clear glass for creating an effect of open space. If you want privacy, you could use film, frosting, or coloured glass designs depicting your company emblem and logo
- Glass Partitions can even help you to reduce your ever-growing electricity bill, by maximising on natural light.
- Made from safety glass, glass partition walls are both safe and extremely easy to clean.
Whether you are wanting to create more space out of the room, you’ve already got, or simply want to add a touch of sophistication and professionalism to your office, glass partitions are the partitions for you..
How To Clean Your Glass Splashback
Cleaning your glass splashback is as simple as simple can be – if you have cleaned a pane of glass before, you are more than equipped to clean a glass splashback.
Though you will never see any stains on your glass splashback, if you want to keep it looking new, it is important that you keep it clean. Fingerprints and other markings left unattended can result in your splashback appearing dull. Regular cleaning using your favourite glass cleaner, paper tower and one extra soft cloth is advised.
Here are three easy steps to cleaning your glass splashback:
1. Conservatively spray your glass cleaner onto the surface of your splashback, working your way from top to bottom. Concentrate on areas with greasy marks or food residue. Leave for approximately one minute. Keep in mind that when cleaning your glass splashback, you should always avoid using harsh and abrasive products.
2. Gently wipe your glass splashback from top to bottom using a paper towel, or lint-free cloth. Make sure you remove all marks. If you don’t have any glass cleaner on hand, warm water is almost as effective.
3. To give your glass splashback a sparkling finish, dry and buff it with another lint-free cloth. Move the cloth along the splashback in a circular motion until the glass is shiny.
Congratulations your glass splashback is totally clean!
How To Install Glass Splashbacks
Many manufacture’s of glass splashback’s, including Glass Logic offer a complete design and installation service. However, if you are looking to save a bit of money or simply enjoy DIY projects, then it is possible to install your glass splashback, safely and securely, on your own.
There are two methods used for installing glass splashbacks;
1) The Adhesive Method
The Adhesive method is very commonly used. Construction adhesives like Gripfill or No Nails are generally used during this process. Below is a list of instructions on how to install your glass splashback using the adhesive method;
· Make sure that the surface of the wall is suitable for fitting your glass splashback by ensuring that it is sound, properly sealed and clean.
· Carefully measure the wall and mark out the correct position for the splashback. Ensure
that there is a small gap (approx. 2mm) between the splashback and the rangehood.
· If the splashback is to sit on a bench top, apply a thin line of adhesive/sealer along the back of the bench where it meets the wall. This will seal any gap between the wall and the bench.
· If the splash back is not to be supported by a bench top, it is advised that you fix a piece of timber or board at the correct height and position, so that it supports the weight of your splashback, whilst the adhesive cures. Initial curing takes approximately 24hrs.
· Using caution, lie the splashback face down on the bench top or other suitable surface and
carefully apply the adhesive. Do not apply the adhesive too close to the edges of the splashback, as it can cause the adhesive to leak out from the sides. If this happens clean off the wall as soon as you have safely secured the splashback.
· Gently push the splashback onto the wall, ensuring that the adhesive/sealant spreads out on the back to provide a good seal. Pull the splashback away from the wall a little to allow the adhesive to ‘cobweb,’ and then push it back into place. (Cobwebbing helps the adhesive to cure)
· If you have any concerns about your glass splashback falling out of place, then you can secure it using masking tape, while you wait for the adhesive to cure.
· Once the adhesive has cured, remove any masking tape, you may have added and apply a thin bead of sealant around all exposed edges. Note; the adhesive might show through for a few days, especially with certain metallic colours.
2) The Screw In Method
The other method you can use to install your glass splashback is the screw in method. Screw fixings come in many designs, but you will require screws that have an internal thread to accept a finished screw cover. These have removable, domed heads and are often called mirror screws. This method is only recommended if you have the know-how and experience in glass installation.
You should always check with your cooker / stove manufacture to see whether there is a minimum distance that must exist between your glass splash back and the gas jets or electric heating elements.
Advantages Of Glass Worktops
Glass worktops have only been on the market for a while, but already they are becoming one of the more popular choices for worktops.
Glass is the ultimate designers’ dream – it can be obtained in virtually any colour, and cut to any shape. Glass worktops are tempered glass, which means they are exceptionally strong and resistant to chipping and scratching. Glass worktops are bespoke to their location, which means they can follow the curves of even the most uneven wall, and are designed to fill in a space perfectly, without joins. Glass surfaces can even include Digital Printing, where an image of your choice is copied onto the glass.
They are unbelievably easy to clean; a simple glass-cleaning product should take care of any stains. Furthermore, glass worktops can come with matching splashbacks, which are sealed at the angle. This makes cleaning your entire kitchen a breeze.
Glass worktops, even in the very darkest colours, are slightly translucent; they bring light and space to any kitchen, seeming to glow from within. For the kitchen designer who likes to use light to create the look, glass worktops are ideal, as they can be lit from below with concealed up-lighters to give a magical effect after dark.
Glass Worktops:
- Can be cut to any size and shape, to fit any kitchen design.
- Are hygienic because they will not build up mould or stain
- Are easy to clean
- Are extremely durable.
- Are heat resistant.
- Come in a near limitless range of colours that will never fade.
- Look modern, stylish and sleek.