Satin glass
Encyclopedia
Satin glass is the name for any glass that has been chemically treated to give it a satin finish. The term "satin glass" is frequently used to refer to a collectible type of pressed glass
.
Satin glass can be used for decorative items. However, satin glass is also used to provide privacy where the full transparency of glass is undesirable.
The satin finish is produced by treating the glass with hydrofluoric acid
or hydrofluoric acid fumes.
Satin glass was first made as decorative pressed glass in England
and the United States
during the 1880s. Many companies have produced this type of satin glass.
It is similar to milk glass
in that it is opaque, and has decorative surface patterns molded into it, however, satin glass has a satin, rather than glossy surface. Satin glass is typically tinted with a pastel color, blue is the most common.
It was produced by the Fenton Art Glass Company
between 1972 and 1984 in large quantities.
Satin glass, like milk glass and carnival glass
, is considered a collectible. Due to recent high production volume, prices commanded by satin glass are relatively low. However, certain large pieces produced in low volume can command high prices, especially if in perfect condition.
Burnishing a piece of satin glass will polish the satin finish away, leaving a glossy spot and greatly reducing the value as a collectable. Even friction from repeated ordinary handling, such as dusting with a cloth, will eventually add glossy spots to the finish, so the most desirable pieces become more rare even without breakage and chipping.
Pressed glass
Pressed glass is a form of glass made using a plunger to press molten glass into a mold. It was first patented by American inventor John P. Bakewell in 1825 to make knobs for furniture....
.
Satin glass can be used for decorative items. However, satin glass is also used to provide privacy where the full transparency of glass is undesirable.
The satin finish is produced by treating the glass with hydrofluoric acid
Hydrofluoric acid
Hydrofluoric acid is a solution of hydrogen fluoride in water. It is a valued source of fluorine and is the precursor to numerous pharmaceuticals such as fluoxetine and diverse materials such as PTFE ....
or hydrofluoric acid fumes.
Satin glass was first made as decorative pressed glass in England
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...
and the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
during the 1880s. Many companies have produced this type of satin glass.
It is similar to milk glass
Milk glass
Milk glass is an opaque or translucent, milky white or colored glass, blown or pressed into a wide variety of shapes.First made in Venice in the 16th century, colors include blue, pink, yellow, brown, black, and the white that led to its popular name....
in that it is opaque, and has decorative surface patterns molded into it, however, satin glass has a satin, rather than glossy surface. Satin glass is typically tinted with a pastel color, blue is the most common.
It was produced by the Fenton Art Glass Company
Fenton Art Glass Company
The Fenton Art Glass Company was founded in 1905 by brothers Frank L. Fenton and John W. Fenton in an old glass factory in Martins Ferry, Ohio. Originally, they painted glass blanks from other glass makers, but started making their own glass when they were unable to buy the glass they needed. They...
between 1972 and 1984 in large quantities.
Satin glass, like milk glass and carnival glass
Carnival glass
Carnival glass is moulded or pressed glass, always with a pattern and always with a shiny, metallic, 'iridescent' surface shimmer.The keys to its appeal were that it looked superficially like the very much finer and very much more expensive blown iridescent glass by Tiffany, Loetz and others and...
, is considered a collectible. Due to recent high production volume, prices commanded by satin glass are relatively low. However, certain large pieces produced in low volume can command high prices, especially if in perfect condition.
Burnishing a piece of satin glass will polish the satin finish away, leaving a glossy spot and greatly reducing the value as a collectable. Even friction from repeated ordinary handling, such as dusting with a cloth, will eventually add glossy spots to the finish, so the most desirable pieces become more rare even without breakage and chipping.