Coloured Glass Splashbacks - Frequently Asked Questions

Coloured glass splashbacks continue to be extremely popular both with people who are looking to redecorate or renovate existing kitchens and properties as well as designers of new build properties. The benefits of glass splashbacks vary enormously, from ease of installation to hygiene, and from ease of cleaning and maintenance to stunning looks which are stylish, modern and distinctive.

But as more and more people enquire about coloured glass splashbacks and glass worktops so the number of questions people ask rises. In this article we'll be looking at some of the most commonly asked questions about glass worktops, glass splashbacks and coloured glass splashbacks.

1. How accurate are the colours displayed on manufacturers' and suppliers' websites? The trouble with displaying colours accurately on a person's screen is that you end up relying completely on the person's screen being set to display colours correctly. If you were trying to demonstrate to someone a particular shade of red you wouldn't print it out on blue paper, yet often people's screens may be set to display colours in a different way from their original hue, saturation and lightness.

It may be that the screen's brightness or contrast has been turned up or down, and this is just one way the colours can be affected. The best way to check the colours is to ask for a small sample. Most suppliers of coloured glass splashbacks and work surfaces will provide samples if needed on request.

2. Are coloured glass splashbacks and worktops see-through? This is a common misunderstanding. Despite being made of glass, splashbacks and worktops are not transparent. The colour is applied to the back of the splashback, and this colour is opaque. The result is a splashback that has depth, because you can see right through to the reverse side of the glass, but you will not be able to see the wall, or the inside of your drawers! This also means you won't see the silicone or other fixings used to attach the splashback to the wall, giving a neat appearance.

3. What tools are needed to attach a glass splashback to the wall? Because they're supplied ready cut and shaped to the exact size needed it's very easy to install glass splashbacks. The only tool you really need, apart from a tape measure in some cases, will be a silicon gun. Although splashbacks can be fixed to the wall using screws if you prefer, in which case the supplier will pre drill screw holes for you, then the best way of fitting them is to use silicon.

Simply measure up where the splashback is going, drawing pencil marks if you like. Then use a basic, cheap silicon gun to apply a coating of silicon around the area. Usually the best approach is to draw a line of silicon about an inch in from the edge of the splashback, and then create wavy lines which cover most of the interior. Then simply lift the splashback in place, push against the silicon and leave to dry. The installation time for a full splashback is usually not much longer than the time needed to attach one tile, and yet the area covered is much larger.

4. How tough is the glass used for coloured glass splashbacks, and is it heat resistant? The toughened glass used is around 6mm thick, and should conform to BS EN 12150. This covers a wide range of characteristics and tolerances, including fragmentation and heat resistance. The fact that the most common area in the kitchen for splashbacks is right next to the cooker means that all coloured glass splashbacks will be very heat resistance and extremely strong and safe.

For a wide selection of high quality affordable coloured glass splashbacks and glass worktops visit Glass Logic Ltd.