When the edges of a pane of glass aren’t finished, they remain very sharp. They can easily cause cuts, so glass is typically sanded to the correct size and shape after it’s cut. This is typically done with an edge polisher or a belt sander. There are a number of different glass edgework types that create different looks and styles. If you have old windows that you’re replacing, you can actually take the glass out of them and reuse it in a number of ways by having it cut and edgework done to the pieces.
If you’re installing Simonton replacement windows and want to create something unique from the old glass, learning about your edgework options can help you create some fun pieces.
Glass Edgework Types
Here are some of the most common types of glass edgework:
Seamed – This is the standard edgework option and is fairly basic. It’s also the easiest and cheapest form of edging. It’s safe, but there can be some defects in the edging that affect the aesthetics of the piece. If the glass will be put in a frame or otherwise surrounded by something, it’s not an issue since you won’t see any of those little defects. You’ll find it in picture frames and other items where the edges of the glass won’t be seen.
Flat – A flat edge looks very clean and modern. The edge is polished for safety, but the corners are still done at a sharp 90 degrees, and the sides are not rounded in any way.
Pencil – A pencil edge gets its name because it looks similar to the eraser on a pencil. The edges are actually rounded into something of a C shape. This gives the glass a little more of a dramatic look. A similar option is the triple pencil edge. This look is rounded at the top but straight on the bottom of the edge, making it look somewhat like a waterfall. It’s often used on glass tabletops and other furniture.
Beveled – A beveled glass edge is polished to a 45-degree angle. It adds style and can be used with framed or frameless glass. Beveled glass reflects the light very well, which is why it’s often used for mirrors and other decorative items.
Ogee – This distinctive edgework uses both concave and convex curves to create a very elegant edge to the glass. You’ll find it on glass tabletops and other work surfaces.
Now that you have an idea of the basic glass edgework types – let’s look at some of the different DIY projects you can make using old glass windows.
Coffee Tables and End Tables
Glass tabletops can be an elegant addition to any room, but they can also be somewhat expensive. You may also have a glass tabletop that has scratches or cracks in it. You can easily replace that glass using the glass out of an old window. You may have to have it cut to fit and then finished first, but it’s still a good way of reusing glass. You’ll likely want to have the new glass finished using the same type of edgework, so it sits on the stand or fits into the table frame correctly. You may need to take the old glass (or a piece of its edge) to a professional so it can be matched perfectly.
For new tables, you’ll want to be sure you measure the opening for the glass correctly. You don’t want to end up with openings that are too small for the glass you had cut. You also want to be sure you have enough glass. For example, if you want a glass top for a coffee table but don’t have really large old windowpanes, the top may have to be made out of two pieces of glass. If this isn’t the look you want, you may end up buying a new piece of glass. One option if this is the case is to frame out two openings for glass. Your coffee table won’t look the same, of course, but it may be your only option if you don’t have large windows.
Cut a Windowpane Down into Glass Coasters
Need some new coasters? You can cut a large windowpane down into small four-inch by four-inch squares to create unique coasters. There are a few different types of glass edgework you can have done here. A flat, polished edge would be fine, but a pencil edge is probably the better option. You won’t want to use a seamed edge here since you will see the sides of the coasters, so you don’t want any imperfections to appear.
After you’ve had the glass cut and edged, you’ll want to add some small felt feet to the bottom. This will make it easier to pick up the coasters and will protect whatever surface you set them on. They also help stop the coasters from sliding, which could be dangerous if one were to slide off the table and shatter.
If you want to get creative, you can paint the coasters using special paint designs for glass surfaces. You could paint the entire backside a solid color, or you could paint designs in the center or around the edge. You could even glue fabric to the bottom of the coaster with the print side up so you can see it through the glass. There are many different options for making unique glass coasters, so allow your creativity to run wild.
Replace the Glass in a Cabinet
If you have an old cabinet that has a missing or broken glass pane, you can use an old windowpane to fix it. Simply cut down the piece of glass to fit. Most of these doors use the basic seamed edging since the glass is set in the wooden frame of the door. If you’re at all uncertain, you can look at the frame for clues or carefully remove any intact piece of glass and copy its edging. You can use old glass windows to repair anything that is missing glass. This includes kitchen cabinets, display cabinets, and much more.
Create Art
If you want to make something unique with your old glass, there are many art projects you can try. If you have the proper tools, you can cut shapes out of the glass and apply one of the different types of edging. Then you can paint the glass and hang it as a suncatcher. If you have a lot of glass, you can cut it into different shapes and actually tile a wall or the bottom of a tray with it. Be very careful that you don’t cut yourself, though. You should always wear gloves when working with glass, especially if it’s broken pieces that haven’t had the edges smoothed down.
Another fun type of art you can make with glass is to stack pieces into a tree shape. You can make these glass trees for Christmas or for any other occasion. Again, you’ll want to be sure that the edges have been smoothed down. You might want to bevel them or give them a waterfall edge so that when you pick up the tree, you don’t cut yourself.
If you’re a painter, you can actually use a piece of glass as your canvas. You can paint something on the glass, then put it into a frame and hang it. Some people do a stained-glass pattern, but you don’t have to. Just be sure you’re using the right type of paint. Not all paint is designed to be used on glass.
If you have small squares of glass or can cut the pane down into small squares, you can make Christmas tree ornaments out of them. Glue a photo picture-side to the glass, add a ribbon in a loop to hang it from, and then glue another piece of glass to the back. Again, be sure you smooth down the edges using a bevel or pencil edge. You’ll need to use an epoxy to bond the two pieces together. Look to see that the epoxy is clear when it dries.
Need New Windows?
We’ve looked at ways you can reuse the glass from your old windows, but how do you know that you need to replace those windows? If you can feel any air coming in from around your windows, it’s time to look into glass replacement. Chips, cracks, and any other damage to your window is another reason why you should look at Simonton replacement windows. You’ll find that your home is more comfortable, and your energy bills decrease when everything is properly sealed.
You may also want to replace older windows, especially ones that are single pained. Double-pained glass uses two paints of glass and a special insulating glaze to keep your home nice and warm in the winter and cool in the summer.
Where can you get Simonton windows? D&D Glassworks works closely with Simonton to provide windows to residential and commercial clients in and around Rohnert Park, California. If you’re in need of new windows, doors, shower glass, or other items, contact us today to learn how we can help you.