Lacquered Glass

What Is Lacquered Glass?

Lacquered glass — also known as back-painted glass or painted glass — is produced by applying a paint coating to one surface of a glass sheet. The glass is then viewed from the opposite (unpainted) side, producing a deep, vibrant colour with a smooth, reflective surface that is easy to clean and maintain.

The result is a versatile decorative material that combines the elegance and durability of glass with virtually unlimited colour possibilities. Lacquered glass is widely used in kitchen splashbacks, bathroom wall panels, furniture, retail displays and architectural feature walls.

Manufacturing Process

At Mawby & King, lacquered glass is manufactured using a controlled curtain coater process and high quality water-based paint. Glass sheets pass through the paint curtain at high speed to ensure a completely even finish.

The paint is then cured to create a hard, durable coating that bonds permanently to the glass surface. Because the coating is viewed through the glass itself, the glass has to be mechanically cleaned inline using rare earth compounds and demineralised water, to ensure a contaminant free surface before painting.

Colour and Substrate Options

Our lacquered glass range has ~30 colours, from warm or grey neutrals to bolder character colours. Custom colours are available subject to minimum order quantities.

The choice of glass substrate also influences the final appearance: clear glass presents vividly, reflecting light back into the room, while satin (acid-etched) glass creates a softer, more muted appearance. Patterned glass adds texture and visual depth to the finished product.

Applications

Lacquered glass is used extensively in both residential and commercial settings. Common applications include kitchen splashbacks, bathroom wall panels, decorative wall cladding, wardrobe door panels, furniture surfaces, and installations in public spaces.

Care & Maintenance

One of the key advantages of lacquered glass is its ease of maintenance. The smooth, non-porous surface can be cleaned with a soft cloth and standard glass cleaner. There are no grout lines, joints or porous surfaces to trap dirt or moisture, making it a hygienic choice for kitchen and bathroom environments.

Safety Film Backing BS EN 12600

Safety film is a polyester-based adhesive film typically applied to the back surface of mirror or lacquered glass. In the event of breakage, the film holds the fragments together, reducing the risk of injury from falling glass. Safety film backing is commonly specified for mirrors, especially where building regulations require compliance with BS EN 12600.