Tints & Textures

The Range

Shelving, partitions, table tops, display cases, splashbacks, balustrades, shower screens, cabinet doors, picture framing — the applications are as varied as the glass itself. From ultra-clear low iron for colour-critical displays to bronze and grey tints for warmth and privacy, our tints and textures range covers the full spectrum of transparent and translucent glass.

Every sheet is available from stock or cut and processed to your exact specification — cut, edged, drilled, shaped, bevelled or toughened. Same precision, same service delivery, same Mawby & King quality control.

Clear Float Glass

Standard clear float glass is the most widely used glass type in the world. Manufactured by floating molten glass on a bed of molten tin, the float process produces a sheet with exceptional flatness, uniform thickness and smooth, fire-polished surfaces on both sides.

Clear float glass has a slight green tint when viewed on edge — this is caused by the natural iron oxide content (approximately 0.1%) present in the silica sand used in production. For most applications, this tint is imperceptible when looking through the glass, but it becomes visible in thicker sheets and at exposed edges.

Low Iron Glass

Low iron glass — sometimes referred to as ultra-clear or extra-clear glass — is produced using specially selected raw materials with a greatly reduced iron oxide content (typically around 0.01%, compared to 0.1% in standard float). The result is a glass with exceptional optical clarity and a virtually colourless, neutral appearance.

Where standard clear glass transmits approximately 83–85% of visible light, low iron glass transmits 91–92% at equivalent thickness. This makes it the preferred choice for applications where light or true colour rendition is important — such as homes, showrooms, picture framing or display cases, and anywhere the green tint of standard float would be undesirable.

We specify low iron glass for our Lacquered products where colour accuracy demands it.

Tinted Glass

Tinted float glass is produced by adding metallic oxides to the glass melt during manufacture. The tint is integral to the glass — it runs through the full thickness of the sheet and cannot be scratched off or removed. Tinted glass reduces visible light transmission, provides a degree of solar heat control, and offers a distinctive aesthetic for interior and exterior applications.

Bronze

Bronze tinted glass has a warm, golden-brown appearance that complements natural materials such as timber, stone and leather. It is widely used in furniture, partitions, table tops and decorative glazing where a warm colour palette is desired. Bronze glass reduces glare while maintaining good visibility.

Grey

Grey tinted glass provides a neutral, cool-toned aesthetic. It is the most popular tinted glass for contemporary interiors, offering a subtle reduction in light transmission without shifting the colour temperature of the space. Commonly used for partitions, shelving, table tops and architectural features.

Dark Grey

Dark grey glass offers a more pronounced tint for applications requiring greater privacy, stronger solar control, or a bold design statement. It has a lower light transmission than standard grey, producing a more opaque appearance that works well in feature walls, display backing and high-end furniture applications.

Patterned Glass

Patterned glass is produced by passing the glass through rollers that impress a texture or pattern onto one of the surfaces. The pattern diffuses light passing through the glass, providing privacy without eliminating natural light.

Patterned glass is used in applications where visual screening is required — bathrooms, interior partitions, furniture panels and decorative features. Multiple pattern options are available, ranging from subtle textures to bold geometric designs. Patterned glass is available as a substrate for our lacquered glass range, creating a unique textured finish in front of the colour coating.

Processing

All glass types in this range can be processed using our full capabilities, including edging, drilling, CNC shaping, bevelling and toughening. Whether you need a single bespoke piece or a production run of identical components, our processing equipment handles both with consistent precision.