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Frequently Asked Questions
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What is fused glass?Fused glass, which is the method we use for all we do, is created from the art of overlapping 2 or more pieces of "fusing compatible" glass and heating them to molten temperatures in an electric glass kiln at 1450-1500°F. The temperature is held for anywhere from 5 minutes to sometimes an hour, until they became one piece of glass. In the parlance of glass arts, what we do is referred to as "Kiln Formed Glass". Once the desired effect is achieved, the kiln is cooled at a controlled rate to "anneal" the glass. If this critical part of the firing process is not correctly done, the glass will crack apart, sometimes while still in the kiln, but it can happen days, weeks, or even months later! State of the art electronic controllers on our kilns ensure this critical step is always properly performed, assuring a stable and very strong product. For a more technical explanation of annealing, see the WikiPedia article. The exact temperature reached, as well as the amount of time at those temperatures varies with how "full" a fusing we are looking to achieve. Three commonly used terms describing degrees of fusing are "Tack", "Dimensional", and "Full".
Multiple firings in the kiln can combine full and tack fusing to yield different effects. We can create design elements by full fusing a "base" layer or individual design elements, then combine them by tack fusing them together. Back to Top |
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What is Dichroic Glass?Dichroic [di-crow-ick], sometimes referred to as "dicro", glass is a high tech product of the space and
optics industry. It is an extremely thin coating on the
glass that was created to pass certain wavelengths of the
electromagnetic spectrum and to reflect others and are used in
filters and reflectors.. Technically glass is coated on one side in an electron beam vacuum chamber. Various metal oxides (and "secret" other ingredients) are vaporized that then condense on the glass in a crystalline form. This is followed by a coating of vaporized quartz for protection. Different color combinations are achieved depending on the metal oxides used and other factors the dichroic producers consider secret. Although technically any kind of glass can be put through this process, what we use is "fusing compatible" art glass. Fusing compatible refers to different colored or textured glasses that are formulated to be used together (having the same COE, coefficient of expansion) without cracking apart when cooled to room temperature due to internal stresses.
We love to work with heavily textured glasses. When a heavily textured glass is coated, the reflected and transmitted colors work together to create different colors and depth. And when fused, the resulting colors, sparkle and textures are quite intricate and visually fascinating to explore. Dichroic glass is a versatile architectural element. Since it is glass, it stands up very well to weather and because it's colors are metallic they never fade. It is a perfect material to enhance office buildings, kitchens and baths of dream homes and trendy restaurants, accents in walkways, fountains, walls, windows and lighting fixtures. If used in window or door panels, the differences between transmitted and reflected light give entirely different effects at night or day. For some additional enlightenment into dichroic glass, you can visit CBS Dichroic to see the web page of our dichroic glass supplier (the best in the business!) and the broad selection we have available to us to put into your designs!! When viewing their web site, remember that the fusing process does change the look and color somewhat and fusing makes the dichroic coating fracture and "sparkle", so if you have questions about how something will appear, ask us! See our Dichroic Design page for some examples. Back to Top |
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What is Iridescent Glass?Iridescent glass has had a thin coating applied at the factory that gives it a metallic sheen, often rainbow-like or similar to oil on water. This sheen has a subtler effect then dichroic glass which typically has brilliant sparkling colors. One thing to note is that the iridescent coating is less durable then dichroic and it is not advised for areas subject to abrasion or frequent cleaning. See our Iridescent Design page for some examples. Back to Top |
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How do I install glass tile?Any professional tile installer can install our tiles. Glass tile is adhered to the wall using the same adhesives as ceramic tiles. Epoxy resin and silicon sealants are other options that work well. If installing transparent tiles, you need to consider the dried look of the adhesive you are using, so color and smoothness of application can also be important factors. One thing to consider is that the fusing process rounds both the corners and the "shoulder" where the top meets the sides. This is okay if all tiles in the project are glass (no ceramic). But if you're using our tiles for accent purposes along side ceramic tiles, we recommend putting 1/8" spacers behind each tile and fill the gap behind with whatever tile adhesive you're using. This brings the glass tile into a little higher position which actually looks great because it sets off the glass tiles from the rest. If square corners are required, we make the tiles bigger than spec and grind them down to yield straight edges and corners. If tiles require cutting, you should use a water-cooled diamond (tile, band or ring) saw for best results (go slowly). Typical tile cutting saws are not recommended as fracture is possible. We recommend, that whenever possible, you plan for the need of odd sizes and allow us to take care of those when the tiles are made. Back to Top |
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What about "Tempering", are your products "Tempered"?If our glass is to be used in areas subject to building codes, such as swimming pools, we can have them "tempered" to increase safety in case they are somehow broken. Tempering allows the glass to break into small chunks (like a car window) which minimizes chance of injury. For a technical explanation of tempering (or toughening) see the WikiPedia article. Back to Top |
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Can I use glass tile on floors?Due to the slippery nature of glass, we don't recommend the use of most glass tile on any surfaces meant for foot-traffic. The sole exception so that slipping is minimized could be small "accent" tiles, less then 2" in any dimension, and separated by a distance of at least 6" using non-slippery flooring tiles. Use common sense when designing your layout, especially in areas subject to water. Also, remember that glass scratches easier then ceramic, so use of glass on flooring is the responsibility of the owner, designer and/or installer. Back to Top |
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Can I use glass tiles on countertops?Glass tiles can be used on countertops, just like any tile. Remember though, that glass scratches easier then ceramic tile so proper precautions need to be observed to ensure a long life. Glass can be polished using the right equipment and polishing compounds, so if you do get scratches, you might consider a professional to ensure a like-new polished surface. Back to Top |
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Where can I find your products?Our products are currently only available directly from us. We make the pieces you commission right here in the USA, by hand. Our products are unique and limited to projects for discriminating clients, interior designers and builders. To discuss design options for your project, please contact Molten Chaos Studios is in Orange County, California but we'll ship anywhere!
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What about your pricing?We don't show prices for our products due to the custom nature of what we do. But please feel free to contact us with thoughts about your project and we'll be happy to discuss such details with you. Back to Top |
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Can I get a sample?If you would like us to prepare and ship a sample for your approval, this can be arranged. You would be charged for the cost of the sample plus a non-refundable shipping charge of $3. If you return the sample within 15 days after receipt, we will refund the cost of the sample. Back to Top |
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How long will it take for my order to be completed?No job is too big or small. Everything we make is made by hand in our studio in Orange County, California. Depending on the Design Options, quantity and sizes you need, glass availability, complexity of your project, and current work queue in the studio, orders can take 1-3 weeks to complete. Please contact us for a current estimate. Back to Top |
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What are the Project Terms & Conditions?When you're ready, provide us with your specifications. If you need help just ask. Once we receive your specs we will communicate any possible concerns or technical issues we may have with them. and agreeing on any equitable changes, we will provide a timetable based on the scope of your requirements and the projects already in our firing queue. Regarding our "queue", it is likely that your project can be "squeezed in" within a week or so. We usually require a 50% deposit prior to starting a multi-piece
project. Once we have your deposit we will put your project in the
next firing that works for your specifications. When your project is
completed we will ship immediately. If you would like us to prepare and ship a sample for your approval, this can also be arranged. You would be charged for the cost of the sample plus a non-refundable shipping charge of $3. If you return the sample within 15 days after receipt, we will refund the cost of the sample. Once you've received your order from us, please contact us within 72 hours with any issues you may have and we will do our best to address them. Back to Top |
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What is your satisfaction policy?Your satisfaction is our goal. As most of our work is commissioned, and therefore custom, thorough communications between you, our customer, and we here at Molten Chaos Studios, is of the utmost importance to achieve this goal. If you are an end-user, we are happy to work directly with your contractor or designer. Problems or Clarifications? Please thoroughly read this FAQ to see if your questions have already been answered, then ask us anything via email. Back to Top |
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Call Us: (949) 689-0828 (Orange County, CA)
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You may familiar with projector bulbs whose reflector has a
purplish color if you hold it right. That is a dichroic
coating which allows heat to pass through the rear of the
reflector while reflecting the visible light forward.
Dichroic glass has an amazing ability to look like more then one color
depending on angle of view. Reflected color always being different
then transmitted. For example, the dichroic Cyan/Copper "color"
reflects a beautiful copper/gold color, but looks bluish (cyan) when
looking through it. Dichroic glass has the
effect you see when looking at Peacock feathers, Hummingbirds or Dragonfly
wings.