Facades & Curtain Walls
Silkscreen printed glass enhances building facades and storefronts with custom patterns, branding, and solar control while maintaining durability and aesthetic appeal.
Insulated Glass
Silk Screen Printed Glass
Silkscreen printing on glass is a process that offers many benefits to the end user. Thompson has built a practice here that brings multiple options to a variety of applications.
Silk Screen Printed Glass - How does it work
Silkscreen printing on glass works by spreading ink (a ceramic enamel) across a mesh screen that is laid on top of a flat piece of glass. A design is blocked out through the mesh allowing the ink to fill the open spaces and leave the design on the face of the glass. The glass is then processed through an oven to bake the design into place permanently. This makes the end design on the glass extremely durable to any environment and usable on the interior or exterior.
Key Components
Designs are used in many ways, which differs from Thompson’s Digitally Printed (Link) options. While digitally printed ink on glass can offer an unlimited design element, silkscreen’s focus is narrower. Silkscreen printing on glass is commonly used when the pattern and a single color are easily repeatable.
These designs are used for decoration, glare reduction, thermal comfort, privacy and more. Most commonly, silkscreen printing on glass is used in an insulating glass unit as a part of an overall building design.
Lines
Dots
Holes
Diamonds
Squares
Benefits
A prime benefit for our customers is that Silkscreen can be more cost-effective vs. digitally printed if all scenarios align correctly. Single color, single pattern, and with medium to high volume orders.
Staircases & Railings
Used in stairwells and railings, silkscreen glass adds safety and design flexibility with slip-resistant patterns and privacy features without sacrificing light or visibility.
Partitions
Perfect for dividing spaces, silkscreen glass partitions offer modern design, privacy, and easy customization for both commercial and institutional environments.
Demountable Office Structures
In demountable office systems, silkscreen printed glass delivers privacy, branding, and a sleek look that’s easily reconfigured as space needs change.
Automotive
Silkscreen printed glass is commonly used in vehicles for aesthetic detailing, UV control, and to mask sealants or components while maintaining visibility and performance.
Recreational Vehicles (RV)
In RVs, silkscreen glass combines function and design — offering shading, style, and privacy for windows, doors, and interior partitions in compact living spaces.
Maximum Size
Maximum size
60" x 120"
Industries served
Architectural
Commercial
Residential
Transportation
Frequently Asked Questions About Silk Screen Glass
What is silk-screened glass?
Silk-screened glass is architectural glass that has ceramic frit patterns applied through a screen-printing process. The frit is fused to the glass during tempering, creating a durable and decorative surface.
What types of patterns are available?
Silk-screened glass can feature a variety of patterns, including dots, lines, holes, grids, custom logos, and gradients. These designs can enhance aesthetics, reduce glare, and improve energy efficiency.
What are the benefits of silk-screened glass?
Solar Control – Reduces heat gain and glare, improving occupant comfort.
Aesthetic Appeal – Adds decorative elements to façades, partitions, and interiors.
Safety & Durability – Ceramic frit is fused into the glass surface and will not peel or fade.
Does silk-screening affect glass transparency?
Yes, the transparency depends on the pattern density, color, and glass type. A higher coverage pattern reduces visibility and solar heat gain, while lower coverage maintains more clarity.
Can silk-screened glass be laminated or insulated?
Absolutely! It can be combined with laminated glass for safety and sound control or with insulated glass (IGUs) for energy efficiency.
How does silk-screened glass compare to etched or digital-printed glass?
Silk-Screened Glass – Uses ceramic frit, fired onto the surface during tempering.
Etched Glass – Uses acid or sandblasting to create a frosted effect but is less durable.
Digital Printed Glass – Uses advanced ceramic inks for high-resolution imagery and multi-color designs.