How many types of clear glass are there?

kodchaponhk
May 27
3 min read

Updated: May 28

Clear glass also comes in various "sub-types" that differ based on production methods, clarity/thickness, surface texture, and special properties. We will take a look at how clear glass can be categorized, along with their concise usage characteristics.

🧊 Types of Clear Glass

Float Glass

🔹Smooth, clear glass with an even surface

🔹 The most standard, used as a base for almost all types of glass

✅ Suitable for: Windows, doors, furniture, mirrors

💬 It is the most popular “basic” clear glass in construction.

Low Iron Glass (Extra-clear),

🔹 More transparent than normal, no blue-green like general glass

🔹 The color of objects viewed through it will not be distorted

✅ Suitable for: Display cabinets, glass tables, artwork, colored glass

💬 When clarity is important, this glass is the answer.

Tempered Glass

🔹 Heat-treated glass makes it 4–5 times stronger

🔹 When broken, it breaks into small pieces that do not cut

✅ Suitable for: Glass doors, bathroom partitions, balconies, tall buildings

💬 Safer, use in areas at risk of impact

Laminated Glass

🔹 It is a 2-layer glass with a film in the middle.

🔹 When broken, the glass fragments will not scatter.

✅ Suitable for: Windshield, Glass roof, Soundproof, UV protection

💬 Safe + Soundproof + Radiation protection

Patterned Glass / Textured Glass

🔹 Textured surface helps to conceal the eyes

🔹 Some light can still pass through

✅ Suitable for: Bathroom, partition, decorative door

💬 For those who want privacy while still getting light

Wired Glass

🔹 There is a steel wire embedded in the glass

🔹 It does not fall off when broken, but it is still quite brittle

✅ Suitable for: Fireproof windows, old factory buildings

💬 Often used in industrial work or old fireproof work

Acid-etched Glass / Sandblasted Glass

🔹 Matte, opaque, soft texture

🔹 Create a simple, luxurious feel

✅ Suitable for: Interior decoration, partitions, furniture glass

💬 Suitable for minimalists who love the softness of light

There is also various coated glass (including Low-E, Reflective, Tinted glass) that should be included in the “clear” or “transparent” categories because they start out as clear glass (float glass) and then have “enhanced” properties to suit their intended use.

Summary: All Clear Glass Types

For completeness, it should be divided into 2 subgroups like this:

🧊 A. Basic Clear Glass Group

Types	Highlights	Where is it used?
Float Glass	Plain and basic	window, furniture
Low-Iron Glass	Extra clear, no green tint	Showcase, table, artwork
Tempered	Strong, not broken or cut	Door, window, bathroom
Laminated	Shatterproof film	Roof, car, soundproofing
Wired Glass	Reinforced wire in glass	Fireproof building, factory
Patterned/Textured	The skin has a pattern that camouflages the eyes.	Bathroom, partition
Acid-etched / Sandblasted	Matte, luxurious finish	Furniture, Office

🔬 B. Functional Coated Glass Group

Types	feature	Suitable for
Low-E Glass	Reflects IR/UV rays, heat protection	Energy-saving buildings
Reflective Glass	Reflective metal coating	Office building, heat/glare protection
Tinted Glass	Mix the color into the material or coating.	Office building, heat/glare protection
Self-cleaning Glass	Coated to make dust/water roll off by itself	Exterior glass, high-rise building
Anti-glare / Anti-fog	Anti-glare / Anti-fog	Bathroom, showroom, meeting room