MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Back-painted glass (4mm, 6mm)

Processed Glass
mineral › Glass › Processed Glass
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ATLAS CODE
MIN-GLA-PRO-012
Back-painted glass (4mm, 6mm)
Category mineral
Material Family Glass
Regulatory Status A1
Density
2500 kg/m³
Carbon (A1-A5)
85 kg CO₂e/m²
Fire Class
A1
Lifespan
20 years
Description

Back-painted glass is a processed glass product where high-quality paint or lacquer is applied to one surface of clear float glass and cured to create a durable, coloured finish. The paint layer is protected from wear as it faces away from the exposed surface, providing excellent durability and colour retention. Available in virtually unlimited colours including metallic and custom finishes.

Primary Sectors
[Hospitality][Commercial]
Typical Uses
  • Kitchen splashbacks
  • Bathroom wall cladding
  • Interior feature walls
  • Elevator interiors
  • Retail displays
  • Reception areas
  • Cabinet doors
  • Table tops
  • Shower screens (toughened only)
  • Commercial fit-outs
Recycled Content 25
Renewable Content 0
Recyclability 100
Embodied Carbon 85 kg CO₂e/m²
Embodied Energy 170 MJ/m²
EPD Available Yes
Advantages
Unlimited colour options including custom matchingHygienic non-porous surfaceEasy to clean and maintainHeat resistant up to 80°C (standard) or 200°C (toughened)Moisture and humidity resistantNo grout lines or joints in single panelsLight reflective properties enhance spaceChemical and stain resistantUV stable pigments prevent fadingCan be cut to precise dimensions
Cautions
Higher cost than tiles or acrylic alternativesRequires professional installation for best resultsCannot be modified after temperingVisible scratches on glass surface cannot be repairedShows fingerprints and water marksEdge chipping risk during handlingThermal shock risk if not properly installedLimited repairability if damagedRequires careful cleaning product selectionHeavy weight requires adequate support
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 1 OF 4
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES MIN-GLA-PRO-012
Density (Dry) 2500 kg/m³
Specific Gravity 2.5
Porosity 0 %
Water Absorption 0 %
Hardness 6.5 Mohs
Surface Roughness 0.5 μm Ra
UV Resistance Excellent
Chemical Resistance High
pH Tolerance 3 – 11 pH
Compressive Strength 1000 MPa
Tensile Strength 40 MPa
Flexural Strength 45 MPa
Shear Strength 25 MPa
Elastic Modulus 70 GPa
Impact Resistance AS 2208 compliant
Bearing Capacity 600 MPa
Poisson's Ratio 0.22
Creep Resistance Excellent
Abrasion Resistance Moderate
Thermal Conductivity 1.05 W/(m·K)
Thermal Resistance 0.004 m²·K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 840 J/(kg·K)
Thermal Expansion 9 ×10⁻⁶/K
Melting Point 1700 °C
Sound Transmission Class (STC) 28 STC
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.02
Optical
Light Transmittance 0 %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 85 %
Solar Reflectance (SRI) 70

Back-painted glass emerged in the 1950s as architectural modernism demanded sleek, colourful surfaces. Initially using lead-based paints, the technology evolved through the 1980s to incorporate safer, more durable coating systems. Modern UV-cured and water-based coatings developed in the 2000s significantly reduced VOC emissions. In Australia, the product gained popularity from the 1990s as an alternative to tiles in kitchens, driven by European design trends and local manufacturing capabilities. Current Australian production utilises advanced coating technologies meeting stringent environmental and safety standards.

CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 2 OF 4
SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION MIN-GLA-PRO-012
Flame Spread Index 0
Smoke Developed Index 0
Combustibility Class A1
Fire Resistance Rating Non-combustible hours
Heat Release Rate 0 kW/m²
Toxicity of Combustion None
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 85 kg CO₂e/m²
Embodied Energy 170 MJ/m²
Water Footprint 35 L/m²
EPD Available Yes
Recycled Content 25%
Renewable Content 0%
LEED Points 2 points
Circular Economy Score 7 /10
VOC Emissions 0.5 g/L
Skill Level Professional recommended
Crew Size 2 persons
Installation Time 2 hours/m²
Curing Time 24 hours
Setting Time 1 hour
Temperature Range 10-35 °C
Humidity Range 30-80 %
Required Tools
Glass suction cupsSpirit levelMeasuring tapeSilicone gunGlass drill bits (if required)Safety equipment (gloves, glasses)Cleaning supplies
Certifications Required
Licensed glazier for commercialNone for DIY residential
Weather Limitations
Avoid extreme temperaturesIndoor installation preferred
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 3 OF 4
COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY MIN-GLA-PRO-012
Material Cost 150 – 350 AUD/m²
Installation Cost 100 – 250 AUD/m²
Annual Maintenance 5 AUD/m²
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) 400 AUD/m²
Market Availability High
Lead Time 5 – 15 days
Design Life 20 years
Warranty Period 7 years
Maintenance Interval 1 week
Service Temp Range -20 to 80 °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Excellent
Dimensional Stability Excellent
Certifications Held
AS/NZS 2208:1996 Safety glazingAS 1288:2021 Glass in buildingsEPD available from major manufacturersBREEAM Mat 02 complianceLEED v4 MR credits eligibleFood-safe surface (when specified)Low-VOC coatings availableNon-toxic when cured
Fire Code Compliance
AS 1530.1 Non-combustibleNCC C1.9 Fire hazard properties
Standards Compliance
NCC 2022 Section 3.8.3 (glazing)BCA Class 1-10 buildingsASTM C1048 (heat-treated flat glass)ASTM C1036 (flat glass)ISO 12543 (laminated glass if applicable)ISO 14025 (EPD framework)EN 12150 (thermally toughened glass)EN 15804 (EPD for construction)

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: MIN-GLA-PRO-012 Schema: v3.0
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