Glass printing process

A process for producing an image on frosted glass to simulate the effect of selectively-frosted glass, the glass having a frosted side including an abrasion layer having a depth, and a smooth side, comprising the steps:

• creating an image with a computer drawing program;
• printing the image;
• forming a silkscreen from the printed image;
• positioning the silkscreen into contact with the frosted side of the glass;
• applying clear ink to the silkscreen to form a clear ink layer about at least equal to the depth of the abrasion layer on the frosted side of the glass in the pattern of the printed image, the clear ink having an index of refraction approximately equal to the index of refraction of the substrate;
• and
• curing the ink until it dries;
• wherein the image is visible as a transparency in the frosting side of the glass.

A process for producing a visible pattern on a glass substrate to simulate the effect of selectively-frosting, comprising the steps:

• abrading a portion of the surface of the substrate to produce a frosted effect;
• selecting a clear ink having an index of refraction similar to the index of refraction of the substrate;
• depositing the clear ink on the frosted surface in a predetermined pattern to form a clear ink layer at least equal to the depth of the abrasions;
• and
• curing the clear ink until it dries.

A process for creating a decorative glass ornament comprising the steps:

• fabricating a glass substrate having a predetermined shape and first and second sides, the first side being frosted;
• selecting an image for incorporating into the surface of the ornament;
• preparing a silkscreen of the selected image;
• positioning the silkscreen into contact with the first side of the glass substrate;
• applying clear ink to the first side of the substrate in the pattern of the selected image to form a clear ink layer at least equal to the depth of the frosting;
• and
• curing the clear ink until it dries to form a completed ornament.

A process for selectively removing the frosting effect from a frosted glass article, the article having an abrasion layer on at least one surface, comprising the steps:

• selecting a desired pattern;
• applying clear ink to the frosted surface of the article to form a clear ink layer at least equal to the depth of the abrasion layer;
• and
• curing the clear ink until it dries.

A process for creating a pattern on a specular reflective substrate, comprising the steps:

• abrading a selected portion of a first surface of the substrate to produce a frosted effect and an abrasion layer;
• selectively depositing a clear ink on the first surface in a predetermined pattern to form a clear ink layer at least equal to the depth of the abrasion layer;
• and
• curing the clear ink until it is dry.