Create a Strong Architectural Impact with Acid etch on Surface #1

This is the reason why the exposure of the acid-etched glass surface to exterior weather conditions becomes possible and sustainable.

By Marc Deschamps - Because acid-etching is not a coating, its resistance properties in exterior conditions are essentially equivalent to un-etched glass.

The unique closed-pore surface structure of Walker Textures® acid-etched finishes resists staining and allows for easy cleaning.

This is the reason why the exposure of the acid-etched glass surface to exterior weather conditions becomes possible and sustainable.

To further support the above claim we have conducted several tests to assess the durability, stain resistance and strength of the acid-etched glass surface.

Refer to this chart which indicates equal or better performance than un-etched glass, particularly with respect to resistance to degradation and scratching.

University of Pennsylvania

Walker Textures® products have been used in a wide variety of surface 1 applications to meet different purposes such as glare reduction, enhanced color rendering, sense of depth, privacy from the outside, modulation effect, maximum light diffusion and greater visible impact in general. Here are a number of projects that have, to this date, involved the use of our acid-etched finishes on surface #1:

• INRS – Montreal (2009)
• Barnard College – New York (2010)
• Wellesly College – Massachusetts (2011)
• University of Pennsylvania – Nanotech - Philadelphia (2013)
• NYU Langone Medical Center – New York (2015)
• H&M Store – Toronto (2016)
• The Boulevard Club – Toronto (2016)

Wellesly College

The last project listed above is particularly interesting in that surface #1 of the outboard lite of the double-glazed unit is etched with a pattern while surface #2 is coated with PPG Solarban60 LowE. This is a system allowing to combine the properties of the etching with the LowE coating on the same glass panel … the best of both worlds!

Boulevard Club

Architects across the USA and Canada recognize the value proposition of using an acid-etched finish on surface 1 and have specified this application in many other building façade projects.

Clearly, the acid-etched glass surface has passed the test over an extended period of time, otherwise major architect firms across North America would not have the comfort level required to consider such an application.

Walker Textures® does provide additional support for surface 1 applications by extending a 10-year warranty against surface degradation. Such a warranty applies in any case where un-etched glass would otherwise be used.

The use of an acid-etched finish on the outside surface of the glass is increasingly popular and such trend is sparked by the increase in requirements for glass façades to be bird friendly.

Scientific evidence indicates that a visual marker on the #1 surface of the glazing system is more effective at preventing bird strikes because it cuts reflection and glare down and creates a contrast on the surface.

With the increase in bird friendly façade codes and guidelines across the USA and Canada we have to expect the demand for surface 1 applications to keep rising in the future.

Architectural representatives at Walker Textures® are available to contribute to the design development process and play a key role in helping architects and building façade consultants make the right architectural decisions.

They bring value to the process in many ways, for example, by assisting in selecting the appropriate combinations and by securing the right IGU samples with the selected makeup. Don’t hesitate to contact us and use their services!