Dichroic Laminated Glass

Dichroic laminated glass is a high end decorative safety glass that creates a mesmerizing color shifting effect. The term “dichroic” comes from the Greek words di (two) and chroma (color), meaning “two colored”. Unlike painted or dyed glass, dichroic glass produces color through optical physics: the glass displays one color in reflected light and a completely different color in transmitted light, and both colors shift depending on the viewing angle and lighting conditions. This dynamic visual quality makes dichroic glass an intriguing material for architectural projects, interior design, and artistic installations.

The visual effects of dichroic glass are significantly affected by lighting conditions and angles of observation, which lead to varying hues. The color is produced by optical physics, not pigment – as a result, the colors are extremely vibrant, faderesistant, and dynamic.

Common Configurations

Dichroic glass can be manufactured in various laminated constructions depending on application requirements:

Standard Laminated Construction
The dichroic optical layer (either a vacuumdeposited coating or a dichroic film) is encapsulated between two or more glass panels using standard laminated glass interlayers such as PVB (polyvinyl butyral) or SentryGlas® ionoplast. This method improves durability while maintaining the glass’s striking color transitions.

Interlayer Compatibility
Dichroic glass finishes are compatible with PVB and SentryGlas® interlayers. Each interlayer type offers different bonding strength, optical clarity, and weather resistance properties.

Glass Substrate Options

Annealed dichroic laminated glass – Standard for interior decorative applications

Tempered dichroic laminated glass – Combines the strength of toughened glass with the dichroic effect; recommended for exterior facades, doors, and high-traffic areas

Heat strengthened dichroic laminated glass – Offers improved thermal stability for large exterior panels

Low iron (ultra clear) glass – Eliminates the greenish tint of standard glass, enhancing color purity and brightness

Insulating glass units (IGUs) – Dichroic laminated glass can be combined with an additional glass layer to create insulated units for energy efficient building envelopes

Film Based Configurations
Dichroic optical film can be laminated between glass layers using adhesive interlayers (PVB or SentryGlas®). These films are conformable for bent glass applications and work with different glass and interlayer combinations.

Reflective vs. Transmissive Types

Reflective dichroic glass – Shows the strongest color when light reflects off its surface

Transmissive dichroic glass – Shows its primary color when light passes through the glass

Opaque and Translucent Options
Dichroic laminated glass is available in fully opaque or translucent glass panels, depending on the backing material and film selection.

Custom Finishes
Customizable options include color palette (warm tones, cool tones, or custom mixtures), radiance level, reflectivity, texture, patterns, transparency, and panel size.

Key Applications

Dichroic laminated glass can be processed to meet code requirements for a broad range of applications including building facades, partitions and doors, skylights and canopies, glass marker boards, glass railings, public art displays, and elevator cabs.

Architectural Facades & Exterior Cladding

Building curtain walls and facades – Creates visually striking exteriors with a modern, dynamic touch

Spandrel glass and cladding systems – Adds color and reflectivity to otherwise uniform surfaces

University buildings and institutional architecture – Used in highprofile projects to create vibrant, shimmering facades

Museum facades – Creates dynamic façades that reflect shifting colors throughout the day

Skylights, Canopies & Overhead Glazing

Recommended for interior as well as exterior applications including general and sloped glazing (vertical glass as well as skylight glass)

Controls the amount and quality of light entering a space, enhancing natural lighting while providing ultraviolet protection

Interior Design & Partitions

Office partitions and meeting room walls – Adds playful, iridescent qualities that bring both color and reflectivity to the workspace

Feature walls and decorative panels – Creates visually impactful interior spaces

Elevator cabs and lobby panels – Provides a premium, artistic focal point

Glass railings and balustrades – Combines safety with striking visual effects

Art Installations & Public Art

Public art installations – Employed to create vibrant and interactive pieces

Museum exhibits and gallery displays – Dichroic glass elements capture light, reflect and move light to create dazzling color displays

Architectural accents – Used in various parts of a building to add visual interest

Retail & Hospitality

Shopfronts and store displays – Enhances signage and branding elements for businesses, making them stand out

Hotel lobbies and reception areas – Adds a sense of luxury and innovation

Restaurant and bar interiors – Creates immersive dining experiences with shifting light

Furniture & Decorative Objects

Tabletops, desks, and conference tables – Provides a visually dynamic, fullspectrum colorshifting appearance

Bar tops and countertops – Resists stains and adds dramatic flair

Decorative tiles and wall art – Available in various finishes including waveembossed textures

Advantages of Dichroic Laminated Glass

1. Dynamic Color Shifting Effect – Dichroic glass exhibits distinct colors when viewed from various angles due to the interference effects of light waves reflecting off multiple thin layers. It reflects specific colors while allowing others to pass through, creating a living, breathing surface.

2. Permanent, NonFading Color – Unlike painted or dyed glass, dichroic color is produced by optical physics, not pigment. As a result, the colors are extremely vibrant, fade resistant, and dynamic. The coating is permanent and will not peel, even in sunlight.

3. Safety Performance (When Laminated) – When the dichroic layer is encapsulated between glass panels using PVB or SentryGlas® interlayers, the resulting laminated glass holds together when broken, reducing injury risk and preventing fallout.

4. Durability & Scratch Resistance – The metal oxide coating process enhances the durability and scratch resistance of the glass. Dichroic laminated glass is highly durable and abrasion resistant.

5. UV Protection – Laminated glass with PVB or SentryGlas® interlayers offers exceptional protection against solar degradation, blocking a very high percentage of UV radiation to protect interior furnishings, artwork, and flooring from fading.

6. Light Control & Energy Efficiency – Reflective properties reduce heat gain, contributing to the building’s energy efficiency. Dichroic glass also controls the amount and quality of light entering a space.

7. Aesthetic Versatility – Offers a wide range of color and design possibilities. Available in cool tones and warm tones with different looks depending on mounting surface color, viewing angle, and lighting.

8. Sound Reduction – When produced with PVB or SentryGlas® interlayers, dichroic laminated glass provides excellent acoustic insulation.

9. Radio Frequency Friendly – Modern dichroic films incorporate nonmetallic, corrosion free technologies that do not interfere with radio frequencies or wireless communications.

10. Easy Maintenance – Smooth glass surface is easy to clean and maintain. The surface is resistant to scratches and abrasion.

11. Unique & Handcrafted Quality – Every sheet has a slightly unique pattern and color reaction, making dichroic glass both scientifically fascinating and artistically valuable.

12. Landmark Building Suitability – Particularly suitable for landmark buildings such as office buildings, museums, opera houses, theaters, cinemas, shopping malls, and other places requiring bold design statements.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What does “dichroic” mean?
Dichroic comes from the Greek words di (two) and chroma (color), meaning “twocolored.” It refers to the glass’s ability to display different colors depending on the angle of light and viewing perspective.

2. How does dichroic glass differ from ordinary colored glass?
Ordinary colored glass uses pigments or dyes that can fade over time. Dichroic glass produces color through optical physics – multiple microlayers of metal oxides create interference effects that reflect certain wavelengths of light while transmitting others. The color is permanent, faderesistant, and shifts dynamically with angle and lighting.

3. Can dichroic glass be used outdoors?
Yes. Dichroic glass is suitable for both interior and exterior applications, including building facades, skylights, canopies, and general sloped glazing. For exterior use, we recommend tempered or heatstrengthened laminated construction for improved impact and thermal resistance.

4. Is dichroic laminated glass safe when broken?
Yes. When the dichroic layer is encapsulated between glass panels using PVB or SentryGlas® interlayers, it becomes true laminated safety glass. The interlayer holds the glass fragments together when broken, reducing injury risk and preventing fallout.

5. Can dichroic glass be combined with other glass treatments?
Absolutely. Dichroic glass can also be made into tempered, laminated, or insulating glass units (IGUs), so that it has a variety of functions, including safety, thermal insulation, and visual depth effects.

6. Will the dichroic effect fade over time?
No. The dichroic coating is permanent and will not peel. It resists fading, even in sunlight. Unlike painted or dyed glass, the color is produced by optical physics, not pigment, so it remains vibrant for decades.

7. What color options are available?
Dichroic laminated glass is available in a wide range of colors, including warm tones (amber, gold, copper, red) and cool tones (blue, green, cyan, violet). Custom color palettes can be developed for specific projects.