Satin glass is glass that has been chemically treated to give it a misty-looking finish. The term "satin glass" is frequently used to refer to a collectible type of
pressed glass
Pressed glass (or pattern glass) is a form of
hydrofluoric acid or hydrofluoric acid fumes.
Satin glass was first made as decorative pressed glass in
England
England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Wales to its west and Scotland to its north. The Irish Sea lies northwest and the Celtic Sea to the southwest. It is separated from continental Europe b ...
and the
United States
The United States of America (U.S.A. or USA), commonly known as the United States (U.S. or US) or America, is a country primarily located in North America. It consists of 50 states, a federal district, five major unincorporated territori ...
during the 1880s. Many companies have produced this type of satin glass.
It is similar to
milk glass
Milk glass is an opaque or translucent, milk white or colored glass that can be blown or pressed into a wide variety of shapes. First made in Venice in the 16th century, colors include blue, pink, yellow, brown, black, and white.
Principle
Mi ...
in that it is opaque, and has decorative surface patterns molded into it, however, satin glass has a satin, rather than glossy surface. Satin glass is typically tinted with a pastel color, blue is the most common.
It was produced by the
Fenton Art Glass Company
The Fenton Art Glass Company is a glass manufacturer founded in 1905 by brothers Frank L. Fenton and John W. Fenton.
History
The original factory was in an old glass factory in Martins Ferry, Ohio in 1905. The factory at one time was owned by the ...
between 1972 and 1984 in large quantities.
Satin glass, like milk glass and
carnival glass
Carnival glass is moulded or pressed glass to which an iridescent surface shimmer has been applied. It has previously been referred to as aurora glass, dope glass, rainbow glass, taffeta glass, and disparagingly as 'poor man's Tiffany'. The name ...
, is considered a collectible. Due to recent high production volume, prices commanded by satin glass are relatively low. However, certain large pieces produced in low volume can command high prices, especially if in perfect condition.
Burnishing a piece of satin glass will polish the satin finish away, leaving a glossy spot and greatly reducing the value as a collectable. Even friction from repeated ordinary handling, such as dusting with a cloth, will eventually add glossy spots to the finish, so the most desirable pieces become more rare even without breakage and chipping.
See also
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Glass etching
Glass etching, or "French embossing", is a popular technique developed during the mid-1800s that is still widely used in both residential and commercial spaces today. Glass etching comprises the techniques of creating art on the surface of glass ...