When you dive into the world of antiques and collectibles—especially glassware—you will find many different types of finishes applied to the item. Frosted glass, satin glass and even pearlescent glass are a few of the finishes that you will run across. Here are a few more that you will see:
Matte finish—this type of glassware has a non-shiny finish that was made by sandblasting or even applying an acid to dull the finish of the glass.
Luster—this has a shiny (almost a metallic effect) that was made by applying the glass with metallic oxides that were dissolved in acid and fired in a kiln. After cleaning, the glass has a distinctive shiny surface.
Acid etched—this is glassware that has been treated with an acid to produce a finish that has a frosted appearance.
This is a few of the different types of finished that you will run across. What types of finishes have you seen?