1. What is Slumped Glass?

Slumping is a kiln firing process that uses heat and gravity to transform sheets of glass into the shape of a patterned mold.

At Escape Glass, we use any of our five kilns to heat glass until it reaches a liquid state. Gravity then pulls the glass down over a mold, where it takes on the desired pattern or texture. Once cooled, the glass retains its new, permanent shape.

Because each piece is handcrafted, slight variations in pattern or texture may occur:

• Patterns on larger panels may vary slightly from samples.

• Textures may not align exactly from panel to panel.

• Minor background variations or markings from expansion/contraction may be visible.

Each slumped glass panel has:

• Two texturally different sides, with the smooth side usually preferred for viewing.

• Fired edges, meaning no extra edge work is needed.

👉 Simplified, slumping allows us to shape and texture glass at high temperatures to create unique, custom designs.

🎨 2. What Colours Are Available?

• Tinted glass: Green, Blue, Grey (subject to availability).

• Colour coating: We use Resene and Dulux ranges to apply almost any opaque or metallic colour to flat or slumped glass.

• Additional options: Sandblasting is also available.

📏 3. What Are the Size Specifications?

• Available thicknesses: 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, and 19 mm clear float glass.

• Maximum panel sizes:

  6 & 8 mm → 3100 x 1250 mm

  10 & 12 mm → 3100 x 1250 mm

🖼️ 4. Can I Add My Logo?

Absolutely! We offer a range of techniques to incorporate your logo or branding directly into the glass. 👉 Talk to us to explore the best option for your project.

🧩 5. What Patterns Are Available?

You can view our full pattern range at the bottom of the page.

✂️ 6. Can You Make the Glass Any Shape?

Yes, we offer a variety of custom shaping options, including:

• Standard or countersunk holes

• Radiused corners

• Curves and special cut-outs

Guidelines:

• Hole diameter must be no less than the glass thickness.

• Total hole area must not exceed 10% of panel area.

• A glazing border (10–40 mm) may be added for easier installation.

• Tolerance: ±3 mm on all finished glass sizes.

• Templates must be provided for non-standard shapes.

Each job is assessed individually to ensure the best result.

🛡️ 7. What is Toughened Glass?

Toughened (or tempered) glass is 4–5 times stronger than standard annealed glass and breaks into small, relatively harmless fragments if shattered.

• Meets NZ & Australian safety standard ANSIZ97 UA.

• Must be processed before toughening — no cutting, drilling or edge work after.

• Has the same installation properties as annealed glass.

• Weathering does not affect it, though it remains susceptible to scratching.

⏳ 8. How Long Does It Take?

The lead time depends on project size and complexity.

Estimated lead times:

• Small items (handled by our front-of-house team): 10–25 working days + shipping and installation time

• Flat glass splashbacks: up to 4 weeks + shipping and installation time

• Slumped glass splashbacks: up to 6 weeks + shipping and installation time

• Headstones: approximately 12 weeks + shipping and installation time

⏤ If your project is time-sensitive, please let us know as early as possible. We’ll do our best to accommodate urgent orders and meet your deadline.

🧰 9. Do You Supply Hardware?

Yes! We supply a full range of installation hardware and can advise on the best fittings for your project.

🚚 10. What If I Don’t Live in Southland, New Zealand?

No problem — we have agents throughout New Zealand who can:

• Measure on-site

• Install your glass

• Provide quotes & samples

📞 Call us: 03 214 5012 📧 Email: sales@escapeglass.com

🤝 Need More Help?

If you have further questions or need advice, our team is here to help. Contact us today

to discuss your project.