The History of Sand Blasted Glass

Blasting an object with sand at an intensely high velocity leaves an imprint or pattern on the surface, resulting in sand-blasted glass. Sand-blasted glass can be used for different tasks or to create beautiful objects like drinking glasses, flower vases, and various trinkets found around a household. 

The history of this widely used glass type is quite interesting. The uses of glass sandblasting have evolved since its beginning, but it can continue to be seen in today’s modern society.  

The Invention of Sand-Blasted Glass 

In October 1870, an American soldier named Benjamin Chew Tilghman invented sand-blasted glass. The invention came to Tilghman after witnessing the effect sand had on windows while stationed in the desert. After filing for patents in both the United States and the United Kingdom, Tilghman would soon receive rewards for his invention due to its great usefulness. 

In later years, Tilghman would further his invention and introduce various modifications to put the idea to greater use. The main trade business for sand-blasted glass began in the late 1800s and still successfully does business today. 

The Previous Uses of Sand-Blasted Glass

The sand-blasted glass initially had many different uses. Tilghman first announced that his invention could sharpen files, clean boilers, bring the grain out of wood, and engrave bottles for various uses.

As can be seen, many of these advertised uses of sand-blasted glass were very practical and were first assumed to help aid daily necessities. All of these different uses for sand-blasted glass in the past resulted in more personalized or quicker techniques that benefited society in various ways. 

The Current Uses of Sand-Blasted Glass

As one can assume, the current uses of sand-blasted glass are more practical for the innovative facets of modern society. Some of the uses for sand-blasted glass include stripping old and worn paint outside a home. This technique can ensure that houses are clean when applying new coats of paint to create a more modern style and design. This paint-stripping technique can remove paint from the car’s exterior as well. 

Other uses of sand-blasted glass include updating and restoring the look of old furniture, glass window etching, and removing stubborn concrete walkways to create cleaner and smoother sidewalks. All of these processes are quick and effective. 

In conclusion, the history of sand-blasted glass is unique. After being invented in the late 1800s, the world was never the same. Using this technique to clean, sharpen, and engrave resulted in more practical strategies for performing various tasks. 

Likewise, the modern uses of sand-blasted glass are stripping, restoring, and cleaning modern parts of society. These variables also result in more practical strategies for performing tasks. 

As can be seen, sand-blasted glass has had many purposes since its emergence in the late 1800s. In today’s modern day and age, brainstorming the various purposes and utilizing the most practical ones can be beneficial. See how glass sandblasting can benefit you today!

Categorised in: Sandblasting Glass

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