Low iron (ultra clear) glass cut to size, Perth

Low iron or ordinary clear glass?

All float glass contains a little iron, which gives it a green tint. You see it most at the edge of the glass and through thick panes. Low iron glass (also called ultra clear, super clear or Starphire) has most of that iron removed, so it looks almost colourless. It lets through about 91% of light, compared with about 83–88% for clear glass, depending on thickness.

Where the difference shows

• Thick glass. At 10mm and 12mm, ordinary clear glass looks noticeably green. Low iron stays clear, which is why it is the usual choice for frameless shower screens and glass table tops.
• Glass over white or pale colours. Over white joinery, marble or a painted wall, clear glass shifts the colour towards green. Low iron keeps it true.
• Display cabinets and shelving. LED lighting and stacked shelves look cleaner without the green edge.
• Splashbacks. Paint or wallpaper behind low iron glass keeps its real colour.

For a small pane in a window frame or a picture frame, the difference is hard to see and clear glass is the cheaper choice.

Which thickness?

4mm to 6mm for cabinet doors, display shelves inside a cabinet and picture frames. 8mm for small table tops and longer shelves. 10mm or 12mm for frameless shower panels, large table tops and free-standing screens. Toughen any panel in a door, a bathroom, near the floor or used as a table top.

Is it stronger?

No. Low iron glass has the same strength as clear glass of the same thickness. It can be toughened in the same way, and toughening does not change its colour.

Common low iron jobs

• Frameless shower screens: 10mm toughened, polished edges. Low iron keeps white tiles looking white.
• Glass table tops: 10mm or 12mm toughened over white, oak or pale stone bases.
• Display cabinets and bar shelving: 5mm or 6mm doors and 8mm or 10mm shelves, toughened.
• Picture and artwork glazing: 2–4mm is often used by framers; our thinnest low iron is 4mm.
• Aquariums and terrariums: low iron front panes show true colours. Tanks need the right thickness for their water depth, so check with your tank builder.

Edges and toughening

Polished edges are selected by default. On low iron glass a polished edge looks almost white, which is part of its appeal on table tops and shelves. Toughening is one tap on the product page and must be chosen before the glass is made.

Price examples

Single piece, delivered to a Perth suburb on our list. Delivery is $69 per order and nothing on orders of $500 or more. Enter your own size on the product page for an exact price.