OPACI-COAT-300® VS. CERAMIC FRIT

OPACI-COAT-300®

Ceramic Frit

Manufacturing Process

50% silicone, 50% water solution is sprayed, roller coated, or curtain coated onto glass and dried by evaporation of water (either ambient or oven), curing the silicone to the surface of the glass.

Ceramic clay applied to glass is heated to 1,100°F (600°C) and becomes fused to the glass.

Life Expectancy

Unlimited. Silicones have an excellent track record in construction. OPACI-COAT-300® has been in use for more than thirty years.

Unlimited, because the frit is fused to the glass.

Resistance to Ultraviolet

OPACI-COAT-300® does not break down when exposed to ultraviolet rays.

Ceramic frit does not break down when exposed to ultraviolet rays.

Fall Out

Silicone bonds with the glass and will hold broken glass in an opening when applied at a wet film thickness of 13 mils.

Ceramic frit has no ability to help glass remain in an opening when broken.

Repair

Silicone surface can be repaired in the field if scratched, or touched up if coverage has noticeable light areas from the exterior.

Frit cannot be repaired if frit surface is damaged.

Color Match

Exceptional color matching capabilities (including reds and yellows) with three day lead times on most sample and production orders.

Matches very well with dark colors. Can have noticeable lines or streaks in light colors. Most bright reds and yellows are impossible to achieve without the use of toxic heavy metals.

Environmental

Does not contain any environmentally hazardous ingredients. No lead or heavy metals. We are Green!

Contains solvents and other heavy metals that create concerns regarding hazardous material disposal.

Warranty

10 years

5 years by fabricator

Metalized Glass Coatings

OPACI-COAT-300® may be applied to a wide variety of reflective glass as well as pyrolytic glass surfaces.

Ceramic frit cannot be applied to the reflective surface of the glass.

Color Predictability

OPACI-COAT-300® is applied to glass after tempering, which prevents color shifts brought about by very high heat. Therefore, the use of OPACI-COAT-300® may result in a more predictable, desirable color for spandrel glass. Benefits are realized in the initial spandrel glass creation for all potential replacement lites. 

Ceramic frit is applied to spandrel glass, then subjected to very high heat which may cause unwanted changes in the desired color.