Clear vs Low Iron Glass: Which Is Right for Your Project?
- barberglass
- Jun 18
- 5 min read
In the world of custom glass, details matter. The difference between standard clear glass and low iron glass might seem subtle at first glance, but it can dramatically impact the final appearance of your project. At BG Glass Solutions, we help clients make informed decisions about glass options for both residential and commercial applications.
Understanding the Difference
The primary difference between standard clear glass and low iron glass lies in their iron content. Standard clear glass contains iron oxide that is visible when looking through the glass (the thicker the glass the more noticeable it is) or the glass edges. Low iron glass, sometimes called "Starfire", “Diamont”, “Ultra-Clear” or "crystal clear" glass, is manufactured with reduced iron content, resulting in exceptional clarity and colour neutrality. Low iron, depending on what brand you buy, shows a noticeable edge detail but cannot be distinguished when looking straight on.
Standard clear glass contains 0.1% ferric oxide while low iron glass contains 0.01% ferric oxide, resulting in 10 times lower iron content than standard clear glass, dramatically reducing the green tint.
This reduction in iron content is achieved through a specialized manufacturing process that uses silica with lower iron content as the raw material.
Visual Comparison
The difference between these glass types becomes apparent when placed side by side:
Standard Clear Glass:
Has green tint when viewed from all angles
Colours viewed through the glass may appear slightly altered
Transmits approximately 83% of light
The green tint becomes more pronounced as thickness increases
Low Iron Glass:
Low iron glass delivers clear views with minimal tint
Provides true colour representation of objects behind it
Transmits approximately 91% of light
Maintains remarkable clarity even in thicker glass
This visual difference is particularly important in applications where colour accuracy and true material representation matter, such as retail displays, art installations, and luxury interiors.
Applications Where Low Iron Glass Makes a Difference
Luxury Shower Enclosures
For high-end bathroom build outs or renovations, low iron glass shower enclosures create a more luxurious appearance. The crystal-clear quality enhances the visibility of premium tile work, fixtures, and natural stone, allowing these expensive materials to shine without the subtle green tint that standard glass would introduce.
High-End Display Cases and Retail Environments
Retail spaces benefit from low iron glass in display cases where product colour accuracy is crucial. Jewelry, fashion, and luxury goods retailers choose low iron glass to ensure customers see the true colours and details of their merchandise without distortion. The same goes for a low iron mirror - it also has exceptional quality, bringing out the true colours of the surroundings.
Glass Railings Systems
Glass Railings crafted with low iron glass offer a crisp, true-to-life view of your surroundings, making them an ideal choice for homes that promote natural light and open-concept design. The clarity of low iron glass enhances aesthetics by minimizing the greenish tint found in standard glass, allowing architectural details and outdoor scenery to remain vivid and unobstructed—even from within.
Museum and Gallery Applications
Art galleries and museums across Ontario select low iron glass for display cases and protective barriers because it provides uncompromised views of artwork and exhibits. The neutral clarity ensures colours appear exactly as the artist intended, without the subtle green cast that standard glass would introduce.
Designer Furniture
Low iron glass is ideal for custom furniture applications such as tabletops and desk dividers - especially when using low iron pattern or etched glass. It highlights the true tones and textures of surrounding materials and delivers a premium, neutral finish.
Architectural Wall Features
For architectural wall systems, including commercial office fronts, luxury home wine rooms, glass offices, and room dividers, low iron glass enhances design clarity while maintaining visual openness and elegance.
Back Painted Glass Products
Low iron glass allows for a truer colour when painted, making it the preferred choice for back-painted applications where colour precision and consistency are key.
When Standard Clear Glass Is the Smarter Choice
Despite the advantages of low iron glass, standard clear glass remains the appropriate choice for many applications.
Budget-Conscious Projects
Low iron glass costs approximately 40% more than standard clear glass. For projects where the subtle green tint won't detract from the overall aesthetic, standard glass provides excellent value.
Applications Where Glass Thickness Is Minimal
The green tint in standard glass becomes more noticeable as thickness increases. For applications using thin glass (4mm or less), the difference may be negligible to most observers.
Exterior Applications with Changing Light Conditions
For some exterior applications where natural light conditions constantly change, the subtle differences between glass types may be less consistently noticeable than in controlled interior environments. It is important to note that houses with a lighter façade will show the green tint, while houses with a darker façade will be less noticeable.
Technical Specifications and Availability
Thickness Options
Both standard clear and low iron glass are available in a range of thicknesses to suit different applications:
Standard Clear Glass: 3mm - 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 15mm and 19mm
Low Iron Glass: 4mm - 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 15mm and 19mm
Size Availability
We typically stock both glass types in sheets up to:
Standard sizes: Varies depending on glass thickness
Custom sizes available for special projects
Edge Treatment Considerations
Both glass types accept all standard edge treatments including:
Polished edges
Beveled edges
Mitred edges
Custom edge profiles
Low iron glass (also known as Starfire) shows particularly well with polished edges, as the clarity of the edge allows light to interact with the glass in a more brilliant way than standard glass.
Making the Right Choice for Your Project
When deciding between standard clear and low iron glass, consider these factors:
Visual importance - How critical is perfect clarity and colour accuracy?
Budget constraints - Is the premium for low iron glass justified for your application?
Glass thickness - Thicker applications show more dramatic differences between types
Location - Consider the location of the application: is it in common areas, primary ensuites, or a new flagship store that you wish to impress? Think both commercial and residential.
Adjacent materials - White or light-coloured materials nearby will make the green tint in standard glass more noticeable
At BG Glass Solutions, we help clients across Southern Ontario make informed decisions about glass options. Our team can provide samples that demonstrate the visual difference between standard clear and low-iron glass for your specific application.
The right choice depends on your project requirements, budget considerations, and aesthetic goals. Whether you're designing a luxury home in Oakville, a retail space in Toronto, or a commercial building in Guelph, we'll help you select the glass that delivers the perfect balance of performance and value.
Contact BG Glass Solutions
For samples, quotes, or expert guidance on selecting between clear and low iron glass for your project, contact our team today.
BG Glass Solutions
167 Suffolk Street West
Guelph, Ontario N1H 2J7
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