Selecting the right Glass; Clear Glass vs LowIron Glass
When selecting glass for kitchens or bathrooms, most homeowners focus on colour, clarity and overall visual impact. Two of the most common options—standard clear glass and low‑iron glass—can look similar at first glance, but they behave very differently once installed, especially in 6mm and 10mm thicknesses.
Whether you’re choosing a splashback colour or designing a modern frameless shower, understanding these differences will help ensure you get the finish you’re expecting.
Why Does Clear Glass Look Green?
Standard clear glass naturally contains iron. This iron content gives the glass its greenish tint, more noticeable the thicker the glass.
- At 6mm, the green edge is visible yet moderate.
- At 10mm, the green edge tone is more apparent.
This iron content impacts both edge colour (visible in showerscreens) and background colour accuracy (critical for splashbacks).
Clear shown left, Low-iron shown right
Low‑Iron Glass: Designed for Clarity
Low‑iron glass is manufactured with significantly reduced iron content, removing most of the green cast and producing a crystal‑clear, colour‑neutral appearance.
Benefits include:
- Truest colour representation behind splashbacks
- Minimal green tint in edges, ideal for frameless shower screens
- Cleaner, brighter aesthetic in both kitchens and bathrooms
- Available in 6mm and 10mm, just like standard clear glass
Low‑iron glass is a common selection for premium fit‑outs because it delivers a higher‑end, luxury visual finish with less colour distortion.
PLEASE NOTE: It is called Low Iron as it has less iron oxide, however low iron glass still contains some iron oxide. It offers higher light transmission than Clear glass.
Splashbacks: Why Low‑Iron Glass
Splashback colour accuracy matters—especially with whites, greys, soft greens, creams, or any lighter shade.
With clear glass, the iron content can distort colours:
Clear Glass Painted Splashbacks
- Has a green tint when painted
- Whites can appear mint, warm neutrals can shift green, and pastels can look dull
- Results often differ from the sample board or selected colour
Low‑Iron Glass Painted Splashbacks
- Provides closet to true colour
- Whites stay white
- Metallics and deep colours appear cleaner and more vibrant
For this reason, 6mm low‑iron glass is the industry standard for painted splashbacks in Australia, particularly lighter colours.
Shower Screens: The Difference is in the Edges
In shower applications, the difference between clear and low‑iron glass is most visible along the edges and overall clarity.
Clear Glass Shower Screens
- Noticeable green edge, especially at 10mm thickness
- The green tint can cast a subtle hue across the full sheet
- Can slightly darken or distort tile colours behind the glass
Low‑Iron Shower Screens
- Edges appear near‑colourless
- Surfaces look cleaner, brighter, and more modern
- Minimal colour interference with tiles and fittings
- Enhances the “barely‑there” frameless look
For premium bathrooms aiming for high clarity and true finishes, 10mm low‑iron is the preferred choice.
Low‑Iron Acid Etch: A Frosted Option with Superior Clarity
VENTORA Glass also offers low‑iron acid‑etched glass, providing a smooth, uniform frosted appearance with minimal green tint.
Perfect for:
- Shower screens
- Privacy panels
- Decorative or architectural applications
- Soft, diffused light with a neutral colour tone
The reduced iron content ensures the frosted appearance is more white and greater clarity. Available in thicknesses 6mm and 10mm, this option suits both residential and commercial installations.
Choosing the Right Glass Thickness (6mm vs 10mm)
| Application | Recommended Thickness | Notes |
| Painted splashbacks | 6mm low iron | Ensures accurate colour and easy installation. |
| Semi frameless shower screens | 6mm clear or low iron | Budget friendly; colour tint more noticeable in clear. Clarity with low-iron |
| Frameless shower screens | 10mm clear or low iron | Clear budget friendly. Low iron strongly recommended for best visual clarity, premium applications. |
| Frosted | 6mm or 10mm low iron acid etch | More clarity (less green) than standard acid etched clear glass. |
Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?
- For splashbacks:
➤ Low‑iron glass is essential for accurate, vibrant colour or lighter colour selections.
➤ Clear glass is budget friendly & suitable for darker colour selections.
- For showerscreens:
➤ Low‑iron glass creates a cleaner, clearer, premium frameless appearance with minimal green tint.
➤ Clear glass is budget friendly & the most popular choice
- For frosted finishes:
➤ Low‑iron acid‑etched glass delivers a neutral, modern obscure look.
Clear glass certainly has its place, particularly for cost‑effective installations—but when clarity, colour accuracy, and premium presentation matter, low‑iron glass is a popular choice across both 6mm and 10mm applications.
