Chalet Surface Finishes and Treatments
The vast majority of art glass seen, especially Canadian vintage art glass, has a smooth, unmarred shining “gloss” finish on the skin of the glass. To date, I have not seen any verified pieces of Lorraine with another surface finish but “Never say Never.” I also do not know if Altaglass or Mosaic did other finishes. I do know that some EDAG pieces and Rossi bonboniere had the irradato (explained below) finish. However, I can state that Chalet did produce both large and small pieces with the varying surface finishes detailed here.
a ghiaccio: a crackled effect finish. Achieved by “icing” hot glass in cold water. The reaction of extreme hot meeting extreme cold causes radical, random fissures in the glass. The piece is then reheated and further blown to heal the surface fissures. Resembles the shattering of frozen water or alligator skin.
Chalet lemon. I was given this piece by Chalet Maestro Giulio Gatto. To date, this is the only piece I have seen with this finish. Although Chalet also did an orange which very well could have a similar finish. I have also not seen any of the large Chalet pieces with this finish.
Corroso: an etched finish. Achieved by washing or submerging a piece in acid at the final stages. This obliterates the polished finish and leaves a dull, etched finish on the surface (skin) of the glass in its place. However, the glass will remain transparent.
Pink Corroso
Corroso close up. Etched “Chalet Canada” centerpiece. To date, this finish has only been seen in a few of the larger Chalet pieces – and all have been pink. Also, from my collection.
Irradato: an iridescent finish. Achieved by treating a piece while still hot with metal chlorides or metallic oxide or by drenching a piece at the final stages with kerosene and then burning off the oil. This results in a colourful, shimmering effect. The use of gas/kerosene is very ‘old-school” and no longer in wide use.
Photograph courtesy of 50 Shades Administrator Alex Wicks.
Irradato basket. To date, this finish has only been seen in the Chalet bonboniere– most often in the swan and basket pieces as shown here. To date, no large Chalet irradato pieces have been found. Photograph used with permission from ’50 Shades’ member Joshua Dolstra.
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