Convex Glass
We have been bending and fitting antique replica convex glass (also known as bubble glass or domed glass) since the early 1970s, and we currently stock most antique shapes and sizes along with their modern equivalents.
Click below to order Convex Glass in any of our standard shapes:
Rectangle Oblong Antique Hexagon
Cathedral Custom Shapes and Sizes Available by phone
History
Although oval and round picture frames make up less than 5% of all picture frames produced today, this has not always been the case. Over half of the picture frames produced in America by some the largest picture frame factories in the late 1800's up to about 1940 were oval, round, octagon or other unusually shaped picture frames. Most of these frames were used to display family portraits with convex glass. Today many attics and basements are home to these family heirlooms framed in antique frames and often broken convex bubble glass.
OVALCREST has been bending convex glass replacements for these images since the early 1970’s and today we continue to manufacture convex glass along with a unique collection of antique replica frames.
Uses of Convex Glass
Most convex glass is used to cover antique portraits in which the photographs themselves were also convex. We produce convex glass to fit our own antique replica frames, and also can supply a piece of convex replacement glass to fit actual antique frames. We also regularly produce convex glass replacements to replace broken pieces in clocks, gauges and other instruments.
The Bending Process
Convex Glass is made by laying flat glass into frame molds and heating the glass to temperatures that allow the glass to slump. Longer heat creates a deeper bend. Most bends are between 3/4" and 1" deep. Due to the heat and slumping only standard framing glass is used. Conservation grade, Museum quality and UV protected glass is not used as it is incompatible with the heat and bending.
Measuring Convex Glass
Convex bubble glass is measured just like flat glass, measuring length and width directly across the glass (not around the bend of the glass). Convex glass generally has a depth of between 3/4" to 1" although deeper bends are possible. The most popular sizes often seem unusual such as the Oval 13 1/2" x 19 5/8". Many people are concerned that these odd sizes are no longer available or will require custom bending fees. However, we stock many of these unusual antique sizes, and most often no custom set up fees are required.
Although we stock most shapes and sizes of convex glass, we also custom bend any size of up to 20"x24". Each custom bend requires a paper tracing of the size required. Please mail us this tracing with your name, and phone number. The line you draw will be the line the glass is cut to. Please allow 3-4 weeks delivery after we receive the tracing to produce your custom size convex glass.
How to Measure Convex Glass