WarmGlass.com

Hi:

Just finished a colorful, abstract glass art panel 30" w x 42"h. It is basically 1/4" of fused glass panels (three) laminated to a single sheet of 1/4" plate glass so about 1/2" thick. I figure the total weight is somewhere around 65 pounds. I plan to mount to the wall (1/2" drywall) using 1" stand-offs (both diameter and depth) generally located at the four corner areas of the art panel. Unfortunately I am not able to catch any studs as they are not in convenient locations (there is one stud in the middle and the next on either side extend beyond the width of the art panel) so I plan to use heavy duty toggle bolts. The stand-offs will be mounted through the glass so I will need to drill holes in the glass. My question is how far in from the edge of the glass should I drill my holes? I am thinking the holes will be centered 1 1/4" from the edge but those with experience may suggest more. Also, am I okay with the toggle bolts? Do you suggest a nylon bushing between the stand-off bolt and the glass?

Thanks in advance.

I would suggest edge grip standoffs. Glass is best supported from the quarter points. 25% of the way in from each edge. If you can't get at least one set on a stud, I'd use anchors other than toggle bolts. There is a plastic screw in anchor that expands. I think they are called toggler, and are made of plastic, and are rated at more than your weight. I bought them at either Lowes or Home Depot. purple box. I think I have a box stashed away somewhere. If I find them tomorrow, I'll confirm what they are.

I don't really like bolting drill through annealed glass. Those standoffs are designed for tempered glass. You can easily break the glass if you tighten the bolts. If you absolutely have to I would drill the holes at the quarter points at least an inch in from the edges. Inch and a quarter is OK. You have to line the hole with plastic, and believe me, I have broken glass using this sort of system.

http://www.crlaurence.com/crlapps/showl ... ctid=28995

You can always put a sheet of plywood down first, painted to the same color as the wall (or a contrasting color if you like). Screw that into the studs, screw the panel into the plywood.

Morganica wrote:You can always put a sheet of plywood down first, painted to the same color as the wall (or a contrasting color if you like). Screw that into the studs, screw the panel into the plywood.

If you were to follow Cynthia's idea, you could use L screws. They do the same job as edge grip standoffs, but are much cheaper and much less noticeable. I cut clear vinyl tubing to cover the part of the screw that the glass sits on.

Standoffs of either kind, are expensive and architectural. The L screws are the least intrusive way to hang it with support that doesn't rely on glue. I once created wooden rectangular edge grips, to hang a long narrow glass painting. In a critique, my friends thought they were too obtrusive. I didn't disagree, and have switched over to the L screws to do the job. I have not been brave enough to try glue on my (often) vitreous enameled back surface.

I have also used edge grip standoffs in a commercial installation, and drill through standoffs with tempered glass.

Thanks for the good feedback. So I am now leaning toward edge grip stand-offs and the Toggler anchors. Thanks again. Tom