In modern architecture and projects using aluminum joinery Not only the profile design is of great importance, but also the type and finish of the glass. Choosing between different types of decorative and functional glass affects aesthetics, durability, and range of applications. The most common variants are enameled glass (enamel), glass with ceramic print and Lacobel glassAlthough they may look similar at first glance, their properties and purposes differ significantly.

In this article we will explain:

how is it different ceramic enamel od ceramic print,
what is the difference between enamel and lacobel,
which solution works best in combination with aluminum joinery in external and internal architecture.

Emalit – enameled glass

Enamel This is tempered glass, which is then coated with a layer of special ceramic enamel. The glass then enters a tempering furnace, where the enamel is fused into the glass surface.

Characteristic:

Color fastness – the enamel is permanently bonded to the glass, making it resistant to UV radiation and weather conditions.
Security – the glass is tempered, so it has increased mechanical and thermal resistance.
Matte or semi-gloss finish – the visual effect depends on the enamel and technology used.
Uniform color – a wide range of colors possible, although less intense than in the case of organic varnishes.

Application:

Emalite is especially useful in facades ventilated, external structures, facade cladding, glass blinds, balustrades or elements exposed to weather conditions.

Lacobel – lacquered glass

lacobel is float glass on one side of which a layer is applied organic varnishUnlike enamel, glass is it is not hardened (although there are technologies that enable subsequent tempering of painted glass in special versions).

Characteristic:

Intense color and shine – the varnish surface gives the effect of depth and high gloss.
Delicacy – Lacobel glass is not resistant to weather conditions, so it is only used indoors.
Easy to care for – the smooth, shiny surface is easy to keep clean.
Color variety – a wide range of colors, from classic to designer shades.

Application:

Lacobel is mainly used in interiors – in built-in furniture, partition walls, decorative panels, kitchen and bathroom wall coverings.

Enamel and ceramic printing – the most important differences

Ceramic enamel (Emalit)

That's it uniform covering coating applied to the entire surface (or large parts) of the glass.
It is most often created in one color (white, black, gray, RAL colors), without patterns.
It is used to achieve an even, covering effect – e.g. for masking strips in facades.
The end result is a smooth sheet of glass with a uniform color.

Ceramic printing (screen printing or digital printing)

This is the application technology pattern or graphic using ceramic paints.
It can be implemented by the method screen printing (repeating patterns, e.g. dots, stripes) or digital printing (solid images, gradients, custom themes).
After printing, the glass also goes into the hardening furnace – the paint is fused into the sheet and becomes part of the glass.
The end result is decorative or functional glass – you can obtain, for example, sun protection glass with a raster pattern, facade graphics or advertising elements.

Summary of the differences between enamel and digital printing:

Enamel = uniform, covering coating in one color.
Ceramic print = pattern/graphics applied with ceramic paint (screen printing/digital), giving more aesthetic and functional possibilities.

Both methods are resistant to UV, weather conditions and mechanical damage because the paint becomes an integral part of the glass after tempering.

Emalit and Lacobel – the most important differences

Characteristic	Enamel (enameled glass)	Lacobel (lacquered glass)
Production process	Applying ceramic enamel and hardening	Applying organic varnish
Resistance	High – resistant to UV, moisture and weather conditions	Low – for indoor use only
Security	Hardened, resistant to impacts and temperature changes	No tempering as standard, glass is fragile
Finish	Matte or semi-gloss	High gloss, depth effect
Color palette	Rich but subdued	Very wide, saturated colors
Application	Facades, elevations, balustrades, external elements	Interiors: furniture, walls, decorations

Application in aluminum joinery

Aluminum and glass are a perfect pair – lightweight, durable aluminum profiles blend perfectly with various glass options, and the choice between enamel, digital printing, or lacobel depends on the intended use of the project.

Aluminum joinery in exterior architecture:
In the case of facades, ventilated facades or structures exposed to atmospheric factors, the clear leader is enamel or digital printIts resistance to UV and moisture ensures long-lasting color and a safe and aesthetically pleasing structure.
Interior aluminum joinery:
When aluminum profiles are used inside buildings – e.g. for office buildings, partition walls or interior design – it is worth reaching for lacobelIts high gloss, intense colors, and modern finish enhance the design of the rooms while maintaining the lightness of the entire structure.

Summary

Choosing between glass enameled a lacobel comes down to the question: Is the glass intended to operate in outdoor or indoor conditions?

If we care about durability, resistance and safety in facade structures – we choose enamel or digital print.
If design, shine and intense colors in the interior are your priorities, the perfect solution will be lacobel.

By using both technologies in combination with modern aluminum joinery, architects and investors have a full range of possibilities at their disposal – from minimalist facades to impressive interiors.