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Blue reflective glass (Ford Blue, Dark Blue, Lake Blue, Ocean Blue) with online hard-coat reflective layer for solar control and architectural aesthetics. Visible light transmittance 18-29%, solar reflectance up to 53%. Thickness 4-10mm, max size 3300×6000mm. Ideal for curtain walls, facades, windows, and commercial buildings. CE / ISO 9001 certified. Request FOB quote.
Blue Reflective Glass | Solar Control Blue Tinted Reflective Glass for Curtain Walls & Facades
Solar Control & Architectural Aesthetics for Curtain Walls, Facades & Windows
Blue reflective glass is an online hard‑coat reflective glass produced by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) — a uniform metal oxide layer is chemically bonded to the surface of high‑quality float glass, creating the signature blue reflective appearance while controlling solar radiation. Unlike offline (soft‑coat) Low‑E glass, the online reflective coating is fully fused to the glass substrate, which means blue reflective glass can be cut, bent, tempered, heat‑strengthened, and laminated without damaging the coating .
Within the "blue" family, several distinct tones are available to architects and façade consultants:
| Key Specification | Value |
|---|---|
| Glass Type | Online hard‑coat reflective float glass |
| Color Family | Ford Blue, Dark Blue, Lake Blue, Ocean Blue, Light Blue |
| Thickness Range | 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm |
| Maximum Size | 3300 × 6000 mm (jumbo); standard 2440 × 3660 mm |
| Coating Position | #2 surface (outboard) recommended for exterior installation |
| Visible Light Transmittance (Dark Blue 6mm) | ~18.7% |
| Visible Light Reflectance (Dark Blue 6mm) | ~42.0% |
| Solar Reflectance (Dark Blue 6mm) | ~30.7% |
| Shading Coefficient (SC) | 0.43 – 0.55 (depending on tone & thickness) |
| Emissivity (ε) | < 0.1 |
| Processing | Cutting, tempering, heat strengthening, bending, laminating, IGU assembly |
| Certifications | CE, ISO 9001, CCC, SGS |
| MOQ | 1 × 20′ FCL (~20–27 tons) |
| Lead Time | 2–4 weeks after deposit |
💡 Blue reflective glass sits at the intersection of Solar Control Glass and Reflective Glass — it is the most commercially valuable color in the reflective glass family. Architects specify it not only for energy savings but for the iconic "blue tower" aesthetic seen in skylines from Dubai to Singapore .
Buildings consume approximately 40% of global energy, much of it in heating and cooling . Blue reflective glass reduces solar heat gain by reflecting a substantial portion of the solar spectrum:
While controlling solar heat, blue reflective glass still admits enough visible light for comfortable daylighting. Dark Blue 6mm admits ~18.7% visible light ; Ford Blue 6mm admits ~25% . The result: bright interiors without glare — ideal for offices, retail spaces, and institutions.
The blue reflective appearance has become synonymous with modern, premium architecture. From corporate headquarters to luxury hotels, "blue glass towers" signal sophistication and environmental responsibility. Different blue tones allow architects to create distinctive identities:
| Tone | Visual Character | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Ford Blue | Bright, neutral, luminous | Office towers, institutional buildings |
| Dark Blue | Deep, dramatic, high contrast | High‑end commercial, hotels |
| Lake Blue | Balanced, calm, mid‑tone | Mixed‑use developments |
| Ocean / Light Blue | Soft, airy, pastel | Residential high‑rises, coastal projects |
Blue reflective glass blocks the majority of UV radiation, protecting interior furnishings, artwork, and merchandise from fading — critical for retail display windows, museums, and hospitality interiors.
Because the coating is chemically fused to the glass, blue reflective glass offers:
| Glass Type | Thickness | Visible Light Trans. | Visible Light Ref. | Direct Solar Trans. | Direct Solar Ref. | Total Solar Energy Trans. | Shading Coeff. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ford Blue | 5mm | 28.0% | 55.0% | 40.0% | 39.0% | 45.0% | 0.51 |
| Ford Blue | 6mm | 25.0% | 57.0% | 36.0% | 40.0% | 42.0% | 0.47 |
| Dark Blue | 4mm | 29.1% | 34.2% | 46.1% | 24.9% | 55.9% | — |
| Dark Blue | 5mm | 20.9% | — | — | — | 46.7% | 0.53 |
| Dark Blue | 6mm | 18.7% | 42.0% | 36.8% | 30.7% | 49.3% | 0.45 |
| Lake Blue | 4mm | 29.5% | 46.7% | 34.6% | 33.5% | 46.9% | — |
| Lake Blue | 6mm | 21.8% | 53.1% | 24.2% | 38.8% | 39.8% | — Data compiled from China Star Glass and Boruito performance tables . Exact values vary by manufacturer formulation — request project‑specific IGU performance calculations for final specifications. |
| Thickness | Max Size | Typical Application |
|---|---|---|
| 4mm | 2440 × 3660 mm | Interior partitions, decorative glazing |
| 5mm | 2440 × 3660 mm | Windows, doors, shopfronts |
| 6mm | 3300 × 6000 mm | Curtain walls, façade panels (most popular) |
| 8mm | 3300 × 6000 mm | Structural glazing, spandrel panels |
| 10mm | 3300 × 6000 mm | High‑performance façades, laminated IGU Standard stock sizes include 1220×1830mm, 1830×2440mm, 2134×3050mm, 2140×3300mm, 2250×3210mm, 2440×3660mm, 3300×2140mm, 3300×2250mm, 3300×2440mm . Custom jumbo sizes available on request. |
Blue reflective glass is the dominant choice for modern curtain wall systems. Its solar control properties reduce cooling loads while its distinctive appearance creates iconic "blue tower" aesthetics. From Dubai to Singapore to Shanghai, blue reflective curtain walls define the modern skyline .
For office buildings, retail stores, and hospitality projects, blue reflective glass in 5–6mm thickness provides an optimal balance of daylight, solar control, and privacy.
The reflective coating creates a one‑way visual effect — outdoor viewers see a mirrored blue surface, while indoor occupants enjoy clear outward views. This is especially valuable for high‑end retail display windows .
Universities, museums, schools, and government buildings specify blue reflective glass to balance natural light with climate control and to project a modern, forward‑looking identity .
Blue reflective glass is increasingly used in interior applications — glass partitions, balustrades, and decorative wall panels — where its color and reflectivity add spatial depth and visual interest .
Apartment towers and condominium developments use blue reflective glass for balconies, façade panels, and common‑area glazing. The solar control performance reduces cooling costs for residents .
Community centers, sports arenas, and performing arts venues benefit from blue reflective glass's combination of aesthetics, glare control, and energy efficiency .
In selected greenhouse and atrium applications, blue reflective glass helps manage solar heat while maintaining an attractive appearance .
Blue reflective glass (online hard‑coat) can be fully processed:
⚠️ Installation note: The coated surface should face outward (toward the exterior) during installation, while the uncoated surface faces inward .
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Glass Substrate | High‑quality float glass |
| Coating Type | Online CVD metal oxide hard coat |
| Color Options | Ford Blue, Dark Blue, Lake Blue, Ocean Blue, Light Blue |
| Thickness | 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm |
| Maximum Size | 3300 × 6000 mm |
| Minimum Size | 200 × 300 mm |
| Emissivity (ε) | < 0.1 |
| Visible Light Transmittance | 18–29% (varies by tone & thickness) |
| Solar Reflectance | Up to 53% (Ford Blue) |
| Shading Coefficient (SC) | 0.43–0.55 |
| UV Blockage | > 90% |
| Processing | Cut, temper, heat‑strengthen, bend, laminate, IGU |
| Edgework | Polished, beveled, seamed, arrissed |
| Standards | EN 1096, CE, ISO 9001, CCC, SGS |
| Packaging | Seaworthy plywood crates with paper interleave |
| MOQ | 1 × 20′ FCL (~20–27 tons) |
| Lead Time | 2–4 weeks |
Indicative FOB pricing (USD per m², bulk packaging included):
| Thickness | Blue Reflective Glass (EX‑W reference) | FOB Indicative Range |
|---|---|---|
| 4mm | $3.20 | $4–7 |
| 5mm | $4.00 | $5–9 |
| 6mm | $4.80 | $6–11 |
| 8mm | $6.40 | $9–15 |
| 10mm | — | $12–20 |
Market wholesale pricing ranges from $2.89 to $13.19/m² depending on thickness, color, and order quantity . Final FOB pricing varies with: Color tone (Ford Blue, Dark Blue, Lake Blue, etc.) Thickness and jumbo size requirements Processing complexity (tempering, laminating, IGU) Order volume (FCL vs. LCL) Coating performance tier 💡 For a precise project quotation, send us your curtain wall elevation drawings or glass schedule.
Q1: What is the difference between blue reflective glass and blue Low‑E glass?
Blue reflective glass uses an online hard‑coat (metal oxide CVD layer) chemically bonded to the glass. It is fully processable — can be cut, tempered, and laminated. Blue Low‑E glass typically uses an offline soft‑coat (sputtered metal layers) that requires protection (must be laminated or placed inside an IGU). Reflective glass prioritizes solar reflectance and aesthetics; Low‑E prioritizes thermal insulation (U‑value). Many projects combine both — blue reflective as the exterior lite in a double‑glazed IGU with Low‑E on the interior lite.
Q2: Can blue reflective glass be tempered?
Yes. Because the coating is chemically fused to the glass via online CVD, it can be fully tempered, heat‑strengthened, bent, and laminated without affecting the coating .
Q3: Which side should the coating face during installation?
The coated surface should face outward (toward the exterior) to maximize solar reflection. The uncoated surface faces inward .
Q4: What is the typical visible light transmittance?
It varies by tone and thickness. Dark Blue 6mm transmits ~18.7% visible light ; Ford Blue 6mm transmits ~25% . Lighter blues (Lake Blue, Ocean Blue) transmit proportionally more.
Q5: How much solar heat can blue reflective glass block?
Dark Blue 6mm: total solar energy transmittance ~49.3% (i.e., ~50% blocked) . Ford Blue 6mm: ~45.8% transmitted. The shading coefficient ranges from 0.43 to 0.55, meaning 45–57% of solar heat is admitted.
Q6: Can blue reflective glass be used in insulating glass units (IGU)?
Absolutely. Blue reflective glass is frequently used as the #2 surface (exterior) lite in double or triple IGUs, combined with Low‑E glass on interior surfaces for maximum energy efficiency.
Q7: What is the maximum size you can produce?
Standard jumbo size up to 3300 × 6000 mm. Stock sizes include 2440×3660mm, 2140×3300mm, 2250×3210mm, and others .
Q8: Which blue tone should I choose for my project?
Tell us your project requirements and we'll respond within 48 hours with a competitive FOB quotation.
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With over 20 years of experience and expertise in glass manufacturing and processing, we are seasoned glass specialists, ready to answer your questions and provide guidance on product selection, installation, and maintenance.
