FAQs
Below are general questions we often get about our glass and shipping, etc. For answers to questions about a specific product, there’s an FAQ section on each Product Type page. Be sure to scroll down a bit on those pages and reference those! They’re pretty thorough, but if you don’t find the answer you’re looking for, visit our Contact page and shoot us an email or give us a call. We’re here to answer any questions you might have!
What does “Sans Soucie” mean and how did you get that name?
“Sans Souci” is French and literally means “without concern”, meaning “without care” or “care free.” "Soucie" is the last name of the owner's Stepfather and Mother, who originally started the business back in the 70's.
Can I get a brand NEW, CUSTOM design?
Yes, you can! In fact, the vast majority of our designs were all born out of a collaboration between our clients imagination, and our principal owner and artist, Chauncey Gannett. A concept of what's envisioned is conveyed thru written descriptions and visual references like photos or other art, and from that, a scale drawing is created for approval. The scale drawing is created upon receipt of a 50% deposit to place the order, or an art retainer fee. The art retainer fee is 10% of the total price of the product, or a minimum of $350, whichever is greater.
Click below to submit a price request for a brand new, custom. Please allow approx. 5-8 business days to receive your quote.
Request a Quote for a Custom Design
Which Frosted Glass Effect is the MOST expensive?
3D Enhanced! When you add Paint or color to the glass, it becomes the most expensive effect.
Which Sandblast Effects are completely private?
The effects that are done on what we call our "Frosted Finish", or "Private" Effects. When you select a product, next to the Effect name you'll see the words "Private", "Semi-Private" or "Not Private". Look for those words at the top of the Product Details!
Can you see thru frosted glass?
No. Only when items are pressed right up against the glass, can you "see" them thru the obscure glass. Once a few inches away, the object becomes blurred and disappears.
How long will it take to receive my order?
Between 3 to 8 weeks, depending on the COMBINATION of which GLASS EFFECT you choose, and in the case of slab and prehung doors, WHICH DOOR MATERIAL you choose and what SIZE. Our fastest sandblast effects are 1D and 3D solid. Our Stained glass, 3D Enhanced and Painted Glass have the longest lead times because of the much higher amount of time it takes to create those effects. When you select a product, you'll see ETA listed in the Product Description.
How do you etch the glass?
All our glass is made by hand thru the art of sandblast etching and carving. Using sand as their sculpting tool, our artists etch, cut and carve the design into the glass. The white surface obscures the glass, diffuses light and eliminates glare – creating privacy without blocking light, thru a beautiful Work of Art Captured in Glass!
How do you paint the glass?
By hand thru airbrushing.
How do you Ship your Glass and Doors?
Your glass or door will ship fully insured by Freight delivery, and will be "Curbside". Here's a helpful article about our lead times. Some smaller glass orders like cabinet glass or shelves, will ship UPS Ground.
FREE SHIPPING: What orders may not qualify?
Additional charges may apply for some rural or remote destinations, some East coast cities and oversized glass or doors (96" or larger), or large quantities. These fees, if any, will be applied upon entering the shipping address at checkout.
Is the Glass Tempered?
Yes. With the exception of tables, shelves and mirrors, all glass will be tempered for safety.
Is the Glass Energy Efficient?
Yes! See the Glass Performance Data Reports for exterior door and window glass at these links: Dual Pane Units 1/8 over 1/8 (1D and 2D) Dual Pane Units 3/8 over 1/8 (all 3D) Single Pane 1/2" Thick (Fiberglass doors)
What do you recommend to clean the glass?
Any common household glass cleaner will do! See our Cleaning & Maintenace Sheet.
How thick will the glass be?
Glass thickness varies by type of product and sandblast effect. For slab and prehung doors and door glass inserts, you'll see the glass thickness and specs listed in the product details. The standard thickness for the vast majority of other products will be 3/8" thick or 1/2" thick depending on the size. Tables are typically 1/2" or 3/4" thick.
Can I rush my order?
It will depend on which product AND our current workload, as to how quickly we can complete a Rushed order, but yes, glass effects with a 6-8 week lead time can be rushed for a 20% fee. Any kind of CUSTOM DOOR SIZE and door material besides primed, doug fir and fiberglass cannot be rushed. (Those are coming from the door manufacturerer and their ETAs are firm). Please call to discuss if you wish to rush a 6-8 week lead time glass effect product. We'll do whatever we can!
Can I cancel my order?
Only within the first 24 business-day hours of placing your order. After 24 hours, we have a no refund, no cancellation and no return policy. This policy is listed on our check-out page, and within the linked Terms and Conditions at check-out, as well as inside your emailed Quote (for "new" designs) and within every emailed Order Confirmation.
Why? First and foremost because each and every product we create is custom made to order. Nothing is Stock. This is because there are limitless size, effect and background combinations. With all the options and possible combination scenarios, it's virtually impossible to stock any one of our products, in any form.
Second, because when we receive an order, we immediately get to work to fulfill your order as quickly as possible, within the estimated time frame we've given you. Materials such as glass, hardware and the door frame, are in nearly all cases ordered the same day you place your order, or the following day. Our glass vendors have a no refund policy for all glass ordered. Period. (Again, each piece of glass is custom-cut to order by the glass manufacturer, per piece). Our door manufacturers give us a 48 hour window to change or cancel an order. Hence, we allow a 24 hour window from our customers, because we only have 48 hours to notify our vendor to avoid charges. Depending on the design and the effect you've chosen, we also immediately get to work on your drawing. The very first thing we do, once materials are ordered, is create the scale drawing we need to create the stencil we use to mask the glass, to sandblast your art. All this happens immediately, in many cases the very same day, or the next.
Which side of the glass is frosted?
The simple answer is in most cases, the sandblasting will be on the back surface of the glass. So when you approach the glass, you would reach out and feel the smooth glass surface. That said, depending on the sandblast effect you chose AND the type of product, in some cases the sandblasting will be on the FRONT surface. For example, shower glass. For showers, you want the inside surface to be smooth, plain glass so you can squeegee the water off your glass after you shower, so for showers, the sandblasting will be on the FRONT surface. The reality is, the answer is actually complicated because different effects and products call for different surfaces.
How do I find a qualified glass installer on my end?
Here are a few suggestions:
(1) Visit the BBB website has a list of qualified glazing contractors both accredited and non-accredited.
(2) Contact a Contractor or Architect and they will be able to refer you to a glass company they use.
(3) Google “Glazing Contractors", your city, your state. You will see your local glass companies with ratings.
(4) Ask anyone you might know if they have a recommendation for a good Glass shop.
(5) If you live in a development try asking your HOA.
Which type of glass is the most expensive you sell?
Beveled, leaded glass and stained glass. The reason? Because it's the most labor intensive of all types of glass we create, AND the material costs are the highest. Especially beveled glass. Each piece of beveled glass is beveled by hand, using special machinery and a highly skilled hand.
What is Tempered Glass?
Tempered glass is heat treated and is about four times stronger than "ordinary," or annealed, glass. And unlike annealed glass, which can shatter into jagged shards when broken, tempered glass fractures into small, relatively harmless pieces.
What is the difference between low iron glass and regular clear glass?
Clear glass contains a significant amount of iron, which gives it the appearance of a light green tint. Ultra-clear, low-iron glass is super heated to eliminate the iron from the glass, which gives the glass a crystal clear quality.