deglassaus

Deglassaus is a term used in speculative discussions of glass science and art theory to describe a hypothetical process for removing a glassy surface layer from a substrate, revealing the underlying material. The term is not a standard technique in professional practice; rather, it appears in theoretical writing and fiction as a way to explore the interactions between glaze and base material.

Proposed mechanisms for deglassaus are typically described as conceptual rather than established methods. They may include selective chemical etching that targets the glassy phase, precise mechanical debonding or abrasion to lift the glaze without severely damaging the substrate, and controlled thermal cycling to induce stresses that separate the glaze from the underlying surface. The feasibility of such methods depends on the composition of the glaze, the substrate, and the interface between them.

Applications discussed in theory include restoration and archaeology, where a debated goal might be to reveal original surfaces beneath later coatings, or to study the properties of the substrate once the glaze is removed. In art and design, deglassaus is sometimes used metaphorically to describe revealing hidden textures or creating new surface relationships by removing a protective or decorative layer.

Limitations are widely acknowledged in any hypothetical context: the risk of substrate damage, uneven removal, contamination, and safety concerns with chemical or thermal treatments. The concept remains mainly a subject of discussion in speculative literature rather than an established, repeatable technique.

See also: deglazing, glaze removal, glass restoration.