Patent ID: 9487439
Filing Date: 2016-11-08
CPC Classification: B60J,C03C

Claim Text:
1. A method of decorating and strengthening a glass substrate including a first major surface and a second major surface oppositely directed from the first major surface, the first and second major surfaces being joined by an outer edge, the method comprising: a. applying an enamel composition to the first major surface of the glass substrate, the second major surface of the glass substrate, or a combination thereof, the enamel composition including a pigment and between 45-100 wt % glass enamel frit comprising at least one enamel alkali-metal ion, b. firing the glass substrate at a firing temperature sufficient to flow and sinter the glass enamel frit and thereby form a colored enamel adhered to the glass substrate, and c. placing the enameled glass substrate in a bath of a molten salt, the molten salt including a bath monovalent metal ion larger than the at least one enamel alkali-metal ion, wherein the glass enamel frit has a softening point that is between the temperature of the molten bath and a softening point of the glass substrate, wherein the glass enamel frit is free of lead and cadmium, and wherein the colored enamel remains as a decorative functional layer on the glass substrate for the life of the substrate.