Artisan Glass

UPCOMING EXPERIENCES

Cutting edge

A Linkasink Artisan Glass sink is a handcrafted undermount or vessel sink made from high-quality glass that has been shaped through repeated kiln firings and decorated using églomisé — an ancient French gilding technique in which metal leaf is applied to the back surface of the glass. The result is a sink that functions as a bathroom fixture and reads as a piece of decorative art. Every sink take a week to make and no two are identical.

The Artisan Glass collection is available in white or black glass, with metal leaf finishes in gold, silver, or brass — applied in patterns including Stripe, River, Window, Ribbon, and Solid Églomisé. All sinks are finished and shipped from Linkasink’s studio in Phoenix, Arizona.

At Linkasink, this centuries-old technique has been adapted for use in a functional sink — a considerable technical achievement. The glass must be formed to precise dimensions, fired multiple times for structural integrity, and then gilded entirely by hand. It cannot be rushed and cannot be automated.

The Artisan Glass Process

  • 1. Glass Selection

    High-quality flat glass is selected and cut to the precise dimensions required for each sink model and size. The glass must be free of impurities and consistent in thickness — variations here would cause uneven firing and compromise the final form. White and black glass begin as distinct raw materials; the color runs through the full depth of the glass, not as a surface treatment.

  • 2. Shaping

    The cut glass is placed over a precision mold and fired in the kiln. Heat softens the glass until it slumps into the mold under its own weight, forming the basin shape. This first firing establishes the sink’s three-dimensional form — the depth, the curved walls, the drain area. The controlled heating and cooling cycle is critical; too fast and the glass cracks, too slow and the form loses precision.

  • 3. Strengthing

    The shaped sink returns to the kiln twice more. Each firing cycle builds structural integrity in the glass and refines the satin surface finish that characterizes the Artisan Glass collection. Three total kiln trips produce a sink that can withstand the thermal stress and mechanical demands of daily bathroom use. After the final firing, diamond-tipped bits are used to cut the drain opening to specification.

  • 4. The Églomisé

    With the glass form complete, an artisan applies metal leaf — gold, silver, or brass — to the underside of the sink by hand. The leaf is cut, positioned, and adhered in the pattern specific to that model: broad horizontal stripes for the Stripe, organic flowing bands for the River, geometric framed panels for the Window, full coverage for the Solid Églomisé. Because the leaf is applied to the reverse surface, what you see from above is the pattern viewed through the depth of the glass — luminous, slightly softened, and impossible to replicate by machine.

  • 5. Sealing

    Once gilded, the metal leaf is sealed on the underside of the sink to protect it from moisture and abrasion. The sink is then inspected — pattern placement, edge finish, drain opening, surface quality — before it is approved for shipping. Any sink that does not meet standard is rejected, and the process begins again.

A sink custom to you

Since every Artisan Glass sink is made to order by hand in our Phoenix studio, it is built around your design — not the other way around. You choose the glass color, the metal leaf finish, and the pattern. The result is a piece made specifically for your space, by the hands of our artisans, from the combination you select.

color

Black or White

White glass is clean and luminous — it makes metal leaf appear warm and prominent, and reads lighter and more reflective overall. Black glass is dramatic and grounding — the metal leaf reads as highlights against depth, creating stronger contrast. Both colors are integral to the material, meaning the pigment runs through the full depth of the glass rather than sitting as a surface coating, and both develop a satin finish through the kiln firing process. White pairs naturally with warm metals and lighter stone; black pairs with dark cabinetry and matte fixtures.

Pattern

stripe, river, window, ribbon, solid Églomisé

Artisan Glass sinks are organized by pattern — the arrangement and coverage of metal leaf on the glass. The Stripe uses broad parallel bands alternating with clear glass. The River follows flowing organic lines, hand-cut and unique to each piece. The Window places a clear central panel within a metal leaf frame. The Ribbon is the most restrained, with narrow metal leaf at the edges only. And the Solid Églomisé covers the entire underside in metal leaf — the fullest expression of the gilding technique. The Window Églomisé (AG10) adds a further layer: rather than leaving the framed panel clear, it is gilded, producing a more complex effect that shifts with light and angle of view.

Finish

Gold, Silver, Bronze

Gold leaf is the richest and warmest of the three options, pairing naturally with unlacquered brass hardware and warm stone. Silver leaf reads cooler and more contemporary, at home with polished nickel and chrome fixtures. Brass leaf sits between the two — a middle tone that works equally well in warm and neutral palettes. In all three cases, the leaf is applied to the underside of the glass, meaning the depth of the material softens and enriches the metal tone before it reaches the eye. Not all combinations are available across all patterns — check the individual product pages for the options specific to each model.

How to Care for an Artisan Glass Sink

Artisan Glass is the most low-maintenance material in the Linkasink collection. The glass surface is non-porous, so it doesn't absorb water, oils, or household chemicals, and it never needs sealing or specialist products. For everyday cleaning, mild dish soap and warm water with a soft cloth or microfiber is all you need. Dry after use to prevent water spots.

What to Avoid

Despite what you might expect from a glass sink, the material is genuinely strong. Three kiln firings build a level of structural integrity that handles the thermal stress and daily demands of normal bathroom use without issue. What you are protecting against is not fragility — it is the specific vulnerabilities of the surface. Abrasives and scrubbing pads will scratch the glass and those scratches cannot be repaired, so stick to soft cloths and gentle cleaners. Bleach, ammonia, and acidic products like CLR or vinegar can compromise the sealing on the underside of the sink over time, so avoid those as well. And while the glass holds up well to everyday use, a heavy object dropped directly into the basin can chip or crack it — something worth keeping in mind when choosing where in your home this sink makes the most sense.

A Note on Thermal Shock

In normal bathroom use, thermal shock is unlikely to be a concern. For kitchen applications where contact with very hot water is more frequent, avoid pouring boiling water directly onto a cold glass surface.