At Utopia & Utility, we believe in the beauty of every stage of the craft process. While the hotshop gives glass its initial form, the coldworking phase brings precision, clarity, and purpose to the piece.

Marking lines to equally divide the diameter

What is Coldworking?

Coldworking refers to any process that happens after glass has cooled—when it's no longer malleable, but can be cut, ground, and polished to enhance its final form. This phase allows us to refine the details that shape the visual and tactile experience of our glassware.

Techniques We Use in Coldworking

Once a handblown glass piece is cooled in the annealer to stabilize internal stresses, it’s ready for coldworking. Here's what that process involves:

1. Cutting

Using a diamond saw, we cut the rim of the glass piece to achieve a perfectly level edge. This step is crucial for ensuring each part of our Stacking Vessels aligns flawlessly.

2. Grinding

The freshly cut edge is then ground down with finer and finer grits, using a flatbed or belt grinder. This helps smooth out any sharpness and begins shaping the tactile finish of the glass.

3. Polishing

Finally, the rim is polished—either to a high gloss for transparency or left matte for a more subdued, contemporary look. Each finish serves a different aesthetic purpose and complements the materials paired with the glass.

Why Coldworking Matters

This stage is where precision meets artistry. Coldworking allows us to transform a freely blown glass form into a piece that’s not only beautiful but functional and durable. It's also the moment when we can truly customize the finish of each object.

At Utopia & Utility, we embrace this process not as a correction, but as a continuation of the craft story—a final dialogue with the material that brings balance, clarity, and cohesion.

Coldworking Glass / Refining the Form