Donà Smalti – Authentic Italian Glass Mosaic from Spilimbergo
Discover the exceptional quality of Donà Smalti, handmade in the glass workshop Vetreria Artistica Mario Donà & Figli SRL in Spilimbergo, Italy. This smalti is produced according to centuries-old Venetian glass traditions and combines the heritage of Murano with the craftsmanship of Spilimbergo, the undisputed mosaic capital of Europe. Donà Smalti is known for its deep, pure colors, consistent quality, and timeless durability – the perfect material for both artistic and architectural mosaic applications.
The History of Donà Smalti
The roots of the Donà family go back to Murano, the world-famous island where glassblowers have cherished the fire of their furnaces since the Middle Ages. Mario Donà, a craftsman with a passion for glass, decided to continue this centuries-old tradition in Spilimbergo, a city known for its rich mosaic history and the prestigious Scuola Mosaicisti del Friuli.
With the founding of Vetreria Artistica Mario Donà & Figli SRL, the family brought the art of Murano glass to Friuli. Their workshop combines artisanal craftsmanship with modern techniques to produce smalti that stay true to tradition while meeting the demands of contemporary artists and architects worldwide.
Today, the workshop is led by the next generation of Donà, who further refine and spread the craftsmanship of their ancestors throughout the world of mosaic art.
What is Smalti?
Smalti is a special type of opaque glass colored with metal oxides. Since Byzantine times, smalti has been used for mosaics because of its intense, vibrant colors and unique light reflection. Unlike ordinary glass tiles, smalti has a rich, irregular texture that captures and reflects light in various ways.
Each tessera (small tile) is hand-cut, resulting in subtle variations in thickness, color, and shape. This artisanal character makes smalti beloved by artists seeking expression, depth, and authenticity in their work.
The Production Process of Donà Smalti
Donà Smalti is entirely handmade, in small batches, according to traditional Murano glass recipes. Each stage of the process contributes to the exceptional quality and vibrancy of the final product:
Melting the Glass
Raw materials such as pure silicate, metal oxides, and natural pigments are melted in clay furnaces at temperatures above 1300°C. The composition of these raw materials determines the color, clarity, and durability of the glass.
Casting into Slabs (Pizzas)
The molten glass is poured into thick, flat slabs that are broken into smaller pieces after cooling. These slabs are often called 'pizzas' in Italy and form the basis of every smalti.
Cooling and Annealing
The glass slabs are slowly cooled in an annealing oven to reduce internal stresses and make the glass structurally strong. This guarantees a stable and durable product that withstands temperature fluctuations.
Chipping with Hammer and Hardie
The cooled slabs are hand-chipped with a martellina (hammer with a widia tip) and tagliolo (chisel in a wooden block). This traditional technique creates the distinctive faceted structure and fracture surfaces that give smalti its unique texture.
Characteristics of Donà Smalti
Rich Colors and Depth
Every color is carefully composed with natural pigments and metal oxides. Donà is known for its deep, pure shades that subtly change under different lighting conditions.
Untouched Craftsmanship
No two pieces are the same. The handmade production creates small irregularities in shape and surface, giving the mosaic a lively, authentic character.
Durable and Frost-Resistant
Donà Smalti is fully weather-resistant and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. The glass structure is compact and resistant to moisture, UV light, and extreme temperatures.
Consistent Thickness
Compared to some other smalti types, Donà Smalti has a fairly consistent thickness of about 8–9mm, making it ideal for both flat surfaces and relief work.
Dimensions and Specifications
Donà Smalti is supplied in piastrine shape with the following features:
- Average size: 20x10mm (3/4x3/8 inch)
- Thickness: about 5.5mm (1/4 inch)
- Shape: hand-cut piastrine
- Material: opaque glass, colored with natural metal oxides
- Pieces per 50g (2 oz): about 17 tesserae
- Pieces per 500g (1lb): about 175 tesserae
- Coverage per m²: approximately 12–14 kg
- Coverage per 30.5x30.5cm (1 sq ft): approximately 1.1 kg (2.3 lbs)
Note: Because each piece is handmade, slight differences in thickness and shade between batches may occur. This is part of the artisanal character of Donà Smalti and contributes to the natural look of your work.
Working with Donà Smalti
Cutting
Donà Smalti is best worked with a hammer and hardie for maximum control and precise cuts. For simpler tasks or small adjustments, a strong glass running plier can also be used.
Adhesive and Substrate
Your choice of adhesive depends on your application:
- Permanent applications (such as walls, floors, or outdoor projects): use a suitable mosaic mortar or thinset for glass
- Artistic panels or smaller projects: PVA glue or silicone glue work well, depending on the substrate
Installation without Grout
Donà Smalti is traditionally installed without grout. The small air bubbles in the glass and the facet structure of the tesserae ensure that light is captured and reflected in a special way.
To preserve this natural light effect, the pieces are placed as close together as possible, without grout. This creates a smooth and lively surface where the glass itself takes center stage.
Pro tip: You can play with the color of your glue or mortar by mixing it with pigment. This way, the small spaces between the tiles are less noticeable, creating a harmonious and visually consistent surface. This technique is often used by professional mosaic artists to achieve a perfectly balanced light effect.
Placing each tessera carefully requires some patience, but the result is a mosaic with exceptional depth and a refined, glossy appearance — exactly as smalti is meant to be.
Applications of Donà Smalti
Donà Smalti is versatile and suitable for almost any type of mosaic project:
- Artistic mosaics: modern and classical artworks
- Religious and iconographic mosaics: churches, chapels, spiritual art
- Architectural applications: facades, stairs, fountains, bathrooms
- Furniture and interior decoration: tables, floors, walls
- Restorations: historical preservation of mosaics in churches, palaces, and public buildings
Color variations and batch differences
Important: Batch differences
Because Donà Smalti is completely handmade, color differences between batches may occur. These natural variations are not defects but a sign of authenticity.
Advice:
- Order enough material at once for a uniform color appearance
- Mix pieces from different color batches to create subtle transitions
- Store leftover material well-labeled for future expansions or restorations
Maintenance and Durability
Donà Smalti is virtually indestructible. The colors are baked into the glass and will not fade, even after years of exposure to sun, rain, or frost.
Maintenance:
- Clean with a soft cloth, neutral soap, and water
- Avoid aggressive cleaning agents or acids
Why Choose Donà Smalti?
- Authentic Italian craftsmanship from Spilimbergo
- Deep, pure colors and exceptional light reflection
- Durable, frost- and weather-resistant
- Perfectly suited for art, architecture, and restoration
- A heritage of Murano glass art, preserved by generations of Donà
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Donà and Mexican smalti?
Donà Smalti is generally thicker (8-9mm) than Mexican smalti (5-7mm) and is produced according to the authentic Murano tradition in Spilimbergo. The colors are very deep and rich, and the quality is consistent due to strict production standards. Mexican smalti is thinner and therefore a bit easier to work with, but both have their own unique character.
Can I use Donà Smalti outdoors?
Absolutely! Donà Smalti is fully weatherproof and frost-resistant. It is suitable for facades, fountains, garden mosaics, and other outdoor applications. Just use a suitable exterior mortar and ensure a solid, stable base.
Do I need to grout Donà Smalti?
Traditionally, Donà Smalti is installed without grout to make the most of the natural play of light. The tesserae are placed as close together as possible. You can adjust the color of your adhesive with pigment so the small gaps between the tiles are less noticeable.
What tools do I need?
For the best results, use a hammer and hardie (martellina and tagliolo). For simpler work, a strong glass cutting plier can also be used. Additionally, you will need suitable glue or mortar and safety glasses.
How much smalti do I need for my project?
Estimate the following amounts depending on how closely you place the tesserae and how much cutting waste you have:
- Per m²: approximately 12-14 kg
- Per 30.5x30.5cm (1 sq ft): approximately 1.1 kg (2.3 lbs)
Always add 10-15% extra for reserve material and repairs. For larger projects, it is wise to order extra for future maintenance.
Why do colors vary per batch?
Donà Smalti is handmade in small batches using natural minerals and metal oxides. Small variations in composition, melting temperature, and cooling can cause subtle color differences. This is inherent to artisanal glass and contributes to the authenticity and unique beauty of each piece.
The Heritage of Murano and Spilimbergo
What truly makes Donà Smalti special is the fusion of Murano glass traditions with the mosaic expertise of Spilimbergo. The Donà family has merged these two crafts for generations into a product that inspires both artists and architects.
The collaboration between centuries-old glass recipes and modern craftsmanship has produced a unique product distinguished by its color depth, durability, and timeless beauty. Whether you're an experienced mosaic artist or just starting out, Donà Smalti provides the quality and character needed to bring your artistic vision to life.
Ready to Get Started?
Whether you're working on a large artistic project, a restoration, or a contemporary design, Donà Smalti offers the quality, tradition, and beauty you need to bring your mosaic to life.
Start with a small selection of colors to get acquainted with the material. Experiment with light reflection and discover how the facets of the glass play under different lighting conditions. Invest in good tools and don't forget to order enough for your project to ensure color consistency.
Donà Smalti combines centuries-old Italian craftsmanship with modern sustainability – a perfect choice for mosaic artists seeking quality and authenticity in their materials.