Donà Smalti – Authentic Italian Glass Mosaic from Spilimbergo
Discover the exceptional quality of Donà Smalti, handmade in the glass studio Vetreria Artistica Mario Donà & Figli SRL in Spilimbergo, Italy. This smalti is manufactured 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 colours, 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 studio combines traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to produce smalti that remains true to tradition but meets the demands of contemporary artists and architects worldwide.
Today, the studio is led by the next generation of Donà, who further refine the craftsmanship of their ancestors and spread it across the world of mosaic art.
What is Smalti?
Smalti is a special type of opaque glass that is coloured with metal oxides. Since Byzantine times, smalti has been used for mosaics because of its intense, vibrant colours and unique light reflection. Unlike standard glass tiles, smalti has a rich, irregular texture that catches and reflects light in different ways.
Each tessera (tile) is hand-cut, which ensures subtle variations in thickness, colour and shape. This artisanal character makes smalti so beloved by artists looking for expression, depth and authenticity in their work.
The Production Process of Donà Smalti
Donà Smalti is made entirely by hand, in small batches, according to traditional Murano glass recipes. Every 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 colour, clarity and durability of the glass.
Pouring 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 kiln, to reduce internal stresses and make the glass structurally strong. This guarantees a stable and durable product that is resistant to temperature fluctuations.
Cutting with Hammer and Hardie
The cooled slabs are hand-cut with a martellina (hammer with a widia tip) and tagliolo (chisel in a wooden block). This traditional technique creates the characteristic faceted structure and fracture surfaces that give smalti its unique texture.
Characteristics of Donà Smalti
Rich Colours and Depth
Each colour is carefully composed with natural pigments and metal oxides. Donà is known for its deep, pure shades that change subtly under different lighting conditions.
Pristine Craftsmanship
No two pieces are the same. The manual production ensures small irregularities in shape and surface, which give the mosaic a lively, authentic character.
Durable and Frost-Resistant
Donà Smalti is completely 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 constant thickness of approximately 8–9mm, which makes it ideal for both flat surfaces and relief work.
Dimensions and Specifications
Donà Smalti is supplied in piastrine form with the following characteristics:
- Average size: 20x10mm (3/4x3/8 inch)
- Thickness: approximately 5.5mm (1/4 inch)
- Shape: hand-cut piastrine
- Material: opaque glass, coloured with natural metal oxides
- Pieces per 50g (2 oz): approximately 17 tesserae
- Pieces per 500g (1lb): approximately 175 tesserae
- Coverage per m²: approx. 12–14 kg
- Coverage per 30.5x30.5cm (1 sq ft): approx. 1.1 kg (2.3 lbs)
Please note: Because each piece is made by hand, there may be slight differences in thickness and shade between batches. 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 work or minor adjustments, a strong wheeled glass nipper can also be used.
Glue and Base
The choice of your 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 wood glue or silicone adhesive work well, depending on the base
Placement without Grout
Donà Smalti is traditionally placed without grout. The small air bubbles in the glass and the faceted structure of the tesserae ensure that the light is caught and reflected in a special way.
To maintain this natural light effect, the pieces are placed as close together as possible, without grout. This creates an even and lively surface in which the glass itself plays the leading role.
Pro tip: You can play with the colour of your glue or mortar by mixing it with pigment. This makes the small spaces between the tiles less noticeable and the whole forms a harmonious and visually consistent surface. This technique is often used by professional mosaic artists to achieve a perfectly balanced light effect.
Accurately placing each tessera requires some patience, but the result is a mosaic with exceptional depth and a refined, glossy appearance — exactly as smalti is intended.
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
Colour Variations and Batch Differences
Important: Batch Differences
Because Donà Smalti is completely handmade, colour differences between batches can occur. These natural variations are not a defect, but a sign of authenticity.
Advice:
- Order enough material at once for a homogeneous colour appearance
- Mix pieces from different colour batches to create subtle transitions
- Store leftover material well labelled for future expansions or restorations
Maintenance and Durability
Donà Smalti is virtually indestructible. The colours 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 handwork from Spilimbergo
- Deep, pure colours and exceptional light reflection
- Durable, frost and weather resistant
- Perfectly suitable for art, architecture and restoration
- A heritage of Murano glass art, maintained by generations of Donà
FAQs
What is the difference between Donà and Mexican smalti?
Donà Smalti is on average thicker (8-9mm) than Mexican smalti (5-7mm) and is produced according to the authentic Murano tradition in Spilimbergo. The colours are very deep and rich, and the quality is consistent due to the strict production standards. Mexican smalti is thinner and therefore slightly easier to work with, but both have their own unique character.
Can I use Donà Smalti outdoors?
Absolutely! Donà Smalti is completely weather-resistant and frost-resistant. It is suitable for facades, fountains, garden mosaics and other outdoor applications. Do use a suitable outdoor mortar and ensure a solid, stable base.
Do I need to grout Donà Smalti?
Traditionally, Donà Smalti is placed without grout to make optimal use of the natural play of light. The tesserae are placed as close together as possible. You can adjust the colour of your glue with pigment so that the small spaces between the tiles are less noticeable.
What tools do I need?
For the best result, use a hammer and hardie (martellina and tagliolo). For simpler work, a strong wheeled glass nipper can also be used. Furthermore, you need suitable glue or mortar and safety glasses.
How much smalti do I need for my project?
Count on the following quantities, depending on how closely you place the tesserae and how much cutting waste you have:
- Per m²: approx. 12-14 kg
- Per 30.5x30.5cm (1 sq ft): approx. 1.1 kg (2.3 lbs)
Always add 10-15% extra for spare material and repairs. For larger projects, it is wise to order extra for future maintenance.
Why do the colours vary per batch?
Donà Smalti is handmade in small batches with natural minerals and metal oxides. Small variations in composition, melting temperature and cooling can cause subtle colour 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 makes Donà Smalti truly special is the fusion of Murano glass traditions with the mosaic expertise of Spilimbergo. For generations, the Donà family has merged both these crafts into a product that inspires both the artist and the architect.
The collaboration between centuries-old glass recipes and modern craftsmanship has resulted in a unique product that distinguishes itself by its colour depth, durability and timeless beauty. Whether you are an experienced mosaic artist or just starting out, Donà Smalti offers the quality and character needed to bring your artistic vision to life.
Ready to Start?
Whether you are 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 colours to get acquainted with the material. Experiment with the light reflection and discover how the facets of the glass play under different lighting conditions. Invest in good tools and do not forget to order enough for your project to guarantee colour consistency.
Donà Smalti combines centuries-old Italian craftsmanship with modern durability – a perfect choice for mosaic artists seeking quality and authenticity in their materials.