About
ABOUT NU-GLAZE
Nu-Glaze® came about as a frustration-born solution by the owner/innovator, Johan Otto. An alternative to the failing clay putty caulking and wood beadings on his house's windows were sorely needed, after replacing it for the 3rd time at great costs and hassles. The minimum criteria was to find a hard, tough, yet easily workable non-metallic material offering a 45° slope to finish and protect the 90° glass-frame junction. And, it must be still be cost-effective in relation to clay putty.
Crude hand made models to fancy 3D prints and countless hours later, the current profiles ticks all the boxes and some more. Costs & pricing, ease of application, manufacturing, safety and security, versatility and aesthetic appeal were achieved to boot. The patenting process was initiated in 2007 and soon all the major international markets were covered. Product development then started with all earnest and in 2010, Costi Buccimazza got involved to further the development and facilitate roll-out into the market place. This co-management model works well by combining skills, knowledge and experience. Johan, relying on his B.Sc. knowledge for the technical aspects as well as 25 years in retail for marketing and sales, while Costi, (B.Comm Hons.) added his keen business acumen and financial support.
UV testing and waterproofing tests followed until the product was ready. The first commercial work was done in 2012 on a housing project in Vryheid, KZN, where it still fulfill it's duty , in original condition, to this day, despite conditions ranging from tornadoes to scorching African sun. a DIY project done in 2021 in Langebaan, Western Cape, less than 200m from the sea and exposed to the harshest of elements, tells the same story and looks as if done yesterday.
Soon, renovation projects in UK, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Malawi, Kenya, Zimbabwe and locally in South Africa followed, with resounding success. One of the best moments were the use of Nu-Glaze® on an almost 300 year old building in Franschoek, Western Cape. This proved it's original frame preserving feature on heritage buildings.
Through it's Reach & Teach program, Nu-Glaze® actively seeks to empower and launch as many Approved Installers as possible - creating more self reliant business owners rather than merely creating jobs. Alongside this approach, we also supply and technically support the glaziers and building/painting/renovation contractors and companies.