Written By: Brad Campbell | February 26, 2026
When you want to protect people from active threats, there’s one solution that rises above the rest: bulletproof glass.
However, despite its name, it’s important to understand that “bulletproof glass” is actually a misleading term that gets frequently interchanged with the more accurate “bullet-resistant glass.”
In order to better understand bullet-resistant glass and how it works, we’re going to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about bulletproof glass below, from what is bulletproof glass made of to how is bulletproof glass is made and everything in between.
You may be surprised to find out that most modern bulletproof glass isn’t actually made entirely out of glass. In fact, some bullet-resistant glazing doesn’t contain any glass at all!
Here are the most common materials used to create ballistic (bullet-resistant) security glazing today:
Laminated security glass consists of two or more layers of strengthened glass, resulting in a pane of glass that’s thicker, heavier, and more resistant to impacts than standard commercial glass.
Polycarbonate is a virtually unbreakable plastic, coveted for its incredible impact resistance and lightweight nature. It is highly valuable in bullet-resistant glass applications, both for its ability to absorb and disperse kinetic force from ballistic impacts and its anti-spall characteristics.
Acrylic is another type of plastic that is sometimes used in bulletproof glass construction. While not as resistant to ballistics as polycarbonate, acrylic coatings or sheets are sometimes combined with polycarbonate to improve scratch resistance and maintain optical clarity.
PVB and polyurethane are two types of thermoplastics commonly used for the interlayers that hold different layers of bulletproof glass together. They are renowned for their flexibility, durability, and toughness, and are essential to holding laminated bullet-resistant glazing together under impact.
GCP is actually a combination of several of the above materials that results in some of the most high-performance varieties of bullet-resistant glass available on the market. In GCP construction, an outer layer of laminated security glass (the attack side) is bonded to an inner layer of polycarbonate (the safe side).
Bulletproof glass is made through a controlled lamination process that bonds multiple layers of glass and/or plastics into a single, high-strength glazing system. The process typically begins by stacking materials, such as glass, polycarbonate, acrylic, and flexible interlayers like PVB or polyurethane, in a precise sequence based on the desired ballistic rating.
These layers are then bonded together using heat, pressure, and specialized adhesives in a lamination oven. This fusion creates a single composite panel that behaves very differently from standard glass. Instead of shattering on impact, the layers work together to absorb, disperse, and slow the energy of a bullet, while the interlayers hold fragments in place to reduce spall on the protected side.
The exact materials, thickness, and layer configuration vary depending on the level of ballistic protection required, with higher ratings requiring more layers and greater overall thickness.
Rather than bounce bullets off, bullet-resistant glass is designed to essentially catch them. In other words, when impacted by a ballistic round, the bullet enters the exterior layer(s), slows down, and is trapped inside before penetrating all the way through.
Depending on the specific composition of the bulletproof glass, it can stop one or more rounds from specific types of firearms, from small-caliber handguns up to high-powered rifles. However, it’s important to understand that, given unlimited time and the right amount of firepower, any glass that claims to be “bulletproof” can eventually be penetrated.
That being said, matching the right level of ballistic-grade security glazing to a property’s threat level will provide a high level of protection against active threats, stopping bullets from the types of firearms most likely to be used in an attack, and most importantly, preventing forced entry and buying time for those inside to react and for law enforcement intervention.
The thickness of bullet-resistant glass varies significantly depending on the level of protection required. Lower-level commercial systems may be less than an inch thick, while high-level, military-grade ballistic systems can exceed several inches in total thickness.
The thickness of bullet-resistant glazing is an important factor to consider because it not only affects stopping power but also:
Thicker systems generally provide higher protection, but they can also require stronger frames, reinforced building structures, and specialized installation. For many applications, properly engineered mid-level systems provide an optimal balance between security, practicality, and performance.
Selecting the right bullet-resistant glazing is all about matching protection to realistic risk. Key factors to consider include:
The right ballistic glazing solution balances protection, practicality, and performance, ensuring safety and security without unnecessary cost or structural burden.
Modern bullet-resistant glazing systems make it possible to protect people and property without sacrificing visibility, design, or functionality. Through advanced materials, precision lamination, and highly engineered layering, solutions such as Riot Glass provide reliable ballistic protection for real-world threat scenarios.
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Riot Glass offers a full range of UL 752-rated bullet-resistant glazing systems, many of which can be retrofitted right on top of your existing glazing, or alternatively, used to replace vulnerable glass doors and windows.
If you’re ready to secure your commercial property against real-world ballistic threats, contact Riot Glass today to get started with a free consultation.
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