Frosted Glass

Privacy for Windows and Doors

Frosted glass is a type of textured glass with an etched finish used to create privacy while still allowing in natural light. It is frequently employed in bathroom windows and shower doors where the frosting can be applied across the entire surface, or patterned leaving some areas transparent. Like any other glass, it can come in a variety of shapes and sizes whether rectangular, square, round or oval. 

How Frosted Glass is Made

Real frosted glass can be produced in several different ways. These differ from glass window film and spray-on options which are temporary and less durable. There are two main manufacturing methods used today. Acid-etched frosted glass is created by using an abrasive substance, i.e. acid, to alter the surface and create its signature soft, and opaque look. This is applied to just one side of the pane. The second method is sandblasting. In this method of frosting, the pane is bombarded with tiny particles of sand or walnut husks by a high-speed machine. As the particles impact the surface, they create small indentations and distortions which result in its white, frosted look. This can be adjusted based on whether total opacity or just translucence is desired.

Combining Safety Glass with Frosted Glass

Many of the same areas that benefit from the added privacy of frosted glass are also the same ones where safety glass should be employed. Bathrooms and showers areas are musts as the chance of someone slipping is higher than elsewhere and broken glass would be particularly dangerous there. 

Single pane safety glass (toughened glass) and laminated safety are both able to be combined with frosted designs. Laminated safety glass guarantees the best protection, as it consists of more multiple sheets with a foil material applied. Both toughened and laminated glass resist breaking far better than standard panes and when broken, shatter into small, blunt pieces instead of jagged edges. This makes it ideal for shower doors and separating walls. 

Another very innovative construction element for windows and doors are elements using smart-glass. This high-tech product features layers of chemicals integrated in-between the panes, allowing for an automatic colour shifting function similar to certain types of sunglasses: If a certain amount of sunlight reaches the glazing, it will automatically darken in order to lower the impact of the solar radiation. Some types of smart glazing even allow a transfer of the solar energy into the electrical system of the house. As these systems must be manufactured with high-end technology, it is of no surprise that smart glazing inserts are usually priced more steeply in comparison to common frosted glass.

Before deciding on a particular type of structured window glazing, the amount of light needed in a room should be considered. Overuse of obscure glass can increase the demand for electrical light inside the room. 

How to Clean Frosted Glass

Cleaning frosted glass is neither difficult nor complicated. However, given its surface, requires somewhat different care than usual. Because the surface is rough and not smooth, small particles of dust and dirt can more easily build up in these pitted areas and require cleaning by hand. Luckily, since only one side frosted, the interior unfrosted side can be cleaned like any other window or door.

Dust and dirt can best be removed from the surface using a clean microfiber cloth with a spray bottle of distilled water. Avoid using harsh cleaning agents and not rub too strongly. Do not use abrasive sponges or clothes either which can scratch the glass. Clean in circular motions and squeegee it clean. When finished, you can dry it with a lint-free cloth if necessary.

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