Frosted glass has long been a favorite in the Apartment Therapy community for adding privacy to windows, pattern to glassware, and other customized looks. When going this route, there are a few options:
Sandblasting - Unless you have your own sandblaster, this job would be hired out and would be the most expensive of options. It's good for covering large areas.
Etching - Thanks to craft store products like Armour Etch, this can be DIY-ed permanently and inexpensively. Good for detailed work but not so good for covering large areas.
Films - Films are a reversible way to the get a frosted look. Good for renters or those who change it up frequently. Covers large areas well.
Spray Coatings - Another reversible option in spray form from the likes of Rustoleum.
Have you had glass frosted or done it yourself using any of these methods (or another we haven't listed here)? Let us know how you did it in the comments below!
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We frosted our bathroom windows with the spray stuff, and it has held up pretty well (aside from some slight spider cracking). We're thinking that we'll just add another light coat on top, but I've conisdered trying the film.
I used Gila frosted window film from lowes on my entry doors, and it worked well. It has been up for a few years and in spite of being in a well-used vestibule has only shown a few scratches. I recommend doing the install with a friend, since handling a larger piece can be tricky!
Klaus - where do you purchase acrylic sheets...? Home improvement store, art store...?? thanks for your great tip. Going to try this.
I've used Armor Etch on small projects - works great, but I wouldn't recommend it for large sheets of glass (like windows).
The film is awesome, and easy to use.
The spray is also awesome, but over large surfaces can get cloudy if you don't spray evenly. I love it, though - and those little trigger-handles you can get for cans of spray paint are a lifesaver (and an arthritis-saver, too).
With film, it's difficult to get large areas covered without creases and bubbles.
I have 2 sets of cheap, sliding mirror closet doors in my bedroom that I'm going to cover with starch and fabric shown here:
http://allbuttonedup.typepad.com/all_buttoned_up/2008/08/dont-move-or-the-dress-gets-it-1.html
and here:
http://craftlog.org/craftlog/?p=3453
I just frosted a bathroom lower sash. I bought the spray but was too scared so I did the film. It's ok, but not great. If I decide to live with it long term I will probably try the spray. The film is very hard to get perfect, but a cheap way to see how you like the look. (click through to profile to blog for pics if interested)
I've used Armor Etch, and I agree that it is great for small projects, but wouldn't so good for big ones.
I have also used the spray, and it is very difficult to get even. I usually have a lot of success with spray paint, but not with this stuff. The spots didn't come out of the nozzle the same size, so the result was speckled.
I would expect the film to be better, and I have seen some nice applications of it, but there may be tricks to how you apply it to avoid bubbles, etc.
The fabric & starch method looked really nice on Manhattan Nest.
We installed a small powder room on the first floor of our house in what used to be a sunroom. The back wall was all window and that seemed a bit awkward. There wasn't enough $$ in the budget to redo the window so I used the film to ensure some privacy. The window reads like a wall now. I did have a few problems getting it up but it hardly shows.
thanks Klaus!!!
I'd be more concerned with how to get frosted glass out of my house..
I was thinking about frosting my glass closet doors with the films, but now I think I'm sold on starching fabric instead.
I spy a Reverend Horton Heat poster!!!!! Freakin Awesome!!!
Um...yes...now back to frosted glass. ;)
I've taped up drawing vellum into window sections before and also used coroplast - that transparent, corrugated plastic like cardboard. Both are available inexpensively at art supply stores. In fact, you can order coroplast (it goes by other names too) online in 4x8-foot sheets and make entire transparent walls with it.
I did the Gila film in my bedroom window facing the street, and drew a stylized tree branch on it with a chalk pen. It was a great way to protect my privacy but still have something to look at where the window is: http://tinyurl.com/69j32yq
Now I'm moving out, though, and I'm desperately hoping the next renters will want to keep my art! I hear Gila film is hard to get off.