In the past we've talked about using cornstarch as a temporary way to hang fabric on walls. It's a great solution for renters and the mixture makes the fabric peel right off when you're ready for it to come down. Taking that idea to the windows, these vintage doors recently had a whole new privacy makeover and the results are simply stunning.
When it comes to old doors, especially those with windows, things aren't always as square as we'd like them to be. And although using sticky film is an option (if you're ok with the residue it leaves behind), it isn't as forgiving and can end up being a larger pain in the neck than it has to be.
To help things out a sheet from IKEA was used to help polish off the look. It was cut into approximate squares and once the cornstarch mixture was applied, the homeowner was easily able to shift and adjust as the window frame dictated.
The end result is crisp, clean and does amazing things, not only for privacy's sake, but also for the overall look of the space. Check out all the details of this transformation over at Manhattan Nest.
(Image: Manhattan Nest)
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Does anyone have a review on how well this works on bathroom windows? I just took down some nasty, molded miniblinds in my shower and I need a replacement. I tried the film stuff they carry at Home Depot, but I think it looks cheap. The window doesn't get any direct spray from the shower, but there is plenty of dampness on it after use.
what a neat idea!
You can sponge on layers of "matte medium" from an artists supply place. It took 2-3 layers to get the obscurity I wanted on the lower pane of my bathroom window. We have a lot of steamy showers going on in there and it has lasted years! It will scrape right off, when you are tired of it or want to return it to clear glass. You could get arty and embed thin lightweight items in the medium if you choose to.
I used matte medium on a big window in my last house. I lived there for seven years, and it was great. Plus, when I sold the place, I just washed it off with water. It was the best frosted effect I've ever used.
About the cornstarch: isn't cornstarch "food"? Will it attract, um, you know VISITORS? I really think you guys need to update this item or do a new one to address the question! I really want to try this on my windows but... phobic about introducing food to the equation.
@omnidora this was actually a re-do with different fabric of a project I did in late May, and I've never had any problems with the cornstarch mixture in all these months (in a building where we do get the occasional cockroach roaming a kitchen cabinet at night). You really end up using SO little cornstarch, the ratio for the paste is 2 tablespoon starch to 2 cups of water, which is MORE than enough to cover a door like this. Anyway, I don't think it's something to be worried about.
I think there was a post on Apartment Therapy about using plastic bubble wrap for windows - the 'adhesive' was water!
you guys DO know that there are lots of peel and stick window privacy films out there....right? No need to paint layers of art supplies or feed the roaches or ants, Theyre EZ on and EZ off.
One brand of window privacy film sticks on with water. It is called Wallpaper for Windows.
The problem with the stick-on stuff is that if you have windows with six panes each (like me) that are old and not square (like me) it's a GIGANTIC pain in the butt to cut out the individual persnickety piece for each little pane. However, the matte medium idea is FANTASTIC, thanks! I know what I'll use in the kitchen now!
I have a dutch window that open up very close to the sidewalk. I wanted to cover the bottom half while leaving the top uncovered. I used beautiful handmade rice paper from the art supply store and stuck it on with mod podge. I then applied a few coats of mod podge to seal it. Yes, this is a pretty permanent solution but that is what I wanted.
In our bathroom, we masked off the woodwork and used the spray glass frost that I got at either a home improvement store or Wal-mart, I don't recall which now. We put a stencil of a fleur-di-lis in the center, sprayed that solid, then sort of lightly sprayed around it. It turned out pretty good. If we get tired of it, well, that's what razor blades are for! :)
Cornstarch is actually a good Roach Killer:
Roach Killer - You can use cornstarch to kill those pesky roaches that invade your home. To create a cornstarch mixture that will kill roaches simply mix equal parts of cornstarch and plaster of Paris together. Sprinkle the mixture into cracks and crevices. The cockroaches will then eat the cornstarch and plaster of Paris mixture and will then die.
@ramenandjello: yeah, but what's happening there is that you're using the cornstarch to ATTRACT the roaches, who are then killed by ingesting the PoP. Context is everything!
The matte medium sounds like a great low-cost idea. Has anyone ever tried adding a small amount of acrylic paint to 'tint' a window? Since it would be a small amount I imagine it would come off, but there's always the possibility of staining the window, so to speak.