apartment therapy changing the world, one room at a time

Hi Serra-
Try this semi-opaque window cover - no adhesive needed and it just pulls off when you're done.

http://www.improvementscatalog.com/home/improvements/85412-Semi-Opaque-Window-Cover.html

I did a similar thing in an old apartment with velum and a repositional spray adhesive (Krylon Easy-Tack). It worked very well, but there are several caveats. You'll need to mask off the window frame & other surfaces to protect them from the adhesive. Spray the window, not the rice paper, and let it dry before positioning the rice paper. And be very careful when placing the rice paper-- velum is forgiving, but the rice paper might tear if you try to adjust it. The biggest problem is that when you move out, you'll need to remove the adhesive with some nasty solvents (I used WD-40, then dish soap to remove the WD-40). So removing it was time intensive, but for two years the velum didn't curl, peel, or otherwise budge.

Please check out http://www.purlfrost.com
They have an incredible selection!

I wonder if you soaked/sprayed the paper with a diluted acid-free water soluble mix of elmers or sobo glue with water if it would be enough to hold it on, then you could perhaps sponge it off with soap and water when you don't want it anymore.

Probably won't work on glass but worth a test shot with a small swatch or something.

I (heart) rubber cement
when removability is an issue and paper is involved
but I haven't tried it for this particular application . . .

but if I did, it would be a thin dab at the edges

Did you try spray starch? That is supposed to work for fabric and walls. You could try a sample patch to see how it goes.

It doesn't sound like you want anything too complicated, and the rice paper is a good idea. I would see if there is a sliver of space between the glass and door to slide the paper in. If not try rice paper on both sides (still thin enough to let light in) and use a dab of glue in the very corners; having the paper on two sides should hide any glue. Good Luck!

http://www.thesunshieldpros.us/WindowFilm/ricepaper-decorative-window-film.html

Kate's Paperie has a rice paper that you apply with a paintbrush and water. It's super easy, super clean and it works. Plus, when you want to remove it, it's not difficult.

I would say to use removable glue dots. They are clear little pieces of already dry, but still sticky, glue. We use them to make products stick together in gift baskets at the gourmet store I work in.

http://www.gluedots.com/display/router.aspx?DocID=1083

i would use this water based paste called yes glue. it's non toxic and rather tough, its also acid free so it wont change color in the sun or with time (well less than 100yrs anyway).

Awesome, thanks everyone! I will let you know what I end up using...these are all good suggestions.
Serra

Hey Serra -- what are those little figures on top of your door frame?

How about putting the paper between two plastic sheets (acetate?) and attaching the sheets to the glass? Either by adhesive (dots or..), or by nailing in window stops, which are thin pieces of molding like the ones that hold in your glass. In fact, you might be able to take out the stops you have and -- as someone else said --place the sheets behind it (but you will need some silcone caulk in there behind the stops to hold everything).

are them there smurfs?

I've done this a couple of times, and the best is plain old clear drawer liner paper that you can get at any old grocery store for under $4. Check out this post over at livemodern:

http://www.livemodern.com/forums/dwell/dwelllabs/257264695434

I would second the spray starch, I have used it successfully on walls, or maybe use a glue gun and just put a dab in each corner. It scrapes easily off glass as well.

Them there be my Smurf collection, indeed...Schroumfs!

My advice: Jettison the rice paper and go for a more stylish and equally privacy-conscious substitute ... check out www.surfacematerialdesign.co.uk ... website of brit designer emma jeffs ... she has designed really splendid adhesive film in a variety of chic patterns ... it's available in various colors ... her designs are available in the US through www.2jane.com ... and have been featured in the May issue of Traditional Home (where I work as the senior interior design editor) and elsewhere ... I've used the adhesive film myself and am a huge fan ...

More ideas (I sent this to Maxwell 2 days ago and asked him to post it for you):

These are several window film/cling sources, that will provide both the look Serra is wanting, as well as many looks that may not have been considered but are available:

http://wallpaperforwindows.com/shop/customer/

http://www.thesunshieldpros.us/WindowFilm/ricepaper-decorative-window-film.html

http://www.glassdecorandmore.com/

http://www.decorativefilm.com/

And just down at Home Depot for $20.00, this might work:
http://www.artscape-inc.com/

I did this to block out a nasty view. I used GLUE DOTS from the art store flax. They have held the paper in place for a year and a half.

I hung rice paper over windows in the bathroom of my former apartment. I cut the rice paper about 1/8 inch longer than the actual window pane, and foldeded and glued the edges to the window frame (not the glass) with good old Elmer's glue. It held perfectly for two years and pulled up easily when I left the apartment.

With lots of different shapes and colors, here's yet another window film company (that I read about on another blog):

http://www.papello.co.uk/default.asp

liquid starch will hold the rice paper to anything and when you done will wash off

I've been doing some research on this because I want to do it in my kitchen. Most of what I've read says liquid starch or wall paper paste (the kind you mix from a powder and is basically the same thing as starch). I'm going to use the starch. Good luck.

I recommend buying from a window film company.

They will typically have a wide range of privacy window films that let diffused light through.

Alternatively, search for manifestation graphics companies.

Mix corn starch with water, and spray it on the glass.