Frost over a stencil to create intricate designs of your own making.
Create real frosted glass with etching cream, a chemical that abrades the glass for permanent results.
Etching cream is suitable for either indoor or outdoor glass since the frosting effect will not wear off.
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Frosted glass spray doesn’t etch the glass.
Instead, it’s a translucent haze that simulates frosted glass.
Since frosted glass spray is a covering, it will come off if used in exterior applications.
Use household glass cleaner and a soft cloth to clean the frosted glass finish.
Use acetone orlacquer thinnerto remove the frosted finish from the glass.
Do not let etching cream touch your skin.
Wear latex gloves and long sleeves and pants when handling etching cream.
Use frosted glass spray only in a well-ventilated area.
An alternative to etching is tinting or applying a decorative film over glass to offer shade and privacy.
Tape the plastic down.
Have latex gloves and safety glasses nearby.
Clean Glass
Clean the glass thoroughly with mild additive-free soap and warm water.
If frosting glassware, run it through the dishwasher.
After the dishwasher, clean the glassware once more by hand.
Dry off the glass with a lint-free cloth.
Tip
Some types of glass, like Pyrex, may not etch well.
Experiment with different types of glass.
Add Stencil (Optional)
If frosting over a stencil, apply the stencil now.
Use the paint brush to gently dab etching cream on the glass.
Cover the glass with a thick layer of etching cream.
Do not brush on the cream.
Instead, dab it onto the glass.
The cream should be about 1/4-inch thick.
It should not be so thick that it slides off the glass.
Applying the etching cream with brushstrokes will create streaks.
Be sure to dab it on, not brush it on.
Usually, the waiting period is from one to five minutes.
Wash Off Etching Cream
In a sink with warm water, rinse off the etching cream.
Thoroughly remove all traces of the etching cream.
Dry Off Glass
Gently dry off the glass with a soft cloth.
Instead, use mild soap and warm water.
The temperature should be between 50oF and 90oF and humidity should be below 65 percent.
Cover the work area with paper and tape the paper down.
Use a mild detergent, water, and a soft cloth to clean the glass.
Spray First Coat
Shake the can well for about a minute.
Holding the can 12 to 16 inches from the glass, spray the glass with even side-to-side motions.
Overlap each spray by a few inches.
Wait at least 10 minutes for the frost effect to appear.
The spray will appear shiny until the frosting takes effect.
Clean up withmineral spirits.
you might frost glass with window film to cover windows and doors.
Window film comes in different finishes and many can be used both indoors and outdoors.
Window film is either applied with static cling or an adhesive, and it is removable.
Allow to sit for a few minutes and then wipe off with a sponge or rag.
Clean with soap and water and rinse thoroughly before reusing.
Sandblasting is a professional technique to frost glass using a sanding tool and wet and dry sanding methods.
Sandblasting requires protective equipment to prevent tiny glass particles from getting into your eyes, skin, and lungs.
