5 Easy DIY Ways to Add Privacy With Window Frosting

A large window that overlooks your backyard landscape gives a beautiful view. Most are crystal clear glass windows. Shades and blinds are a great way to cover up such windows. However, frosted glass offers similar obscurity for privacy without having to sacrifice natural light.

The Definition of Frosted Glass

Frosted glass is glass that is not transparent because it is now creatively opaque. The effect aims for privacy for shower doors, bathroom windows, and other glass doors.

The Benefits of Frosted Glass

Frosted glass varies from simple frosting like satin glass and obscure etched glass to creative installations. They add privacy to your window, ensuring you hide your view from people outside. However, it does not disrupt you from seeing the outdoors.

Industrial frosted glass results from sandblasting or acid etching. Both create a pitted texture that scatters the light from your traditional window glass. These kinds of frosted windows are a significantly high-cost investment.

You can still enjoy its obscuring benefits for a more pocket-friendly price. Frosted glass techniques range from permanent solutions like glass block upgrades to stained glass installations to DIY options like window film and etching cream.

Here are some possible DIY ways to frost your window glass panes.

1. Frosted Window Film

Frosted window film options are more available today than ever for homeowners wishing to upgrade their window glass panes. Frosted window or privacy window film is a flexible, thin material that adds a little more privacy to your windows. It is non-adhesive and uses static cling. It also provides heat insulation and blocks out harmful UV rays.

Frosted window privacy film can be installed on interior and exterior windows, including sidelights and transom windows. The frosted film can be semi-opaque or opaque, and the texture or color can be used to block out unwanted views. Frosted window film provides security and protection. It also helps to reduce glare while allowing natural light to enter the rooms.

Window frosting decorative films come in a variety of color tints that can match any of your desired aesthetics. Re-fixing and replacing it is easy and inexpensive. You can achieve this frosted look by

• Step 1. Select the best window frosting film for your needs.
• Step 2. Prepare the window for the frosting film by cleaning it and ensuring it is dirt free.
• Step 3. Spray window cleaner, soapy water, or just water using a spray bottle. Avoid wiping it off.
• Step 4. Add the window frosting film to the window.
• Step 5: Use a flat tool to smooth out air bubbles that form between the film and glass. You can use a squeegee or a credit card.

There are a lot of different patterns of decorative window films that can be used to make colored, architectural, or stained frosted glass.

2. Frosted Window Spray Paint

Specialty frosting spray paint can create the look of frosted windows. Use the oil-based spray to cover entire panes or use a stencil or tape. It withstands damp and humid conditions very well.

Frosting spray paint will not come off unless you use specialized tools or cleaners. It is semi-permanent. Therefore, you can only remove it using lacquer thinner or acetone. When cleaning the spray-frosted glass, use natural cleaning substances like vinegar. How do you put it on yourself?

• Step 1: Prepare your area. Tape the sides of the window in case you overspray. Also, cover your floor.
• Step 2: Clean the surface with window cleaner or vinegar.
• Step 3: Read the instructions on the can and shake it well for 10 minutes.
• Step 4: Apply the paint.
• Step 5: Let it dry and apply another coat. You may need to apply three to five coats.

3. Etching Cream for Glass

Glass etching is becoming a popular craft today, so etching cream is widely available. Etching cream works by reacting with the glass to create a permanent frosted texture.

• Step 1: Gather your materials and read the instructions.
• Step 2: Take the proper precautions. Wearing gloves when applying etching cream is highly recommended. The cream is hazardous if it comes into contact with your skin.
• Step 3: Apply on the glass by filling the area inside the painter’s tape. The application needs to be thick to prevent visible brush strokes.

Avoid this method if you live in a rental. Also, avoid it if you still want to have a clear view out of the window.

4. Glass Block Windows

Many homeowners can appreciate glass blocks as an option for privacy and security. Glass blocks can be a staple for window wells and basements. Glass blocks are available in either pre-sized form, individual, or a wide variety of patterns. They are modular and usable in multiple ways. Here are the DIY steps to install them.

• Step 1: Get all your tools and materials together.
• Step 2: Remove the old window.
• Step 3: Add a temporary block to hold the glass block window upright.
• Step 4: Put in the glass block window.
• Step 5: Level the window to ensure it fits right.
• Step 6: Put mortar in the gaps and along the glass block. After it stiffens, smooth the joints and fill in the spaces from the wedges.
• Step 7: Caulk the window.

5. Homemade Window Frosting Film

You can use the following steps for Epsom salt window frosting. These include using cotton paper, lace, cornstarch, and Epsom salt as window frosting. They are easy to wipe off and remove.

• Step 1: Mix four teaspoons of Epsom salt with a cup of beer.
• Step 2: Allow it to foam, then settle for 35 minutes.
• Step 3: As the mixture settles, you can create stencils on your windows.
• Step 4: Dab the mixture onto the stencil. When it dries, it leaves a crystal-like finish.

Need Some Help Frosting and Installing Window Films?

Look no further than Brower Tinting and Graphics. We specialize in window frosting, graphics, and specialty films. We can also do heat and sun control and install anti-graffiti and security film for you. We have over 50 years of experience providing the best window solutions. Our team of experts know what they are doing and will give you solutions that meet your needs quickly.

For information on easy ways to frost windows, visit Brower Tinting and Graphics at our office in Renton, Washington State. Call (425) 251-6849 for Seattle and Bellevue or (800) 252-6849 for Pierce, King, and Snohomish counties to book an appointment today.