Difference between revisions of "Frost Glass"
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| − | + | Frosting windows, especially those in the bathroom, is crucial for adding privacy to the home. The process of spraying "frosting" onto the window makes it slightly opaque. This allows natural light inside the room while obscuring views into the room. Frosting glass isn't difficult, but it requires focus and attention to detail to ensure that the frost is applied correctly. Here are ways to frost glass. | |
[[Category:Glass and Stained Glass Projects]] | [[Category:Glass and Stained Glass Projects]] | ||
== Steps == | == Steps == | ||
=== Frosting a Large Window === | === Frosting a Large Window === | ||
| − | #Wash the window thoroughly. Scrub to remove all dust and debris from the surface.<ref>http://homeguides.sfgate.com/frost-large-window-glass-28430.html</ref> | + | #Wash the window thoroughly. Scrub to remove all dust and debris from the surface.<ref name="rf1">http://homeguides.sfgate.com/frost-large-window-glass-28430.html</ref> |
#* After washing, dry the window completely. Make sure there is no paper or fabric left behind on the surface or else this will affect the final appearance of the frosted glass. | #* After washing, dry the window completely. Make sure there is no paper or fabric left behind on the surface or else this will affect the final appearance of the frosted glass. | ||
#Tape a border along the inside of the window frame, using painter's tape. This border will be the portion of window you don't want frosted. | #Tape a border along the inside of the window frame, using painter's tape. This border will be the portion of window you don't want frosted. | ||
| − | #* Blue painter's tape. Painter's tape is specifically designed to endure wet applications. It has a weak adhesive allowing it to be easily removed.<ref>http://www.doityourself.com/stry/masking-tape-vs-painters-tape#b</ref> | + | #* Blue painter's tape. Painter's tape is specifically designed to endure wet applications. It has a weak adhesive allowing it to be easily removed.<ref name="rf2">http://www.doityourself.com/stry/masking-tape-vs-painters-tape#b</ref> |
#* For windows with lattice work or muntin bars (strips of wood between the glass), cover the wood with tape. | #* For windows with lattice work or muntin bars (strips of wood between the glass), cover the wood with tape. | ||
#* If the 1-in. painter's tape width isn't a thick enough border, lay another piece alongside it. Use a tape measure to ensure that borders are symmetrical; uneven borders look bad. | #* If the 1-in. painter's tape width isn't a thick enough border, lay another piece alongside it. Use a tape measure to ensure that borders are symmetrical; uneven borders look bad. | ||
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#Cover the interior walls of the work area with masking paper or plastic sheeting. Use painter's tape to hold it in place. | #Cover the interior walls of the work area with masking paper or plastic sheeting. Use painter's tape to hold it in place. | ||
#* Don't leave any openings or gaps where the spray could enter. | #* Don't leave any openings or gaps where the spray could enter. | ||
| − | #* When working indoors, open doors and windows and turn on fans to help circulate fresh air. Consider wearing a particle mask to protect your nose and mouth. The spray fumes are hazardous to your health.<ref | + | #* When working indoors, open doors and windows and turn on fans to help circulate fresh air. Consider wearing a particle mask to protect your nose and mouth. The spray fumes are hazardous to your health.<ref name="rf2" /> |
#* Take the window outside, if possible. This ensures a healthy work space and decreases the likelihood of "overspray," and frosting spray drifting onto other objects. | #* Take the window outside, if possible. This ensures a healthy work space and decreases the likelihood of "overspray," and frosting spray drifting onto other objects. | ||
#Shake the frosting spray can for the suggested length, usually 1-2 minutes. | #Shake the frosting spray can for the suggested length, usually 1-2 minutes. | ||
#* Find frosting spray at craft and home improvement stores. | #* Find frosting spray at craft and home improvement stores. | ||
| − | #* While shaking the can, you should hear the small ball inside begin to rattle. Test spray on a small piece of cardboard.<ref>http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-make-a-frosted-glass-window#b</ref> If it sprays correctly, prepare to frost your glass. If it is not spraying at a steady rate, continue shaking and testing in 1 minute intervals. | + | #* While shaking the can, you should hear the small ball inside begin to rattle. Test spray on a small piece of cardboard.<ref name="rf3">http://www.doityourself.com/stry/how-to-make-a-frosted-glass-window#b</ref> If it sprays correctly, prepare to frost your glass. If it is not spraying at a steady rate, continue shaking and testing in 1 minute intervals. |
#Spray the window using large, back and forth motions to cover the surface evenly. Hold the frosting can at least {{convert|12|in|cm|1}} from from the window's surface to avoid splotches and runs. | #Spray the window using large, back and forth motions to cover the surface evenly. Hold the frosting can at least {{convert|12|in|cm|1}} from from the window's surface to avoid splotches and runs. | ||
#* Apply a light coating at first. It is easier to go back and add a second or third layer to even out the frosting, but it is difficult to remove gloppy or runny patches. | #* Apply a light coating at first. It is easier to go back and add a second or third layer to even out the frosting, but it is difficult to remove gloppy or runny patches. | ||
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#* If necessary, apply a third or fourth layer of frosting until you get the desired effect. Follow the spray can's directions regarding the wait time required between coats. | #* If necessary, apply a third or fourth layer of frosting until you get the desired effect. Follow the spray can's directions regarding the wait time required between coats. | ||
#Spray acrylic sealer onto the frosted window after it has completely dried. If you are satisfied with the appearance of the frosting, apply sealer. | #Spray acrylic sealer onto the frosted window after it has completely dried. If you are satisfied with the appearance of the frosting, apply sealer. | ||
| − | #* Acrylic sealers protect glass from the elements such as moisture and dirt. The protective gloss coating is often permanent.<ref>http://www.krylon.com/products/crystal-clear-acrylic/</ref> | + | #* Acrylic sealers protect glass from the elements such as moisture and dirt. The protective gloss coating is often permanent.<ref name="rf4">http://www.krylon.com/products/crystal-clear-acrylic/</ref> |
| − | #* If you are unhappy with the frosted surface after the sealant has already dried, you will need to scrape it off with a razor blade.<ref | + | #* If you are unhappy with the frosted surface after the sealant has already dried, you will need to scrape it off with a razor blade.<ref name="rf1" /> |
#Remove the painter's tape carefully from the glass after the frosting has dried. Peel slowly to avoid accidentally removing the frosting. | #Remove the painter's tape carefully from the glass after the frosting has dried. Peel slowly to avoid accidentally removing the frosting. | ||
#* If you worked indoors, remove the painter's tape cautiously. This will prevent removal of paint from the walls. | #* If you worked indoors, remove the painter's tape cautiously. This will prevent removal of paint from the walls. | ||
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#Spray the glass with a slow, sweeping motion. Hold the spray can about {{convert|1|ft|m|adj=on|1}} from the surface so that the coat is light and even. | #Spray the glass with a slow, sweeping motion. Hold the spray can about {{convert|1|ft|m|adj=on|1}} from the surface so that the coat is light and even. | ||
#* Pay attention to the pressure you put on the nozzle, as this will affect how much and how quickly frosting is sprayed. Try to apply enough pressure to spray a steady stream, and do so in short bursts. This will help you apply a light coat that can be sprayed over with another light coat, if necessary. | #* Pay attention to the pressure you put on the nozzle, as this will affect how much and how quickly frosting is sprayed. Try to apply enough pressure to spray a steady stream, and do so in short bursts. This will help you apply a light coat that can be sprayed over with another light coat, if necessary. | ||
| − | #* Let the first coat completely dry before spraying on a second coat. Apply each successive coat with the lightest possible amount, even if you have to spray on a third or fourth layer. Gradually applying frosting will limit areas with heavy paint and blemishes.<ref>http://www.lowes.com/creative-ideas/paint-stain-and-wallpaper/spray-on-frosted-glass/project</ref> | + | #* Let the first coat completely dry before spraying on a second coat. Apply each successive coat with the lightest possible amount, even if you have to spray on a third or fourth layer. Gradually applying frosting will limit areas with heavy paint and blemishes.<ref name="rf5">http://www.lowes.com/creative-ideas/paint-stain-and-wallpaper/spray-on-frosted-glass/project</ref> |
#Remove the tape from the door frame, muntins, and glass. Be sure that the frosting has dried first before removing the tape, as this could damage the outline. | #Remove the tape from the door frame, muntins, and glass. Be sure that the frosting has dried first before removing the tape, as this could damage the outline. | ||
#* The drying process typically takes about 5 minutes, though you should allow an extra few minutes just to be certain. Also take into account how many layers you've applied and how heavy, as these factors will also affect drying time. | #* The drying process typically takes about 5 minutes, though you should allow an extra few minutes just to be certain. Also take into account how many layers you've applied and how heavy, as these factors will also affect drying time. | ||
