A frosted glass is essential for the privacy of your home, especially in the bathroom. The process involves the use of a spray product that produces a "fog effect" to be applied on the glass to make it opaque. This allows natural light to enter the room, while preventing the view of what is happening inside. Satin glass is not difficult, but it requires concentration and attention to detail to get a good result. Here are some ways to do this.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Satin a Large Window
Step 1. Wash the window thoroughly with a rag and window cleaner
Scrub to remove all dust and dirt from the surface.
After washing, dry the glass well. Make sure there are no residues of fabric or paper on the surface that could interfere with the final result
Step 2. Cover the inside edge of the window frame with masking tape
In this way you avoid "dirtying" the areas you do not want to satin.
- Use painter's tape, as it's designed to resist liquid solutions and has a weak glue that leaves no residue.
- For windows with worked barriers or English-style windows (strips of wood that cross on the glass) you will have to work meticulously to cover all non-glass structures with adhesive tape.
- If the 2.5 cm thick adhesive tape is not enough, spread it out several layers to cover all the surfaces of the window frames. Use a measuring tape to make sure that all the borders are symmetrical to each other; an irregular edge spoils the final aesthetic result.
- If your window does not have a frame, simply spread masking tape along the edge to create a frame.
Step 3. Cover the inside walls near the work area with masking tape or plastic sheets
Cut them with scissors and secure them with masking tape.
- Make sure you don't leave any crevices or holes that the spray could get through.
- When you work inside, open the doors and other windows and turn on a fan to allow air to circulate. Consider wearing a particulate mask to protect your nose and mouth. The fumes from the spray do not have a pungent odor, but they are still harmful to health.
- Bring the window outside, if you can. In this way you are sure to work in a well-ventilated area and decrease the chances of "spraying excessively", that is, of satinizing other objects in the house as well.
Step 4. Shake the can of product as suggested by the label
Usually you need to shake it for 1-2 minutes.
- You can find these satin products in paint shops and DIY stores.
- When you shake the can, you should hear the ball rattling inside. Test by spraying on a piece of cardboard. If the product comes out correctly, you can get ready to frost the glass. If the liquid doesn't come out at a steady rate, keep stirring and experiment at one-minute intervals.
Step 5. Spray the window with large movements from left to right, covering the entire surface
Keep the can 30 cm away from the glass to avoid stains and dripping.
- First apply a light layer. It is easy to apply a second or third light coat if the glass is not opaque enough, but it is very difficult to remove the product if you have applied too much.
- Remember that you will have to wait about 5-10 minutes before the satin effect is visible on the glass.
Step 6. Apply a second coat when the first is completely dry
Use the same technique, with sweeping movements, for an even effect.
If necessary, spray a third or even a fourth layer, until you reach the desired effect. Carefully follow the instructions on the can for the shutter speed between one coat and the other
Step 7. Spray acrylic sealant on the glass when the satin varnish is completely dry
If you are completely satisfied with the job, apply the sealant to protect the surface.
- Acrylic sealants protect the glass from moisture and dirt. This is a glossy finish that is sometimes permanent.
- If you are not satisfied with the result once the sealant is dry, you will need to scrape the glass with the blade of a utility knife.
Step 8. Remove the masking tape gently once the satin varnish is dry
Work slowly to avoid accidentally removing the paint as well.
- If you have done the work at home, remove the masking tape from the walls, always with extreme caution so as not to peel the paint from the walls.
- Use white spirit to clean accidentally sprayed objects. Do not apply white spirit on painted or enameled objects because you could damage them.
Method 2 of 3: Satin a French door
Step 1. Remove the door from its hinges and place it on plastic bags
The surface you want to satin must face upwards.
For this job it is best to transfer the door to the garage or back patio. In this way you avoid inhaling the fumes of the spray and limit the risks of dirtying objects in the house
Step 2. Clean the glass with a cloth and a specific cleaner
Any residue will be even more evident when the work is completed, which will appear unprofessional.
Even if there is no dirt on the glass, clean it thoroughly and make sure it is dry. Satin paint does not adhere to damp or greasy surfaces
Step 3. Apply masking tape to the outside edges of each glass panel
One side of the tape should always be against the window grille (the strips of wood that separate the glass panels).
Since single glazing is usually quite small, you can safely use 2.5cm tape. If you use a tape that is too thick, you will have too wide edges which will allow the light to filter through more, but you will reduce the opaque area
Step 4. Cover the door frame and individual laths with masking tape
The only visible areas of the door must be glass.
Make sure you overlap the various strips of masking tape and press firmly to avoid cracks and soiling the wood
Step 5. Shake the can of mattifying paint for 1-2 minutes
Follow the times indicated on the product label, although usually a couple of minutes is enough.
Do a test spray on a piece of clear plastic before using the paint on the glass. Make sure that the nozzle sprays constantly and evenly, so you are sure of an optimal result
Step 6. Spray the product on the glass with slow and continuous movements
Hold the spray can about 30 cm away, so as to apply a light and even coat.
- Pay attention to the pressure you exert on the nozzle, since it determines the amount of paint and the speed with which it comes out of the can. Try to keep it constant and not work with short, fickle sprays. This allows you to apply a light coat, which in turn can be covered with another coat, should it become necessary.
- Wait until the first layer is completely dry before applying the second. Try to spray each coat as lightly as possible, even if you will have to apply three or four. This step-by-step technique allows you to limit blemishes and blemishes.
Step 7. Remove the masking tape from the frame, grille and glass
Make sure the satin paint is dry before proceeding to this step so you won't damage it.
- It usually takes 5 minutes for the spray to dry, although it is a good idea to wait a few more minutes to be safe. Also remember that the more coats you applied, the more paint you sprayed, and the longer the drying time will be.
- If you are not sure of the times, wait at least half an hour: in 30 minutes most of the matt paints are dry.
- Do not touch the satin area to test the paint. You will create smudges that are difficult to fix, except with several successive coats of paint.
Method 3 of 3: Decorate the Frosted Glass
Step 1. Cover the area you want to satin with a large sheet of paper
Secure it with masking tape.
Step 2. Draw the lines of the decoration on the paper with a pencil
Remember that with spray paint it is difficult to make complex designs, although it is possible with a lot of time and a lot of patience.
Step 3. Remove the drawing sheet and place it on a flat, scratch-resistant surface
With a utility knife, cut out the decorations making sure that the edges remain intact.
Remember that you are creating a large stencil and that the image must be inverted if you want it to appear straight once the paint is sprayed
Step 4. Clean the glass thoroughly with an ammonia-based cleaner and a lint-free cloth
This way you eliminate any debris that would ruin your project.
If the window has a film over it, clean it with vinegar to remove any grease. Matte paint does not adhere to oily surfaces
Step 5. Attach the stencil to the window with paper tape
Make sure the position is correct.
Put the tape all around the stencil for a strong hold. If the stencil slips while the paint dries, it will ruin the job
Step 6. Spray the exposed glass with the opaque varnish
The closer the nozzle is to the surface, the thicker and duller the paint will be.
If you use paints of different colors, spray each one at a time and wait for it to dry before moving on to the next
Step 7. Wait for the decoration to dry completely before removing the stencil
You can speed up the drying process by directing a fan towards the window. Set it to the lowest speed to prevent the stencil from peeling off
Step 8. Remove the stencil when the image is completely dry
Go slowly when you peel off the tape to avoid crawling on the decoration. Lift the stencil in one smooth motion.
Advice
- When you are ready to change the type of satin decoration on your windows, use the blunt edge of a utility knife and discard the product. Then thoroughly clean the glass with warm soapy water.
- If possible, get help from a friend who knows how to frost glass if you are going to do it for the first time. This way you will feel less frustrated during the learning process and making the finishing touches.