What is another name for frosted glass? How much does it cost to frost glass? Can you frost glass with sandpaper?

If you are looking to increase the security and privacy of your home, increase energy efficiency and so much more, then frosted glass may well be the answer that you are looking for.

Frosted glass can look beautiful, has many useful qualities and can be a far superior choice for your windows than any other kind of treatment, covering or tint, but what exactly is it and how does one go about frosting their own windows today?

What is another name for frosted glass? 

Frosted glass has a number of generally used synonyms that refer to the same general window treatment, including opaque glass and privacy glass, and then those that are more specific to how the effect was achieved including sandblasted glass and acid-etched glass. 

All of these mean glass that is no longer clear, but has been changed to appear opaque, decorated and generally harder to see through than a normal window. Of course, the glass isn’t really truly opaque. Light can still pass through, or your window would be no better than another wall in your home or office. 

The frosting scatters the light as it hits, creating the effect that makes it so popular with people who value their privacy and making it tough, if not nigh on impossible, to see in. You still get the benefit of light passing into the room, without the gawking eyes or even accidental peeks that can go along with it.

This opaque glass also increases security as mentioned, both by stopping potential burglars from getting a good look at your belongings and movements in your house, and also by toughening the glass itself. This treatment often adds an extra layer of protection to the glass that it wouldn’t have if left clear.

While it can also be called sandblasted or acid etched, which are two ways of creating frosted glass, some types can also be made through the use of a film placed on the window. Similar films can be used for a variety of purposes, including preventing the entry of harmful UV rays, once again toughening glass and increasing security, and decorating your glass with a frosted look.

How much does it cost to frost glass?

The exact cost of frosting glass depends on so many factors that it is tricky to give a precise number. The kind of glass that you wish to treat, whether you are going to try and install it yourself, and the method by which you will go about it all have a huge impact on the overall cost. 

If you choose to go with a frosted film that can be applied to windows, you may be able to find options that are rather cheap, and that you can apply yourself. This can be difficult if you aren’t used to it, and can go wrong and lead to trapped air bubbles and a less-than-perfect final look, but it can most definitely save you money.

Getting a high-quality company like SolarGraph Glass Frosting to take care of all your frosted glass needs can cost a little more, but is incredibly good value. You can guarantee that the work will be done quickly, efficiently, and more importantly, perfectly as well. 

Acid-etched and sandblasted glass often has permanent effects that cannot be undone, so it is essential that they are done right. While some frosted glass films can be removed later, you are still installing it because you want it in the first place, and want it to last, so it is worth paying a bit more to be happy with the finished product.

There are quotes for frosted glass for anything between $60 and $200 per square foot, with cheaper options available but also more expensive ones depending on the artistry involved as well as the above-mentioned options. 

If you are really thinking about getting frosted glass, consider your budget, the effect you wish to create, and the method with which you intend to get there. You absolutely can frost your windows in an affordable way, so make sure you check out your options and places like SolarGraph before you buy.

Can you frost glass with sandpaper?

The simple answer to whether you can frost glass with sandpaper is yes, but you must be certain that you know what you are doing or it can all go horribly wrong in an instant. If you aren’t sure about how to go about it, the best advice is to leave it alone and check with a professional before you begin.

It is imperative that you use the right kind of sandpaper for frosting, and that you do your research and plan out beforehand exactly what you wish to achieve. Very fine grit paper is the best choice, and indeed going for a rougher paper may cause a great deal of damage, and even shatter your window. 

When you use sandpaper on glass, it causes the surface to start to break down. Pieces of glass can break off, and it can look damaged and even cracked. It is essential that you wear the right protective gear including eyeglasses and a mask to stop these glass particles from causing harm to you while you work.

Using the finest grain paper and keeping it wet are ways that you can attempt to combat the potential downsides, but proper sandblasting, or in particular frosted film, is a much better option for ease and for the final finish than using sandpaper yourself.

Conclusion 

Opaque glass is a term used synonymously with frosted glass, but indeed one of the many benefits of frosted glass is that it is not truly opaque, but rather allows light to pass through while providing a level of protection against prying eyes and intruders.

There are many ways to achieve this effect, but sandpaper may not be the best one. If you are considering taking this step, ask an expert for advice and make sure you check out the other options available to you like professional installation first.