Through my years working in the home improvement industry, and selling tons of shower enclosures and glass shower doors to my customers, I’ve had many people have asked me how to frost shower glass.
Frosting shower g provides more than a decorative finish; frosted shower glass also provides a more practical benefit because it adds privacy to shower enclosure, while still letting the light from the room come through. Professional glass shops frost shower glass using a method called sandblasting. The equipment needed for this makes it something that’s not in the price range of the average do-it-yourselfer, but you still can achieve the same effect in other ways! The main three ways are discussed below, in order of difficulty level…
There are several companies that have developed window film that gives shower glass a frosted look. The easiest and most forgiving method is actually a non-adhesive film that works by using static cling. The main benefit of this method of frosting your shower glass is if you don’t get the application right the first try you can pull it off and start over pretty easily.
Another similar method, which provides a better look and a more durable, long-lasting result, is by using an adhesive-backed film. These still allow you to move the film around initially, but once the adhesive begins to set, you are stuck with it (pun intended). This is the same type of film used to tint car windows, and installs in the same way.
For both film methods, installation is the same basic process. First, thoroughly wash the shower glass, using glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth. Next, combine water with a couple drops of dish soap in a spray bottle, then saturate the glass and apply the film. As you go, remove air bubbles with a squeegee. The water / soap mixture will evaporate in a day or so, leaving only the film. For the adhesive backed films, it is the same process, with the adhesive being activated by the soap / water mixture.
This one may sound easier than using a film, but it requires a lot more prep work, which everyone hates, so it made it here on the list. Applying the frosted glass finish is easy, it’s basically spray paint. A benefit of spraying over the film method is that you can add some design elements to your glass.
First step here is the prep. Start by covering anything in the room that you don’t want this stuff on. If your bathroom doesn’t have super ventilation (windows), this stuff will get on everything not covered. It cleans off easy if it’s just a dusting, but who want to clean every square inch of their bathroom? Next step is to clean the glass thoroughly and tape off the door frame, hinges, and handle. This is the point in the process where you can also use the tape to add designs to your shower glass! Any area you put tape on will remain clear glass when you are finished. Next, apply a thin, even coat and let it dry. Apply additional coats if you want it to be even more frosty! Once everything is dry, remove all the tape and you are all set. If you find you hate the look later on you can scrape it off with a razor.
The final and most difficult DIY method is a glass-etching cream. This method is permanent, so make sure you actually want your glass frosted before attempting this one. A benefit to etching, is similar to the spray method, you can add designs to the glass. This is more controlled, so if you are good with a brush, your imagination is the only limit here.
If you choose to go this route, take care in applying the cream and closely follow the instructions printed on the package, as it differs from brand to brand. Basically, the process involves masking off sensitive areas and using a bristled brush to scrub in the cream. After letting the product sit for a while you’ll rinse it off. Sounds easy, and it is, but its lasting affects land it here on our list.
When you’re researching how to frost shower glass, you may find some other options, let me know what you find and we’ll add it to the list!
