FROSTED GLASS
WINDOW FROSTING
How to create a frosted glass film finish on windows, shower screens
Are you seeking privacy through your bathroom window or bedroom window? But don’t want the cost or effort or permanency of blinds, curtains or shutters. Want to keep all the light flooding through. Derivan Gel Medium - privacy frosting is the answer to use as a window block out.
Achieve the same effect of privacy of moulded or frosted glass finish , by doing DIY window frosting with Derivan Gel Medium apply with a brush. It can be scraped off later if no longer required. Use (Matisse MM4 Gel Medium or Derivan Gel Medium) onto the cleaned glass.
Coverage: 250ml will cover approx. 1-2 sqm.
HOW TO BLOCK OUT WINDOWS
Application of privacy coating
Clean the window first with a good window cleaner or methylated spirits,
then apply the Gel Medium directly from the jar, use a bristle brush or sponge roller (care should be taken to avoid leaving obvious edges), different brushes/rollers/sponge/tools will result in different finishes; the pattern formed will be dictated by the way in which the Gel Medium is applied. Apply the Gel Medium in coats no thicker than 2mm and do not force dry.
Want to create more privacy?
Further coats will obscure the view further however if even greater privacy is required add some colour into the gel medium - approx. 1 part colour to 4 parts gel medium and mix thoroughly, use Matisse Structure acrylic colours, Derivan Artist Acrylic colours or Derivan Students colours, white will give a frosted look - or use a colour of your choice to add some variation
Leave minimum 6 hours between coats.
The resultant finish will dry clear (without the addition of colour) and allow light through but will still obscure the view and is suitable for bathroom windows etc.*
*(If applying to a bathroom window, apply to the inside of the window as the texture of the finish will tend to attract dirt if applied outside. If applying to a shower screen, apply to the outside of the shower screen as constant exposure to water may cause lifting. Clean with most household cleaners. Do not use window cleaner or ammonia-based cleaning products).
Instructions for removing Gel Medium from the window
To remove gel medium (window glaze) from a window is a simple process - soak a light towel or “chux” with water, lay it over the area to be removed, and let the water soak in until the window glaze goes a whiteish opaque colour.
At this point, it should be soft enough to quickly scrap off with a razor blade or other tool designed to scrape off labels and paint - be careful not to scratch the glass during this process.
If the window glaze has been on for some years, the process of soaking as described above may take a day or two, so you will need to make sure the cloth you are using remains constantly wet. You can use masking tape to help keep the fabric in place. After two days of constant soaking, there is still no sign of the glaze going white; you can try using an ammonia-based window cleaner instead of water to soak the cloth - the process aims to soften the glaze to make it easier to scrape off. Great stories are for everyone even when only written for just one person. If you try to write with a wide, general audience in mind, your story will sound fake and lack emotion. No one will be interested. Write for one person. If it’s genuine for the one, it’s genuine for the rest.