Have you ever come across an appealing type of glass whose surface is not all clear but is instead translucent; you’re almost tempted to wipe it clean in the hope of restoring its clarity? The frosted glass looks a little different from the typical clear glass and finds applications in various areas, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of a space. Let’s take a look.
A Dive into History
The Victorians originally came up with the process of acid-etching or ‘French-embossing’ glass in delicate hues of white and other diffused shades to decorate windows and doors. After all, the Victorian love for opulence is well known. The added benefit of privacy made it an attractive interior décor option. Thanks to them, they introduced the world to an aesthetic yet functional product.
What is Frosted Glass?
In technical terms, frosted glass is a transparent sheet of glass that is turned opaque through sandblasting or acid etching. Because of light scattering during transmission, the glass comes out as translucent, obscuring visibility even as it transmits light. You can also achieve this frosting effect by applying a film of vinyl that acts as a stencil on the surface of the glass or through canned frosted glass sprays.
How Is Frosted Glass Made?
There are two kinds of techniques used to make frosted glass to achieve its milky translucent appearance.
Acid Etching
This technique uses hydrofluoric acid to achieve the frosted look of the glass. The acid reacts with the glass, corroding its surface and therefore providing it with its milky appearance. After the process of acid-etching, the glass experts thoroughly wash the glass, leaving behind permanently etched glass.
Sandblasting
Sandblasting is another technique used to produce frosted glass. This technique uses a high-velocity machine to blast sand on the surface of the glass. The high velocity with which the sand hits the glass creates abrasions, rendering the surface rough and translucent. You can alter the level of translucency by changing the machine speed.
Where Can You Use Frosted Glass?
1. Bedrooms
Given the benefits of privacy and light control that frosted glass provides, it makes for the best companion for your bedroom’s windows. To give your room a stylish look, choose frosted glass windows with decorative designs.
2. Attics
Many of us use attics for spending some time in solitude with our thoughts. Equally valid is that attics often have towering windows that invite maximum sunlight. Anybody with a pulse will agree that privacy and direct sunlight are like oil and water; a dim-lit setting would be more appropriate. Instead of covering the windows with blinds, using frosted glass will better keep excess sunlight at bay.
3. Home Libraries
Privacy in libraries is of utmost importance. With privacy comes silence, the secret ingredient behind every book well-read. Using frosted glass panels will maintain your home library’s privacy while still casting soft light that is pleasant and not intruding.
4. Offices
In a workspace, workers need to focus and require a balance between collaboration and privacy. With frosted glass partitions, office spaces can give each individual the right environment for productivity. Frosted glass partitions can be placed between different areas such that employees don’t feel claustrophobic, or you can use them to create meeting rooms and cabins that look inviting but offer privacy. Perhaps the most significant benefit of using frosted glass in workplaces is that it lets in just enough natural light, contributing to the increased productivity of employees who feel refreshed throughout the day.
5. Kitchen Gardens
Many enjoy planting their kitchen herb garden. But, herbs do not necessarily need direct sunlight and thrive best on balance. Creating an enclosed kitchen with colourful frosted glass panels is an effective way to detract sunlight and ensure the longevity of your plants.
6. Bathrooms
Using frosted glass for bathroom windows will provide enough natural light while obstructing the view from the outside. The use, however, is not limited to windows and can be extended to sliding bathroom doors or shower screens. Another added benefit of using frosted glass in bathrooms is its non-corrosive nature that renders the surface mould-free. Moreover, using frosted glass panels with decorative designs will give your bathroom a modern look.
The Revolutionary Frosted Glass – AIS Krystal
When it comes to styling your home with glass, many do a fantastic job. Glass types such as patterned, float, lacquered, laminated, tempered, frosted and much more are some of the common ones that are used to create an appealing environment indoors. Each type has its unique properties, but frosted glass sits at the crest of privacy and aesthetic appeal.
AIS Krystal Frosted glass is opaque, highly versatile, aesthetically appealing and requires less maintenance.
The above properties make AIS Krystal Frosted glass special from the other glass products. As a result, it can be used in various applications such as doors, windows, cabinets and shelves, false ceiling/roofing, designer panels with images, bannisters, stairs and a lot more. It can also be used as a room divider or in place of walls for your bathrooms and bedrooms.
Why Should You Choose AIS Krystal Frosted Glass Partitions for Your Office?
Installing frosted glass in your office can completely transform it into a modern, stylish, fully functional space. Here are some of how choosing frosted glass will enhance your office space.
Improved Lighting
One of the most significant advantages of using frosted glass in offices is increased natural light. Frosted glass is not as opaque as a brick wall and not as transparent as a standard glass wall providing you with sufficient natural light that makes your space brighter. Its translucent surface does not stop light from being transmitted. The increased amount of natural light reduces the need for artificial lighting and subsequently helps you save energy. Natural light makes your space feel more extensive and more inviting. Moreover, frosted glass blocks out the sun’s harmful UV rays, allowing only the “good rays” to reach you.
Maintains Privacy
Maintaining a certain amount of privacy is imperative in an office space setting. And frosted glass is also known as privacy glass for a reason. It allows a smooth flow of natural light and creates a certain amount of openness without compromising your privacy needs. The glass’ translucent nature and noise-insulating properties will enable you to work efficiently without getting disturbed by unwanted external noises.
Enhanced Durability
Glass is often perceived to be fragile and breakable; however, frosted glass is usually made from toughened glass and hence does not break even under high impact. It is exceptionally sturdy and is very difficult to break. Frosted glass is produced so that it can withstand high-pressure environments such as earthquakes or fires. Even if the glass shatters, it breaks into small, blunt pebble-like pieces that do not cause serious injuries, unlike regular glass.
Increased Productivity
By installing frosted glass partitions in your workspace, you create a warm and welcoming environment. The space feels bigger and airy with enough natural light to illuminate the office environment. It also ensures the employees’ privacy, therefore providing them with an area where they can work productively. The overall environment of the office transforms into one which promotes creativity.
Enhanced Aesthetics
Apart from all its functional benefits, frosted glass is also an aesthetic addition to your office. With the number of customisations available in frosted glass, you could install it throughout your office space. Using frosted glass partitions undoubtedly makes the office space look more stylish, elegant and adds a professional feel. Modern architects highly recommend using frosted glass partitions to compliment the workplace.
Low-Maintenance
Frosted glass is a low-maintenance option as compared to brick walls. It is long-lasting since its sturdy nature ensures that it doesn’t break easily. Moreover, a frosted glass office partition is easy to clean; all you have to do is occasionally wipe the glass with a damp cloth, and it will appear as good as new. Although you can use any dusting material, you should use a microfiber cloth to maintain the glass’s quality.
Scope for Personalisation
You can completely customise Frosted Glass according to your space and preferences. You can create custom logos on the glass. You can even choose half partitions or entire frosted glass partitions to create conference rooms or separate cubicles.
The Asahi India Glass ltd (AIS) Advantage
At AIS Glass, we offer several frosted glass solutions to fit your needs perfectly. We customise the glass as per your needs and desires so that you can enjoy a stylish and comfortable office space. Our AIS Krystal frosted glass is India’s only branded frosted glass that will not only allow you to enjoy privacy in your workspace but will also let natural light pass through, so you don’t end up feeling locked in. Additionally, you can install our frosted glass solutions in your doors, interior screens, false ceiling/roofing, bannisters, stairs, bathrooms, et al. For glass solutions that make your spaces private but not a secret, contact AIS Glass today!