How to matte glass at home

Matting in design is gaining more and more popularity. Surfaces that have undergone chemical or artistic treatment are often used in modern design. Especially when decorating doors, wardrobes, windows, partitions and much more.

frosted glass
If you are interested in how to make ordinary glass matte with your own hands, you are unlikely to want to resort to expensive services.

Competently selected images can decorate any interior, and in a harmonious tandem with the right illumination, they will not only change it, but also visually expand the boundaries of the room.

frosted glass
With the help of proven and uncomplicated technology, you can create a stylish ambience in the interior.

Pros and cons of frosted glass

Glass is used in a variety of industries, from construction to jewelry. The matting technology is constantly being improved, which makes it possible to manufacture a variety of products: jewelry, souvenirs, dishes, mirrors, showcases, furniture, etc.

frosted glass in the interior
Glass matting is a technology whose effect is directly opposite to polishing.

There are several methods for obtaining a matte effect. They allow obtaining a matte and opaque surface that resembles velvet in the process of special glass processing. This style of decoration will decorate any product.

frosted glass photo
If polishing gives the glass shine and transparency, then matting, on the contrary, makes the surface rough, opaque and matte.

Methods for making such glass can be either mechanical or manual. There are many different fixtures and chemical solutions on the market that will help give glass a matte finish. However, when choosing a remedy, you should always remember that they have both positive and negative qualities. It is very important to find the option that is not only the most beneficial or convenient, but also safe for health.

frosted glass with a pattern
Matte patterns allow you to give originality and special charm even to faceless objects.

The positive properties of glass matting include:

  1. Variety of types of material.
  2. Versatility of use.
  3. Possibility of choosing the appropriate processing method.
  4. Diverse design, splendor and grace of matte products.
  5. It allows you to hide unaesthetic things and hide from prying eyes.
frosted glass in the bathroom
After matting, the glass turns into a material with a modified surface structure, becoming opaque.

The negative aspects include roughness, which attracts dust, as well as fingerprints and other dirt are clearly visible on it. However, these flaws can be easily eliminated by covering the products with a special varnish.

frosted glass photo
Matting can be done both on completely flat surfaces and on things with complex shapes.

Glass matting at home

Glass matting is best done chemically. This technology is simpler, less expensive and convenient, and the surface is less rough. It is better not to use substances containing harmful hydrofluoric acid.

DIY frosted glass
Knowing how to matte glass can help the DIY DIY.

Special means

Etching with matting paste is a harmless, simple and reliable method that does not require large material costs.Frosted or satin glass will help to hide from prying eyes and at the same time will not block access to light.

matting paste
Chemical matting is performed using a special matting paste.

Pastes are quite actively used by builders, furniture manufacturers and many other industries. These formulations do not contain harmful hydrofluoric acid and other hazardous substances, and do not have an unpleasant odor. Thanks to all of these properties, the use of the paste is not only safe, but also quite simple.

matte pattern
Upon completion of the process, silky translucent images are formed on the glass.

The special matting paste GlassMat will allow you to quickly and easily transform any glass objects into stylish and fashionable interior details. The sequence of the processing process:

  • degrease the glass surface (it is better to use alcohol solutions);
  • apply and fix the stencil (on a self-adhesive base);
  • mix the composition thoroughly and apply with a rubber spatula with a layer of 2-4 mm to the surface;
  • let dry for 8-10 minutes;
  • collect the paste from the surface with a rubber spatula into a clean jar;
  • the stencil is removed under running water, the product is thoroughly washed and dried.
glass matting
The patterns are so resistant to external influences that they cannot be removed even by mechanical means.

The result is a very smooth, opaque, velvety surface. It does not wash off or scrape off. The paste can be used 7-10 times and one kilogram of the product is enough for 24 sq. m of glass.

With the help of a liquid composition, products of complex shapes can be easily matted. To do this, a stencil is applied and fixed on them, and then immersed in a container with a solution.

glass matting
Using film stencils, you can get matte designs of any size and configuration.

An opaque surface for a mirror or glass can be created using a spray paint or varnish spray. The process is identical to the application of the paste: fix the stencil to the surface and spray 2-3 coats of paint at intervals to dry.

spray for glass matting
It is important to protect from small drops those areas of the glass that are not covered with a stencil.

A fairly common way to matte glass is finishing with a special film: colorless or colored, with shading, patterns or patterns. It is the simplest and most economical one.

matting film
The film is applied to the glass in accordance with the instructions on the package.

Another option for creating a cloudy surface is lacomat. The glass is covered with a matting varnish - translucent or white. It is applied with a roller or a brush in a couple of layers and using different techniques to obtain striking effects.

matting varnish for glass
Such work requires accuracy, care and some skill and knowledge.

Folk remedies

There are several recipes for making matting paste at home. Since the process involves chemicals, protective gloves and a gown must be worn.

matting paste
Getting on the glass surface, the matting paste instantly enters into a chemical reaction with it.

To make pasta you will need:

  • gelatin;
  • distilled water;
  • sodium fluoride.

The components are mixed well in a ratio of 25: 1: 2 and applied with a roller onto the glass surface. Leave for a while and then wash off with water. After the glass is dried and incubated for 1 minute in a solution of 6% hydrochloric acid.

glass matting photo
The paste is applied to the drawing in a continuous and even layer. The thickness of the layer does not really matter, but, as a rule, it is 4-5 mm.

This method cannot be used to create a pattern, as the mixture will penetrate under the stencil. But it perfectly contributes to the creation of a cloudy and matte surface.

Stencils are best done using a self-adhesive film - it will allow you to stick the pattern without displacement and distortion.

glass matting with paste
The duration of matting should be in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations for the matting paste (usually the process takes 15 minutes).

The following composition includes liquid glass, distilled water and tooth powder in a ratio of 25: 1: 2. Liquid glass is mixed with distilled water, then a little tooth powder is added, and everything is mixed again. Pigments can be added to the paste: ultramarine or red lead.

glass washing
The composition is applied to a clean glass surface with a roller and, after drying, is washed off with water.

Another recipe for how to easily make transparent glass frosted at home consists of the following elements: distilled water, sodium chloride (table salt) and potassium sulfate. Everything is mixed in a ratio of 35: 8: 1, applied and cured for 30 minutes, and then washed off.

matting paste for glass
After waiting for the recommended time, you can start removing the stencil.

This composition is used as an addition to the previous one: distilled water, zinc chloride and hydrochloric acid in a ratio of 50: 1.5: 6.5. Both solutions are mixed and applied to glass, and after 30 minutes they are washed off.

Is it possible to make glossy glass from matte glass

To make matte glass glossy, polishing is used. Polishing compounds can be industrial and homemade.

how to restore glass transparency
To make frosted glass transparent, you can stick tape on it.

GOI paste is a mixture of finely dispersed chromium oxide, active ingredients and a fatty binder. It allows you to polish any glass, even optical. Flannel or felt is moistened with gasoline or kerosene, then the paste is applied to the fabric.

paste GOI
The glass is moistened with mineral oil and begins to process with gentle movements.

Cerium oxide perfectly polishes and removes defects and abrasions in window glass, watches and even lenses. It is included in the paste formulations: "Cetrit", "Politrit", "Ftoropol". In order to remove scratches, first use pastes with coarse "grain", and then soft.

glass polishing
Hand polishing takes a lot of time and effort, so it's best to use an electric sander.

Diamond pastes and powders that are diluted with petroleum jelly or silicone are considered the best. They are able to polish even sapphire crystals.

diamond paste
The diamond paste will help make clear glass out of frosted glass.

Any old or boring glass item should not be thrown away. It can be given a second life, while making the surface more interesting and attractive, using the usual matting or polishing. If you wish, you can combine them and get exclusive, very beautiful products.

glass matting at home
Self-made frosted glass can become a true work of art.

VIDEO: Glass matting at home.

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