Frosting glass is an easy and inexpensive way to add a decorative touch to windows, mirrors, vases, and more. With just a few simple supplies, you can create a frosty effect that diffuses light beautifully. The frosted texture also provides privacy while still allowing light to shine through. Learning how to frost glass only takes a few steps, and the results are gorgeous.

What You’ll Need

Frosting glass doesn’t require many supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:

Glass to be frosted – this can be a pane of glass, a mirror, a vase or other glass object. Ensure the glass is clean before starting.
Frosting spray – This is available at most craft stores. Make sure to use a spray designed specifically for frosting glass.
Drop cloth or newspaper – To protect the surface underneath the glass from overspray.
Paint scraper or straight edge – To create patterns in the frosting (optional).
Masking tape – To mask off areas you don’t want to frost (optional).
Gloves and goggles – For safety when spraying.

Prepare Your Workspace

Before starting your frosted glass project, prep your workspace to protect other surfaces:

Work in a well-ventilated area like a garage or backyard. Frosting spray contains toxic fumes.
Lay down a drop cloth or newspapers to catch overspray.
Have a wet rag handy to quickly clean up any mistakes.
Cover any nearby surfaces you don’t want to frost – spray can spread farther than you expect.
Put on gloves and goggles to protect yourself from inhaling fumes or getting spray in your eyes.

Clean and Dry the Glass

Any dirt, dust, oil or water on the glass surface will affect how the frosting spray adheres. So the first key step is making sure your glass is pristine:

Wash the glass thoroughly with soap and warm water. Rinse away any soap residue.
Dry the glass completely using a lint-free cloth or paper towels. Don’t skip this step!
Use rubbing alcohol to remove any remaining oils or grease. This helps the spray adhere evenly.
Remove any dust with a microfiber cloth right before you start spraying.

Apply Masking Tape (Optional)

If you only want to frost certain sections of the glass, use painter’s masking tape to mask off any areas you want to remain clear:

Apply tape in straight lines around the edges of the sections you’ll be frosting.
Press the tape down firmly so you have a tight seal on the glass.
Use a utility knife to cut clean edges around any detailed shapes.
Remove any bubbles or wrinkles in the tape as you work.

Shake the Frosting Spray Can

Before spraying, thoroughly shake the frosting spray paint for at least 60 seconds. This mixes up the pigments and ensures it sprays evenly:

Hold the can upside down during shaking to incorporate the solids at the bottom.
Continue shaking for a full minute until the mixing ball rattles around freely inside.
Periodically shake the can during use to maintain consistency.

Apply the Frosting in Light Coats

The key to an even frosted effect is using multiple light coats instead of one heavy coat:

Hold the can 10-12 inches from the glass surface.
Press the nozzle and apply a very light, misty coat using a side to side motion.
Wait 5 minutes, then apply a second thin, even coat in the opposite direction.
Add up to 5 light coats, allowing drying time between each, until you achieve the coverage you want.
Avoid holding the spray in one spot or you’ll get drips. Keep it moving!

Allow the Frosting to Dry

It’s important to let each coat dry thoroughly before adding another. Read the manufacturer’s directions for exact drying times:

Typically frosting spray needs 5-10 minutes drying time per coat.
Insufficient drying time can cause running or clouding of the finish.
Cooler temperatures or high humidity will lengthen the drying time needed.
Allow the finished frosted glass an hour or more to cure before touching.

Remove Masking Tape (If Used)

Once the final coat has dried, carefully remove any masking tape:

Peel the tape back slowly at a shallow angle to prevent pulling off the frosting.
If any frosting starts to lift up, press it gently back down before continuing.
Remove any tape adhesive residue with rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth.
Touch up any spots using a small paintbrush and frosting spray if needed.

Achieve Different Finishes

Beyond a standard frosted look, you can create other effects by manipulating the spray:

Heavy frost: Apply 8-10+ light coats for a thick, opaque frosted finish.
Partial frost: Mask off sections you want clear for a two-tone design.
Spotted frost: Randomly spritz small areas instead of a solid coat.
Drips: Apply heavy coats allowing wet frosting to drip down for a streaky look.
Splatter: Use a paint brush or toothbrush to splatter on frosting.

Create Textured Designs

If desired, you can add some handcrafted texture to your frosted glass:

Scrape patterns: Use a paint scraper or straight edge to scrape off frosting.
Add sand texture: While wet, sprinkle sand onto the frosting, then shake off excess.
Scratch designs: Use a nail or toothpick to scratch lines and shapes into the frosting.
Stencil patterns: Cut out a paper template, hold against glass, and spray around it.

Allow Full Curing Time Before Use

While the frosting may feel dry to the touch shortly after you finish, allow plenty of curing time before actively using the glass:

Let the frosted glass cure for at least 24-48 hours before installation or use.
Full hardness takes up to a week, so use care and avoid contact during that time.
Wash gently by hand using a soft cloth and mild soap if needed. Avoid abrasives.
For drinking glasses or other vessels, allow a week of curing before using and hand wash only.

With these simple steps, you can easily frost glass for an elegant, soft frosted effect. Take your time applying light coats, allow adequate drying time between applications, and avoid over-manipulating the wet spray. In no time you’ll have beautiful frosted glass decor to style your space!

Frosting Glass Doors and Mirrors

Frosted glass looks beautiful on doors, bathroom mirrors, and accent mirrors:

For doors and mirrors, select frosting spray designed for use on glass and mirrors specifically. Regular craft frosting may react with mirror coatings.
Mirrors and heavy glass may require extra drying time between coats. Spray light coats and allow 10-15 minutes of drying time between applications.
Use painter’s tape and plastic sheeting to completely mask off the frame and any border areas you want to remain clear.
For doors, coat both sides of the glass pane for a consistent look.
When removing masking materials, peel slowly at a 45° angle to prevent pulling off frosting.
Seal edges with mirror backing paint if needed to hide unfinished edges.

Frosting Glass Vases and Drinking Glasses

Glass vases, drinkware, and more get a stylish matte look when frosted:

Choose a frosting spray made specifically for use on vessels used for food and drink. General craft sprays may not be food safe.
Completely mask off any area or rim you want to remain clear using tape and paper.
Coat the interior as well if you want the frosted effect inside and out. Let dry upside down after coating inside.
Allow freshly frosted glass several days of curing time before using with food or beverages.
Hand wash only using mild soap and a soft cloth. Avoid abrasives that could scratch off frosting.

Frosting Glass Without Spray

While spray frosting gives the most convenient and consistent results, you can also frost glass using:

Sandblasting

Sand at high pressure is used to etch a frosted texture into glass.
Creates a very smooth and uniform matte finish.
Ideal for heavy commercial glass, like office building windows.
Requires specialized sandblasting equipment.

Glass Etching Cream

Acid-based creams chemically etch the surface for a frosted effect.
Allows creating hand-drawn frosted designs since you apply the cream by hand.
Needs special safety precautions when working with acids.
Can only be used on fully tempered glass.

Matte Finishing Powders

Powders are polished into the glass surface using a buffing pad or steel wool.
Labor intensive method requiring specialized grinding and polishing tools.
Allows you to control the degree of frosting.
Used most often by professional glass fabricators.

Common Problems and Solutions

Frosting glass usually goes smoothly, but occasionally issues pop up. Here are some common problems and how to avoid them:

Drips or Runs in the Finish

Solution: Allow more drying time between coats. Apply thinner coats. Keep spray can moving constantly.

Cloudy or Blotchy Finish

Solution: Ensure glass surface is totally clean before starting. Apply lighter coats. Don’t retouch areas until fully dry.

Frosting Washes Off When Wet

Solution: Allow more curing time after application. Use a frosting spray designed for glass and ensure compatibility.

Can’t Remove Tape Without Pulling Off Frosting

Solution: Use fresh painter’s tape and press down firmly to create a tight seal on the glass. Peel off tape slowly at a 45° angle.

Irregular Coverage

Solution: Shake can thoroughly before and during use. Apply frosting in a side-to-side sweeping motion keeping the can the same distance from the glass.

Maintaining Frosted Glass

Frosted glass is quite durable but still requires some care. Here are tips for keeping it looking its best:

Use soft cloths and mild cleaners without abrasives to hand wash when needed.
Avoid scraping or scouring the surface which could scratch off the frosting.
For drinking glasses and dishware, hand wash only. Dishwashers can damage the frosted coating over time.
Reapply frosting annually or as needed if you notice wear, using short light coats over clean glass.
Wax products like Rain-X can help repel water and condensation that could “wash out” the frosted effect when applied properly.

With proper care, frosted glass will maintain its beautiful, translucent appearance for years before needing reapplication. Enjoy this easy way to instantly stylize your glassware!

How Much Does it Cost to Frost Glass?

The cost to frost glass depends on the size of your project, materials needed, and whether you DIY or hire a professional:

DIY Frosting

Frosting small pieces like vases or mirrors yourself using spray cans costs:

Frosting spray: $8 to $20 per can
Other supplies: $5 to $15 (drop cloth, tape, gloves, etc.)

Total cost to frost a few small items: $15 to $40

Professional Frosting

Hiring professionals for large jobs like full glass doors or building windows averages:

Commercial building windows: $5 to $10 per sq. ft.
Residential doors/windows: $3 to $8 per sq. ft.

So a 10’ x 10’ room with a glass door and two 5’ x 5’ windows could cost $1500 to $3000 or more professionally installed. For new installation, the glass itself would be an additional charge.

Factors Affecting Cost

Variables that influence the total cost include:

Type of glass being frosted
Glass thickness and size
Use of masking or templates
Intricacy of frosting design
Professional installation fees
Geographic location

For small pieces or touch ups, DIY spray frosting is very affordable. But for large, intricate frosted glass projects, hiring a professional may ensure the best results.

Frosting Glass vs. Buying Frosted Glass

Instead of frosting existing glass yourself, you can also buy pre-frosted glass. Here’s how the two options compare:

Frosting

Pros

Frost any existing glass you already have
Inexpensive way to update glass you want to keep
Can frost full sheets or cut glass pieces

Cons

Extra time and effort to frost glass yourself
Not permanent; may need reapplication over time

Frosted Glass

Pros

No work required – arrives ready to install
Even factory coating for consistent look
Often more durable than DIY frosting

Cons

More expensive upfront cost
Can’t convert existing glass – have to replace it
Limited styles and sizes readily available

So frosting existing glass is usually the more budget-friendly option. But for brand new installs or certain architectural settings, factory frosted glass offers outstanding durability and perfectly uniform frosting.

Can you Remove Frosting From Glass?

It is possible to remove frosted spray coating from glass, but it requires chemicals and vigor that could damage the glass. You’re usually better off re-frosting:

To Remove Frosting:

Wear gloves and safety goggles. Work in a well-ventilated area.
Coat the frosted area with paint thinner like mineral spirits or acetone. Let sit for 1 minute.
Wipe off with steel wool or a ceramic paint scraper, applying firm pressure.
Repeat until frosting is removed. This may take several applications and pressure.
Immediately wash glass thoroughly with soap and water when done.

Things to Consider:

Removing frosting is labor intensive and risks scratching or etching the glass.
It is usually easier to just re-frost the glass instead.
Only use on tempered glass. Other glass could crack under the pressure.
Do not use this process on coated, antique, or thin glass.

For most jobs, your best option is to simply re-frost the glass rather than try to remove the coating completely. But if you need to start fresh with bare glass again, solvents and abrasion can strip the frosted finish.

FAQ About Frosting Glass

Frosting glass is an easy DIY project that adds an elegant, translucent effect. Here are answers to some frequently asked questions:

What types of glass can be frosted?

Nearly any glass can be frosted, including:

Windows
Mirrors
Drinking glasses & mugs
Vases and decorative objects
Picture frames
Shower doors
Tabletops and furniture

Types to avoid are coated glass, antique glass, and any glass labeled “not for craft use.”

Does frosted glass let light through?

Yes, frosted glass still allows light transmission, just in a diffused, softened manner. The tiny texture scattered across the surface scatters the light. The frosting levels you apply control how translucent the glass remains.

Is frosted glass opaque?

It depends on the degree of frosting. With just 1-2 light coats, glass will be partially translucent. Heavily frosted glass with many coats can become nearly opaque, obscuring objects behind it. Frosted coatings don’t block as much light as opaque tints.

Can you frost tempered glass?

Yes, tempered glass can be safely frosted since you are only coating the surface. Be sure to use a spray made specifically for tempering glass to avoid chemical reactions. Never sand or etch tempered glass.

Is frosted glass easier to clean?

Frosted glass resists showing water spots, fingerprints, and other marks. The textured surface helps conceal light debris and grime. Frosted coatings are best hand washed and dried to avoid losing the finish.

How long does frosted glass last?

With proper care, frosted spray or etched glass typically lasts 1-5 years before needing reapplication. Hand washing and avoiding abrasives extends its life. In commercial settings with daily wear, frosted glass may need yearly touch ups.

Can you frost glass that is already tempered?

Yes, tempered glass can be frosted after the fact. Be sure to use an aerosol frosting spray made specifically for tempered glass. Avoid liquid enamels or creams that could contain chemicals incompatible with tempering. Never sand or etch tempered glass.

What’s the difference between frosted and etched glass?

Frosted glass has a granular, matt surface from a spray-on coating. Etched glass is physically textured by chemicals or abrasives removing minute amounts of material. Both diffuse light, but etching is permanent while frosting wears over time.

How do you pattern frosted glass?

Apply painter’s tape to create stripes, blocks, and geometric patterns.
Use stencils and spray around or through them.
Scrape or stencil off frosting with tools.
Mask off parts, frost, then reverse and frost other sections.
Scratch shapes or drawings into the coating with picks.

Can you frost glass shower doors?

Yes, glass shower doors can be frosted using a spray designed for use in bathrooms. Avoid liquid enamels. Make sure to mask off any borders or strips you want to remain clear. Allow frosted doors 48-72 hours of cure time before use.

Is frosted glass more expensive?

Professionally fabricated frosted glass costs $1-3 more per square foot compared to regular glass. DIY spray frosting costs about $10-25 for materials to frost several small pieces. For big jobs, hiring professional frosters is most practical versus buying frosted glass outright.

How to Frost Glass