Satin and frosted glass
Frosted glass softens views and adds privacy while keeping rooms bright. Choose acid-etched satin glass or sandblasted designs, cut to size and toughened to order.
What is frosted glass?
Frosted glass is glass with a translucent, matt surface that diffuses light. It lets daylight through but blurs what is behind it, which makes it ideal for bathrooms, front doors, office partitions and anywhere you need privacy without losing light.
There are two main ways to make frosted glass. Acid-etched satin glass is treated with acid in the factory, giving a smooth, even finish that is easy to clean and does not show fingerprints easily. Sandblasted glass is blasted with fine abrasive, which allows custom patterns, logos and stripes but leaves a slightly rougher surface that benefits from a protective sealer.
Both types can be cut, edged and toughened, and the frosted side is usually placed on the inside of a shower or the protected side of a door. For a patterned look instead of a flat frost, see our patterned and fluted glass.
Frosted glass specification
- Acid-etched satin glass, single or double sided
- Sandblasted patterns, bands and logos
- Thicknesses from 4 to 12 mm
- Toughened or laminated to order
- Clear or low-iron base glass
How we make frosted glass to order
- Choose the finish. Pick full satin, a frosted band, or a custom sandblasted design from your drawing.
- Cut and edge. The glass is cut to size and the edges finished to suit the frame or a frameless fixing.
- Frost and toughen. Factory satin glass is toughened after processing; sandblasted designs are applied and sealed.
- Deliver. Each pane is protected so the frosted surface reaches you clean.
Choosing frosted glass for privacy
For bathrooms and showers, acid-etched satin glass is the most practical frosted glass because it resists water marks and cleans easily. For offices, a frosted band at eye level gives privacy and also acts as manifestation, making large glass panels easier to see.
If you want a decorative effect, sandblasted frosted glass can carry house numbers, company logos or graduated stripes. Remember that frosting reduces visibility but does not make glass safer, so doors and showers still need toughened or laminated frosted glass. The different frosting methods are compared on Wikipedia.
Typical uses for frosted glass
- Bathroom windows, bath screens and showers
- Front door and side panel glazing
- Office partitions with frosted manifestation
- Internal glass doors
- Wardrobe and cabinet doors
Frosted glass FAQs
Is frosted glass completely private?
Frosted glass blurs shapes so people cannot be recognised, but bright light behind it can show outlines. For full privacy at night, combine it with blinds or choose a denser finish.
Which side of frosted glass faces out?
For showers and bathrooms, the smooth side usually faces the wet area so it is easier to clean. We will mark the frosted side for fitting.
How do I clean frosted glass?
Use warm water and a soft cloth or a non-abrasive glass cleaner. Avoid oily or silicone-based products, which can leave marks on the frosted surface.
Can frosted glass be toughened?
Yes. Satin and frosted glass can be toughened or laminated, which is required for doors, showers and other safety-critical locations.