Frosted Glass FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Privacy, Cleaning, and Custom Designs

Looking for answers about frosted glass? You’re in the right place! Whether you’re curious about privacy levels, how it’s made, or how to care for it, this FAQ covers everything you need to know. Frosted glass is not only beautiful—it’s versatile, functional, and available in a range of finishes, textures, and effects. Browse the questions below or jump to the one that matters most to you.

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Can you see through frosted glass?

No. Only when items are pressed right up against the glass can you “see” them through the obscure surface. Once a few inches away, the object becomes blurred and disappears. Watch the video below to see exactly how private frosted glass is!

Wood Block is approx. 5″ away from the glass

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What are the main different types of frosted glass?

There are five main types of frosted glass, and each one varies in terms of how it’s made, how durable it is, and what kind of privacy and decorative options it offers. If you’re comparing your choices, it’s important to know that not all frosted glass is created equal!

Here’s a quick breakdown of each:

Sandblasted Glass

Made by blasting the surface with fine grit under high pressure, this method creates a permanent, elegant frosted look. At Sans Soucie, we specialize in handcrafted sandblasted designs with varying levels of depth, dimension, and texture—referred to as 1D, 2D Shaded, 3D Flat Carved and 3D Carved & Shaded effects. While we certainly didn’t invent the terms “1D, 2D, 3D”, themselves, we were the first to apply them to frosted and sandblasted glass in order to clearly define the distinct artistic qualities of each effect.

Acid Etched Glass

This technique uses chemicals to etch the surface of the glass, resulting in a smooth, flat frosted finish. It’s also permanent, but unlike sandblasting, it doesn’t allow for deep carving or custom textures.

Interlayer Laminated Glass

A translucent interlayer is bonded between two sheets of glass. This sandwich-style build provides privacy and enhanced strength. It’s often used in safety and commercial applications but doesn’t allow for detailed or decorative designs.

Ceramic Frit (Screen Print)

Here, a frosted or patterned ink is screen-printed onto glass and then baked in a kiln, fusing it permanently. It’s often used in large-scale architectural projects and can include patterns, dots, or gradients—though not usually detailed imagery.

Applied Translucent Film

This is a budget-friendly, temporary option where a frosted vinyl film is applied to clear glass. It mimics the frosted look but can peel, bubble, or scratch over time and doesn’t offer the same elegance or longevity as permanent methods.

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📊 Want to compare all five side-by-side?

We’ve created a helpful graphic that breaks down the benefits, durability, cost, and design flexibility of each type:

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What’s the difference between etched, carved, and sandblasted frosted glass?

All three techniques use sandblasting to create frosted designs, but the difference lies in depth and detail. Etched glass has a light, flat frost effect, while carved glass features deep, multi-dimensional sculpting. Sandblasted glass is the general term that covers both techniques.

👉 For a closer look at our different effects, check out this article on our Sandblast Effects.

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Which side of the glass is frosted?

In most cases, the sandblasting will be to the back surface of the glass, meaning the side you touch on the “front” (outside the room or home), is smooth glass. However, the sandblasted or frosted side varies by sandblast effect and product. For example, on shower doors, the frosted side is on the outside or exterior of the shower, making the inside surface (the one inside the shower), smooth, plain glass that you can squeegee!

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What is frosted glass made of?

Frosted glass starts as regular glass and is then treated—most often by sandblasting or acid etching—to create a textured surface that scatters light, giving it that soft, cloudy appearance.

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Does frosted glass provide privacy at night?

Yes, frosted glass provides privacy both day and night.

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Can frosted glass be cleaned easily?

Absolutely! The frosted side should be treated gently—no abrasive cleaners or scrubbing—but most frosted glass can be cleaned using a soft cloth and a standard glass cleaner. If the frosted surface is sandblasted (not a film or spray), it’s permanent and can be cleaned just like regular glass.

👉 We have a full guide on this! Check out our blog: How to Clean Frosted Glass: The Ultimate Guide

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Is frosted glass permanent?

It depends on the TYPE of frosted glass. Sandblasted Glass and acid etched glass, yes—frosted glass is a permanent modification to the surface. It won’t peel or fade over time, unlike frosted glass films or sprays, which are temporary solutions that can degrade or bubble.

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Does frosted glass scratch easily?

That depends on the type of frosted glass. Some types are more prone to scratching than others, depending on how the frosting is applied and what materials are used. There are big differences between permanent, handcrafted techniques like sandblasting and temporary options like film or spray.

To compare scratch resistance, cost, durability, and decorative possibilities across all 5 major types of frosted glass, check out our full guide:

👉 Does Frosted Glass Scratch Easily?

You’ll find a side-by-side chart that breaks it all down—not all frosted glass is created equal!

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Can frosted glass be used in exterior applications?

Yes! Frosted glass is excellent for exterior use—from front entry doors to windows—especially when you want privacy without blocking light. Our dual-pane glass units for exterior doors ensure energy efficiency and weather resistance, while our sandblasted designs add a stunning decorative touch.

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Does frosted glass block UV rays?

Frosted glass does offer some UV protection, particularly when the frosting is dense. However, if UV protection is a priority, consider combining frosted glass with Low-E coatings or tinted glass layers for enhanced performance.

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Can you make custom designs in frosted glass?

Yes—and that’s exactly what we specialize in at Sans Soucie! From personalized monograms to intricate landscapes, every design is handcrafted to fit your exact glass size, product, and style. Choose from our vast library of designs or collaborate with us to create something truly one-of-a-kind.

👉 Learn more about custom frosted glass doors and our design process.

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Can I get the same frosted glass design on different types of products?

Yes—this is one of the things that truly sets us apart! We can carry your frosted glass design across front doors, interior doors, windows, shower doors, showers, and glass shower partitions, decorative mirrors, glass tables and more, creating a beautifully cohesive, custom look throughout your home or space. Whether you want a repeating motif, a design that flows from one piece to the next, or matching elements across multiple rooms, we can make it happen. It’s not just glass—it’s a work of art brought to life on every surface.

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Is frosted glass the same as privacy glass?

Not always. Frosted glass is a type of privacy glass, but “privacy glass” can also refer to tinted, patterned, or switchable smart glass. Frosted glass remains one of the most elegant and light-enhancing ways to create privacy, especially when sandblasted with artistic designs like ours.

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🛍️ Shop Our

Stunning Frosted Glass Doors!

🛍️ MORE Frosted Glass Products

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Different Frosted Glass Techniques

Not all frosted glass is created equal! There are several methods used to create a frosted or obscure effect, each with different benefits, aesthetics, and levels of permanence:

🪨 Sandblasted Frosted Glass

This is what Sans Soucie is known for! Sandblasting allows for stunning custom designs with various depths, privacy levels, and textures. It’s permanent and can range from simple to incredibly intricate. 👉 Want to see the process in action? Watch this sandblasted frosted glass demo to see how our handcrafted designs come to life.

🧪 Acid Etched Glass

Uses chemical etching to achieve a flat, frosted look. It’s also permanent but doesn’t allow for the same sculptural detail or multi-depth carving as sandblasting. 👉 Want to see how it’s done? Watch this acid etched glass tutorial for a step-by-step look at the process and techniques involved.

🌀 Frosted Glass Film

A temporary adhesive film applied to the surface of glass. It’s budget-friendly and offers basic privacy, but it can bubble, peel, or discolor over time—unlike permanent sandblasting. 👉 Curious how it works? Watch this quick frosted window film tutorial to see how it’s applied in just five minutes.

🎨 Frosted Glass Spray

An aerosol coating sprayed onto glass to create a frosted look. Like film, it’s temporary, can scratch or flake, and may not be ideal for long-term applications or humid areas. 👉 Want to see how it’s applied? Watch this frosted glass spray demo to learn the do’s and don’ts before trying it yourself.

🔌 Smart Privacy Glass

Switchable “smart glass” that goes from clear to opaque with a switch or remote. While high-tech and useful in commercial settings, it’s far more expensive and doesn’t offer the elegance of handcrafted designs. 👉 Want to see it in action? Watch this smart glass and smart film demo to see how it switches from clear to frosted on demand.

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Additional Resources

Looking to explore frosted glass and energy-efficient glazing even further? Check out these trusted resources for deeper insight:

☀️ Improving Energy Efficiency with Windows

Learn how different types of glass and window construction impact your home’s energy use. This article from Energy.gov explains what to consider when upgrading or replacing windows for better efficiency.

🔍 How Frosted Glass Is Made

Explore the most common techniques used to create frosted glass—like acid etching and abrasive blasting—in this detailed guide to glass etching on Wikipedia. It’s a helpful breakdown of the science and history behind the effects you see today.

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Still have questions?

Of course you do! There’s always more to know when it comes to frosted glass and all the ways it can transform your space. If you didn’t find what you were looking for here, be sure to check out our Sandblast Effects page or browse our product-specific FAQs. And if you need personalized help, our team is just a message away—we’re happy to guide you through your options and help bring your vision to life.