How to Frost Clear Glass Shower Doors

If you want to frost the clear glass on your shower doors for added privacy, there are a few options available. Instead of hiring a professional to sandblast them, you can acid etch them, apply a frosted window film or spray a frosted window paint to achieve the frosted look. You will also be able to save money by doing the project yourself.

Things You'll Need

• Window cleaner (no ammonia or vinegar if using window film; see Section 4)
• Painter's tape
• Frosted window film
• Etching acid
• Stencils (optional)
• Frosted glass spray paint
• Etching acid kit
• Timer
• Spray bottle with water and baby shampoo mixture
• Frosted Window Film
• Squeegee
• Utility Knife

Instructions

Get Started

1. Decide whether you want to use an etching acid, film or spray paint. All products that you need will be available at a home improvement store or a crafts store. In addition to frosted window films, you can find films in different colors and designs that resemble stained glass.

2. Clean and dry the glass completely, no matter what product you chose. Apply tape around the edges to protect any trim if you are using a paint or etching acid. Refer to the Sections 2 through 4 for instructions on how to apply etching acid, window film or frosted spray paint.

3. Enjoy the added beauty and privacy of your newly frosted shower doors after you finish your project. Look around your house for windows or other pieces of glass that you might like to frost also. Perhaps you can frost your bathroom window to match the shower doors.

Use Frosted Spray Paint

1. Take your shower doors outside, and set them on a clean and protected surface. Make sure that pets and children won't be able to get close enough to damage the paint while it is drying.

2. Put on proper eye, mouth and nose protection so that you don't inhale paint fumes or get paint in your eyes. Make sure the outside of the shower doors is pointed up so that you paint the right side. You want the paint on the outside so that water can't damage the paint during shower usage.

3. Spray a light film of paint on the glass and allow to dry. Repeat until you have achieved the desired effect. Allow to dry completely before you reinstall the shower doors.

Use Etching Acid

1. Choose whether you will do this job indoors or outdoors. If you will apply the etching cream indoors, make sure that you keep pets and other people, especially children, away from your project.

2. Put on proper hand protection while applying and removing the cream. If you are using stencils, remember that some kits also come with a product that you place under the stencil so that it won't move.

3. Leave the cream on the glass for the period of time specified on the package. Different brands will have varied specifications and directions. Rinse the glass off when the waiting period is over, and then dry the doors.

Apply Window Film

1. Follow the directions on the package of window film. Some films are static cling. If this is the case, you only need to clean the glass, dampen it so the film will stick and smooth out the bubbles.

2. Know that some films are a little bit more complicated than static cling. You will need to clean the window with a solution of bottled water and baby shampoo in a spray bottle and clean the window with a squeegee. Remove the backing on the film a little at a time while wetting it and applying it to the window, working from the top to the bottom.

3. Use a squeegee to remove any bubbles and trim away excess around the edges with a utility knife. Spray the film once more with your water and shampoo solution and squeegee again.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice on spare pieces of glass before you move on to frosting the shower doors with any of these methods.

• Don't touch or open the shower doors for about three days or as indicated on the package directions.

• Don't use window cleaning products that contain ammonia or vinegar before or after application of window film.