How to Frost Windows with Epsom Salts

Frosted windows have never looked prettier or more realistic than when you use this Epsom salt mixture to start the project. Even if you add window art later, the frost makes the perfect background.

If you live in a warm or tropical climate, you may not see a lot of snow even in the winter. While this may make you very happy most of the time, it can be difficult to shake the traditional notion that Christmas comes with snow. Fortunately, you can bring a hint of winter to the most temperate of Decembers by frosting your windows for the holidays. This simple recipe will create an authentic looking frost that will not melt but will make you nostalgic for years gone by. This year, get into the holiday spirit by making sure your Christmas will be white.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Epsom salts
• Beer
• Terry cloth rag
• Regular rag
• Mixing bowl

1. Dissolve 4 heaping tablespoons of Epsom salts in 1 cup of beer. You should do this in the mixing bowl. The mixture will foam up, so make sure that the bowl is deep enough to contain the chemical reaction.

2. Allow the mixture to sit for 30 minutes at room temperature. As the salts dissolve, the foam will dissipate. You will still see some salt crystals in the bottom of the bowl.

3. Apply the mixture to the window. You can do this by dipping the terry cloth rag into the solution, then sweeping it across the window as if you were washing it. While the window is still wet, go back and dab at it with the damp rag. This will make the frost crystals look more realistic when they dry.

4. These windows will bring back memories of colder Christmases and enable your children to enjoy one of the pleasures of a snowy holiday.

   Allow the window to dry overnight. In the morning, you will see beautiful "frost" crystals. If you do not want the entire window covered, use a damp rag to rub away part of the crystals or to draw pretty designs or letters in the frost. The crystals will last a long time and can be removed with a rag and warm water.

Tips & Warnings

• You can also use this technique to shield bathroom windows while still allowing light in. Add food coloring to the salt mixture to create a stained glass effect.

• Epsom salts are also sometimes used as a laxative, so do not ingest this mixture. It can make you feel very ill.

Resources

• Click here to learn more about window painting for any season.