Sandblast Mirror Or Frosted Mirror

[raincole 0]

Hi, what's the difference between the above 2? And which is more cheaper? Any good/bad if using the cheaper version? Many thanks.

I'm trying to see if my id is trying to replace something cheaper than agreed.

[gendon 0]

Hi, what's the difference between the above 2? And which is more cheaper? Any good/bad if using the cheaper version? Many thanks.

I'm trying to see if my id is trying to replace something cheaper than agreed.

Hi raincole

Frosted is the effect/finish, etching is the process - acid-etched or sand-blasted. The basic difference between acid-etched glass and sandblasted glass is that acid etching creates a smoother surface that is less likely to show up finger marks (unavoidably caused by natural oil on our fingertips). Real acid-etched and sandblasted glass is much more expensive than film and more time-consuming to install (glass panels are usually either completely replaced, or removed and treated off-site).

The cheaper alternative will be the adhesive frosted film.

[l_club23 0]

Hi raincole

Frosted is the effect/finish, etching is the process - acid-etched or sand-blasted. The basic difference between acid-etched glass and sandblasted glass is that acid etching creates a smoother surface that is less likely to show up finger marks (unavoidably caused by natural oil on our fingertips). Real acid-etched and sandblasted glass is much more expensive than film and more time-consuming to install (glass panels are usually either completely replaced, or removed and treated off-site).

The cheaper alternative will be the adhesive frosted film.

Never heard of acid-etched glass before.

Any difference in terms of appearance and pricing to sandblasted glass?

[gendon 0]

Never heard of acid-etched glass before.

Any difference in terms of appearance and pricing to sandblasted glass?

Acid-etched decoration is produced by covering the glass with an acid-resistant substance such as adhesive vinyl, anti-etch gel, wax, varnish, or grease, through which the design is scratched using a needle or sharp tool. An etching cream is then applied to etch the exposed areas of glass. This leaves a matte finish and is usually a much lighter color to whitish appearance.

Acid-etching process results in a smoother frosted appearance on the glass/mirror surface, very uniform flat look. Can DIY if you want (etching liquid or cream should be available at Art Friend), but must be very careful: must use rubber gloves and work on a plastic or stainless steel surface as support, or else it will etch out your surface and becomes matt if work surface is porcelain. Very corrosive, hence try to wear eye protection (eg. goggles) as well.

Sandblast is the process where fine sand particles directed at the glass surface at high velocity/speed using pressured air to etch a design, to create a dimensional look. Usually done on figurines, etc. But oily fingerprints tend to be more noticeable on sandblasted finishes. Depending on the skill of the sandblaster/artisan, it is possible to have a look of several seamless layers/blends on one surface, which is not possible with acid-etching process. Sandblasting in general costs more, due to the steady-hand skills needed. Safety protection is also required due to the risks of dusts, abrasions and inhalation of fine sand particles.

Edited August 11, 2007 by gendon

[raincole 0]

Ok. Thanks. I'm using sand-blasted glass door for my kitchen.

[l_club23 0]

Acid-etched decoration is produced by covering the glass with an acid-resistant substance such as adhesive vinyl, anti-etch gel, wax, varnish, or grease, through which the design is scratched using a needle or sharp tool. An etching cream is then applied to etch the exposed areas of glass. This leaves a matte finish and is usually a much lighter color to whitish appearance.

Acid-etching process results in a smoother frosted appearance on the glass/mirror surface, very uniform flat look. Can DIY if you want (etching liquid or cream should be available at Art Friend), but must be very careful: must use rubber gloves and work on a plastic or stainless steel surface as support, or else it will etch out your surface and becomes matt if work surface is porcelain. Very corrosive, hence try to wear eye protection (eg. goggles) as well.

Sandblast is the process where fine sand particles directed at the glass surface at high velocity/speed using pressured air to etch a design, to create a dimensional look. Usually done on figurines, etc. But oily fingerprints tend to be more noticeable on sandblasted finishes. Depending on the skill of the sandblaster/artisan, it is possible to have a look of several seamless layers/blends on one surface, which is not possible with acid-etching process. Sandblasting in general costs more, due to the steady-hand skills needed. Safety protection is also required due to the risks of dusts, abrasions and inhalation of fine sand particles.

So what are the telling signs between sand-blasted and acid etched besides the smoother frosted appearance? Any obvious test which I can conduct?

[gendon 0]

So what are the telling signs between sand-blasted and acid etched besides the smoother frosted appearance? Any obvious test which I can conduct?

Sand-blasted surfaces tend to feel slightly grittier when u run your dry fingers across the surface, compared to an acid-etched surface. The level of grit also depends on the size of the sand particle used. For acid-etched surfaces, the frosted finish is alot finer and very uniform.

If you go out shopping, try to look out for those frosted-finished mugs, cups, figurines, vases, doors, mirrors, cupboards, etc. Some glass jugs, mugs, bottles and bowls have acid-etched branding at the bottom part. In offices, residences, public buildings, try to look out for frosted-finished surfaces and try to touch it to have a feel of the differences between acid-etched and sand-blasted.

[raincole 0]

In case of glass shattered, does it matter if it is acid/sand? Does all crack or will pcs go flying?

[gendon 0]

In case of glass shattered, does it matter if it is acid/sand? Does all crack or will pcs go flying?

In this case, it doesn't matter whether it's acid-etched or sandblasted. If you're concerned abt shattering or glass pieces flying, then it's better to get frosted-finished glass that is toughened.

Btw, toughened glass cannot be drilled or edgeworked in any manner. Sandblasting or other surface treatments should be carried out prior to toughening. Toughened glass is produced by heating annealed (ordinary) glass in a furnace to approximately 700degC and then rapidly blowing cool air onto both surfaces. This rapid cooling process is the key element in the physical changes in annealed glass that creates toughened glass.

Or you can also consider abt laminated glass (also available in tinted form) which is a safety glass made by laminating two or more sheets of equal/unequal glass thicknesses with a flexible plastic interlayer or PVB (poly vinyl butyral). The glass and interlayer are bonded together by heat and pressure. Generally this interlayer is 0.38mm thick but other thicknesses are available. However, I'm not sure if it is possible to acid-etch or sandblast a laminated glass.

Edited August 16, 2007 by gendon

[Siaoster 0]

Maybe you guys can try : www.urbanwerkz.blogspot.com

he is doing custom glass etchings (but not sandlasting)...maybe he can give you some advices and help you guys out