Obscure glass is most commonly used for bathroom windows to provide privacy whilst allowing light into the room. For bathrooms, we recommend a privacy rating of 4/5.
Obscure and frosted glass is rated in levels of privacy from 1 to 5 with 1 being almost transparent to 5 which is opaque and not possible to see through. Frosted glass can offer a range of privacy levels as this is dependent on the amount of decorative etching applied.
Obscure glass can also be used in front or back external door glazed panels for privacy but to allow light into a dark hallway or room. Or, for security purposes in back doors. For secluded doors, we recommend choosing a laminated option for additional security.
Obscure glass can also be used for windows in living spaces or bedrooms adjacent to roads or paths, or where they are overlooked by neighbours.
Obscure glass can also be used for decorative effects in door glazing. Obscure glass with a privacy rating of 1 is often used as decorative panels for doors.
Obscure glass is a category name for any glass type that offers some level of a reduction in transparency. Frosted glass offers the ability to reduce visibility through the glass and is distinguished by its white opaque frosting.
How Obscure Glass Is Made
Obscure glass is created from standard annealed glass, or it can be created from toughened or laminated glass if safety standards are also required.
Acid-etched
To apply a frosted and translucent finish to glass, an acid or caustic substance is applied that eats into and removes the surface glass creating a slightly rough imprint. This process is applied after the glass has been manufactured.
Glass can have a solid frosting for maximum translucency and privacy, or be used to create artistic and geometric patterns. Acid-etching is also popular on door glazing for the application of numbers and words, such as a house name or number.
Glass that has been acid etched has an even surface.
Textured Glass
Patterned or textured glass has the pattern pressed into the glass while the glass is still in its molten state on the production line.
During manufacturing, a molten sheet of glass is passed through rollers with a pattern mould, this imprints into the glass and then the glass is quickly cooled for the pattern to remain. Patterned glass has an uneven and textured surface in varying degrees and can be textured on one or both sides.
