How To Tint Your Shower Glass

During bathing, privacy is important. It is when we can be alone and go bare, allowing everything to wash away. Although raw shower glass does not provide much privacy, it can be tinted if desired.

Numerous options are available for making your shower glass more translucent and private. You can use frosted spray paints, etching acid, glass films, or have it professionally sandblasted. If you want it tinted when you buy it, go with a textured shower glass, which comes in various patterns.

If you want to learn more about how these are created and how much they would cost, continue reading the following sections.

What Are The Methods of Tinting Shower Glass?

Some methods for tinting a shower glass may be unfamiliar to you. So, in this section, we will go over each of them and analyze some of their advantages and disadvantages. In this manner, you will know what is most favorable to you.

1. Professional Sandblasting

Sandblasting is a technique in which high-velocity sand is blasted across one side of the glass, creating a rough and translucent surface. It distorts the visibility of the glass while allowing light to travel through, making it ideal for tinting shower glass.

You can alter the level of transparency by changing the machine speed. Furthermore, sandblasting is a typical process for removing old paint and rust from metallic surfaces.

You can also utilize sandblasting to make decorations and patterns on your shower glass. Tints, in addition to their functionality, can improve the bathroom’s aesthetics. It is preferable to complement it with your bathroom’s wall and tiles.

Although effective, sandblasting can be dangerous to the person doing the work. The operation generates a lot of dust, which might cause respiratory issues. It is also a messy job that involves cleaning the work environment.

You can watch here how professionals sandblast glass surfaces with designs:

2. Frosted Spray Paint

Another way to tint your shower glass is to coat it with frosted spray paint. It is a simple method that only requires you to spray the paint bottle on the desired surface. After spraying, the glass has a frosty appearance, hence the name.

It’s a great way to make frosted glass without buying expensive machines that most people don’t have or don’t want to spend money over. It is also less messy than sandblasting.

You can purchase frosted spray paints at your local hardware store or online. Be sure to check the best spray paints. Even though they are often less expensive than other methods, do not settle for low-quality paints.

3. Acid Etching

Another option to achieve frosted glass is through acid etching. Hydrofluoric acid is used on the glass and corrodes the uncovered surfaces. You can acid-etch an entire glass sheet or specific sections to add unique patterns and intricate designs.

Acid etching results in a smoother surface compared to sandblasting. It makes the shower glass easier to clean, more resistant to stress, and less visible to fingerprints. Typically, only one side of the glass is treated with acid. However, depending on thickness, you can treat both sides.

Because this method involves using acid, it is hazardous, and you should always consider your health and safety when doing it. Proper ventilation, materials, and safety equipment should be used and observed.

4. Glass Film

Usually called window films, they are self-adhesive polyester films that are easy to install. You can select from various films, from frosted to decorative. It also allows you to customize the look of your shower glass.

You can do a full tint or half tint if you only want to conceal your body. A glass film is as effective as the other treatments, though additional recoats are impossible. Also, wetting it may cause the sides to peel away, making the tint unappealing.

On the plus side, you may remove it whenever you want and make adjustments when you set it up.

5. Colored Tint

Colored glass tints are a great way to bring color to your bathroom. Depending on the color chosen, it reduces the amount of light that may enter through the glass and gives seclusion; darker hues provide more privacy. You can apply it via coating or film.

Green, blue, and black is the most common shades. There are also self-adhesive one-way reflecting mirror films that provide total privacy while allowing you to look through the glass from the inside.

This tinting method is unique; the glass’s color can create a dramatic statement in the bathroom and create a particular atmosphere. The disadvantage is that smudges, scratches, and stains may be visible in some colors.

6. Textured Shower Glass

Rain glass is one type of textured shower glass. It has a pattern that looks like water drops falling down the glass. Its design creates a dreamlike atmosphere while allowing light to pass through.

Some textured shower glass patterns include obscure designs, Aquatex, glacier, glue chip, storm, fluted glass, and nature patterns inspired by bamboo and autumn. Some manufacturers may also have their styles.

Textured shower glasses are made by exposing glass to high temperatures, pouring them into molds, and creating the different forms you see. You can choose simpler designs that match many bathroom styles or more intricate and customized ones.

It’s important to remember that textured tiles are more difficult to clean due to the texture’s tiny nicks and grooves. Hard water stains and grimes may accumulate between these, requiring the use of a brush for cleaning.

We recently went over the many methods for tinting your shower glass. These approaches can be done by expert services or using kits and simple supplies available at your local hardware store. These solutions apply to windows and other types of glass in your home.

How Do You Tint a Shower Glass?

If you can’t find a contractor or don’t want to hire one, you can use the appropriate materials to do the tinting at your home. With patience and skill, your shower will have more privacy!

How to Sandblast

1. It is always important to practice safety precautions, especially when handling high-velocity processes. Wear protective goggles, gloves, and, if possible, overalls. Ensure that the mask you wear can filter the tiny debris to avoid inhaling it.
2. Prepare the things you will need. Industrial sandblasting machines are costly for one-time use. If you use a portable sandblaster, be sure it’s good quality. Also, remember that because this tool only holds a little sand, you will finish slowly. Include the type of sand you intend to use in your preparation.
3. Get the shower glass ready. Wipe it with a lint-free cloth to eliminate all grime and stains after carefully cleaning it.
4. Remove the glass if possible. Ensure that you are working in a safe space. Lay down the glass and mask off the sides to avoid blasting it.
5. Read the directions for using your sandblaster. Begin sandblasting at the top of the glass and work your way down in horizontal strokes perpendicular to the surface. To keep it uniform and even, do it level by level. Do not stay in one spot for too long.
6. After blasting the entire surface, brush off the sand to check for uneven areas and reblast.
7. Rinse the glass and wipe it off to dry.

How to Frost Spray

1. First, wear a protective mask and gloves to avoid inhaling fumes and coming into contact with the paint. Work in an area with good ventilation; open windows and use a ventilation fan if working indoors.
2. Prepare the glass surface by removing any visible stains and letting it dry.
3. Protect the background by masking off the sides of the glass with cardboard or something similar. Be sure you won’t spray the side that will constantly get wet.
4. Read first the instruction indicated in the bottle. Spray your desired surface horizontally with one stroke to ensure even coverage.
5. Let it dry for a few minutes. If you want the surface to be more frosted, apply additional layers like you did the first. A decent frosted glass typically requires only two applications.

How to Acid Etch Using Etching Cream

1. Wear your latex gloves and protective glasses when working with etching creams. This product is corrosive and irritates when it comes into contact with the skin.
2. Remove the glass and lay it on the floor above a cloth or flat cardboard that can act as the glass cushion and protect the surrounding from getting stained by the cream.
3. Check the etching cream instructions to see whether any additional preparation is required. It should state how long the product should be kept in the glass.
4. Because etching creams are typically sold in small bottles, squeezing them out in a bowl would be more convenient. Nonetheless, you can also apply the substance straight to the glass.
5. Spread the cream over the desired glass area with a gloved hand or another applicator that will make the job easier.
6. After allowing the product to rest for the specified amount of time, rinse with warm water and a sponge and wipe dry.

Applying Window Tints

1. Prepare the following items: scissors, a utility knife, a ruler, a marking pen, a spray bottle, a towel, a squeegee, and a scraper.
2. Take measurements of the glass surface you want to tint. To be safe, add a few millimeters to each side. Roll out the self-adhesive tint, mark the measurements you just took, and cut.
3. Clean the glass before applying the tint. Spray the surface with water.
4. Place the tint on the surface, making sure it is straight. If you made a mistake, you could still make changes as long as you do it soon after the first application.
5. Smooth the borders of the film with a moist towel to remove any air bubbles. Scrape your squeegee with enough force to remove them altogether.
6. Let it sit for 12 to 24 hours. Warmer weather will make the setting time faster.

Always read the manufacturer’s instructions before beginning the task. It is also a standard rule to use protective gear when performing do-it-yourself projects and to clean the surface before applying products. These standards are required for tinting to be successful.

How Much Does Tinting a Shower Glass Cost?

I’ll show you how much each option would cost to give you a better idea. You can compare pricing and make an informed selection. Of course, some processes will be more expensive, mainly when performed by a professional or machinery.

Sandblasting

If you hired a professional to sandblast your shower glass, the cost would vary depending on several factors. Contractors can charge you by square foot or by the intensity of the operation.

The cost of sandblasting per square foot might range between $2 and $5.It depends on how much material is needed to clean a larger surface. It may also reach $16 per square foot.

Sandblasting by intensity can run from $1 to $16 per square foot. It will depend on how light or heavy the pressure is. A glass usually requires light to light pressure, ranging from $1 to $5 per square foot.

To sandblast, you must first acquire the proper equipment and materials. Your list must include the sandblaster ($25 to $650), the sandblaster mask ($25 to $40), and the sandblasting medium ($2 to $5 per pound).

Frosted Spray Paint

If you choose frosted spray paint, you can acquire one for as little as $6, depending on the manufacturer; some can cost as much as $42. If you want to go beyond the usual ice-white frost, you can purchase colored spray paints. You may also wish to invest in high-quality paint tape for this.

Acid Etching

You can acid etch your shower glass with etching creams found in craft stores, though most creams are only available in smaller amounts. A 22-ounce bottle can cost you at least almost $40. If you have a large shower glass, you may need more.

Glass Films and Color Tints

Window films can typically cost $2 to $100 per square foot. You can install the film yourself if you want to save money on installation. However, if you don’t mind the extra costs, you would likely spend $5 to $10.

Textured Shower Glass

The cost of textured shower glass varies based on its surface. Rain glass shower doors typically cost between $130 and $200, while standard-sized texture glass doors cost between $300 and $400. You shall expect higher expenses if you buy a whole textured enclosure.

Remember that the more oversized your shower glass, the more expensive the tinting will be due to the larger surface area you must cover. Permanent tints are much more costly than semi-permanent tints. However, this is more worthwhile due to fewer replacements.

Is Tinting Worth It?

If you’re still hesitant about getting a tinted or frosted shower glass, consider why you want one in the first place. Most people value their privacy and become cautious if they do not have it.

With this, two people can use the bathroom simultaneously; one can shower while the other uses the toilet. You won’t need to wait for someone to complete showering before you can take care of your bathroom needs!

Aside from that, it can serve as a decorative addition to your modern bathroom. You can tint the entire enclosure or only the shower door if you believe it would be too much.

Buying an already tinted shower glass may be more expensive than a regular, clear one. In this case, the resell value of your house may somewhat increase. It is especially true for textured, acid etched, and textured glass.

You can add a hydrophobic shower coating to resist water, allowing drops to fall off rather than cling to the surface to make textured glass look clean and well maintained when reselling. It will help keep hard water stains and mold at bay.

This type of coating is simple to apply. Spray it all over the side of the glass where you shower, ensuring all surfaces are covered and wiping the product down repeatedly until treated.

As for self-adhesive films, you can switch them up anytime when you feel you should change them or want to have another style of tint. Aside from that, they protect the glass underneath from scratches and stains.

Takeaway

Tinted shower glass is ideal for people who value their privacy. Knowing they have secrecy provides them with the peace of mind they want. After all, showering is a moment for ourselves.

After reading, which shower glass tinting methods do you think are better?