How to... faux frosted glass
If you want a quick and easy way to frost glass or plastic, here's how to use self-adhesive (contact) paper instead.
OPTION 1
craftynest.com
OPTION 2
YOU WILL NEED:
Window cleaner
Paper towels
Craft knife
Whiteboard marker pen
contact clear self-adhesive plastic
Stencil - bought or make your own
Rust-Oleum Frosted Glass spray (buy at
Builders Warehouse)
HERE'S HOW:
Option 1
1. Clean the glass well with window cleaner. Any speck of dust will create a bubble in the self-adhesive plastic. Peel a few centimetres of the backing off, stick that edge to the edge of your glass, and start smoothing it down side to side - starting at the centre. Keep about a 2cm overlap on all sides. Smooth down as you unroll a few centimetres at a time. When you get to the end of the glass, leave an overlap and cut the roll off. If you miss a bubble, pierce it with the tip of your craft knife and smooth it down, pushing any trapped air through the cut.
2. Run your fingernail along the edge to get the paper to stick right up to the frame.
3. Use the craft knife to trim along the edges right up against the frame and peel off the excess.
4. Decide what pattern you’re going to create with the stencil. Trace it with the whiteboard marker, which is easily wiped off.
5. Cut out each piece of the stencil with a craft knife and lift out the pieces using the tip of your knife. Wipe off the marker with a damp cloth.
Option 2
6. Spray the stencilled portions with the Rust-Oleum Frosted Glass spray. Shake the can well. Hold it 30cm away from the glass. Apply even layers in a side-to-side motion. For a deeper finish: Let the first coat dry, then apply a second coat. Let dry.
DIY Tip:
If you are spraying indoors, open all windows and doors to keep the area well ventilated. To avoid overspray, mask off any areas not to be sprayed with masking tape and newspaper.
7. Peel off self-adhesive paper. Voilà: If you change your mind later, the finish can be removed with lacquer thinner or easily scraped off with a paint scraper blade.