Etched Glass - A Touch of Elegance on Windows and Doors

Glass etching has been around for centuries. It is aDoors
technique of creating designs or art on glass surfacesThere are times when even doors work more than
by using acidic, corrosive, and abrasive materials. In thejust thresholds to and from the house. Many homes
1650's, diamond point engraving was used on mirrorshave glass doors to make rooms more spacious or to
to achieve the etched designs. Then, copper wheellet the light in. You can achieve both without sacrificing
engraving (an established technique in Holland andstyle. Use etched glass films to bring ordinary glass
Germany) became popular where the glass is cut withdoors to a new level of elegance. There are unique
a copper wheel or disk, rotated in a lathe (or shapingdesigns like banana leaves and palm fronds that can
machine), whose edge is loaded with abrasive powdermake you feel as if you are in the tropics.
suspended in oil. In the 1920's, a mold-etch processOther Purposes
was invented in which the designs were etched in theEtched glass window films are not for windows and
mold so the art was directly transferred to the glassdoors alone. You can actually apply on it on any
surface.smooth and nonporous surface such as Lexan plastics
These days, companies like Deco Window Films found(a trademark for a brand of polycarbonate resin
a simpler and quicker way to design glass with thethermoplastic) and plexi-glass. This means you can put
classic etched designs by recreating art on vinyl filmthe etched glass films on tables, mirrors and shower
that can be easily installed, removed, and reused.doors to give them an instant facelift.
WindowsThe border and corner designs are great for mirrors
Windows are a commonplace that many hardly givewhile the center designs are perfect for glass dining
them more than a passing glance. They are there fortables that do not need extra decorations to make
a functional purpose like letting the light in during thethem look more festive. Moisture will not affect the
day and they also serve as a way for you to see theetched film so you can use it to adorn the glass
world outside. Windows do all that and more but thatoutside your shower stalls. The film also gives you
does not mean they cannot be used to make a simpleadditional privacy.
part of your house look elegant. Etched glass windowWindow films-whether etched glass, frosted window
film is the answer. Transform windows into works offilm, or some other type-are wonderful innovations to
art with designs that range from floral, traditional,make the glass surfaces in your house look
geometric, contemporary, and others. You may alsoextraordinary. The best thing about the etched glass
choose films to cover your windows fully or partiallywindow film is that it is a more affordable alternative to
depending on your preference. You can also choosemaking your windows, doors and other glass furniture
designs to decorate the center, corners, and borderslook elegant and refined.
of the windows.