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Obscure Glass

Choosing Obscure Glass

Obscure glass is a type of texture that is specifically designed to decrease visibility between two spaces

Obscure glass of any type distorts or obscures the items on the other side of the glass. Whether this is by using colour, textures or patterns. Obscure glass ranges from offering a very slight distortion to completely hiding the items from view, or revealing only silhouettes.

The most common obscure glass is satin glass. Which has been chemically treated to stop it from being transparent, while still allowing light through. Immediately distinctive with its smooth, frosted appearance, satin glass is a versatile and popular form of obscure glass.

Why Obscure Glass

Our obscure glass windows are designed to provide maximum privacy in rooms that need it most, such as bathrooms. We offer a choice of privacy options which means we can tailor your windows to meet your exact specifications.

Obscured glass may either be frosted, patterned, or textured and the level of privacy offered by each type will depend on the design implemented. Some obscure glass completely blocks the view on the other side of the window, while others just show silhouettes and produce mild distortions.

  • Safe and secure

  • Allows natural light to come in

  • Stylish and decorative 

  • Different levels of obscurity 

  • Multiple uses in a number of locations

Trusted Specalists

ETC Windows have an outstanding reputation throughout Worcestershire and the Cotswolds for delivering guaranteed workmanship and a fully insured service that always meets and exceeds customer expectations

FAQ

What is the difference between frosted and obscure glass?

Frosted glass is one type of obscure glass, revealing a distorted image on the other side of the glass. It can be distinguished by its white opaque frosting, which offers a very hazy transparency. However, this is not the same as being opaque. Obscure glass still allows large amounts of light to pass through it, illuminating an area. While an opaque surface, such as a wall, doesn’t allow any light through.

What are the different patterns for frosted glass?

Frosted glass is available in almost any required pattern. Simple and detailed designs are available with partial obscurity as an option.

Can obscure glass be tempered?

Obscure glass can be tempered to improve strength and remove the risk of shattering. Obscure tempered glass requires much more force to break it than ordinary glass. In the event of breakage, safer fragments are found, instead of larger sharp pieces.

Obscure glass is tempered by heating to high temperatures, then using jets of cold air to provide a cooling effect. As a result, causing the outer layers to cool and contract at a higher rate than the inner material. Thanks to this method, glass is placed under patterns of stress, which in turn greatly increases the force required to shatter the glass. In addition to this, the stress patterns ensure that the obscure toughened glass breaks into the small rounded pieces typical of tempered glass.

What are the different types of obscure glass?

1. Satin Etch

Satin etching is a type of acid etching that results in a smooth, even finish. The level of obscurity can be adjusted by changing the treatment applied to the glass. Satin etched glass has a high level of privacy and is perfect for bathrooms and bedrooms. It diffuses light evenly, providing a soft and relaxing glow.

2. Sandblasted glass

Sandblasting is a technique that uses air pressure to blast sand or other abrasive materials at high speed against a surface. This method can be used on both: flat and curved surfaces.

Sandblasted glass is perfect for areas where a high level of privacy is required. It has a smooth, even surface that obscures the view on the other side of the window. It also diffuses light evenly, providing a soft and relaxing glow.

3. Tinted glass

Tinting is one of the most frequent types of privacy glass for bathrooms. To make tinted glass darker, it is coated with a film, coating, or metal oxide. The amount of light transmitted through the glass is altered as a result of this.

You may still enjoy the view with this type of glass, but people outside won’t be able to see inside.

The most significant advantage of tinted windows is their cost-effectiveness and energy efficiency. Aside from privacy and security, it also protects your furniture from fading.

4. Reflective glass

Reflective glass is a type of privacy glass because it has a reduced amount of visibility. It allows you to see what’s going on outside clearly, but not from the other side.

It’s made from high-quality glass that has been metalized, giving it a mirror-like finish. Aside from privacy, reflecting glass is also efficient in lowering solar heat.

Trade customers

We also provide Obscure Glass to our trade customers.

Trusted Specalists

ETC Windows have an outstanding reputation throughout Worcestershire and the Cotswolds for delivering guaranteed workmanship and a fully insured service that always meets and exceeds customer expectations

Trade customers

We also provide Obscure Glass to our trade customers.

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