Stained and Frosted Glass - Timeless Art on Windows and Doors

​Stained and Frosted Glass - Timeless Art on Windows and Doors
By [http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Randall_Freedman/624250]Randall Freedman 

There is such a sophisticated and refined quality to most things made of glass. It is a wonder because glass came from very unremarkable materials - sand (or silica), which are transformed with fire. The use of glass became popular that it was not long before glass was used as a material for windows, doors, mirrors, and other items found in many households. Two of the most common processes to design ordinary glass are frosting and staining. 

Glass frosting was done mainly to enhance the beauty of glass surfaces. It is also a great way for windows and doors to let natural light in and still allow you some concealment. This is one reason why the use of frosted glass became popular in bathroom windows and doors. 

Sand blasting and acid etching are common processes that create frosted glass. The result is a glass with obscured visibility but is still capable of conducting light. At present, applying vinyl film on glass achieves the same effect. Companies like Deco Window Films use this technique, which allows their customers to enjoy the benefits of having frosted glass windows, doors, and shower stalls without paying a steep price. Privacy films for windows come in different colors to match your home's coloring scheme. You also have the option between a see-through or a privacy film, depending on your preference or requirement.

Stained glass became very popular as window designs for many churches and buildings. In the past, mineral salts were used to color glass during the manufacturing process. Elements like silver, gold, cobalt, and copper were commonly used to create the colors and shades of blue, yellow, green, brick red, and gold. Individually colored glass bits were pieced together using lead strips inside a sturdy frame to form different shapes and patterns. There were also artists who painted the colors directly on the glass, which are baked in a kiln to meld the colors in. 

Glass staining is a good art to master or to practice as a hobby. Even so, you can have the same effect on the windows and doors at your own home - without any complicated processes of installing. Stained glass window films can be wonderful substitutes. You can choose from various patterns to suit your taste and to match your home decor. 

Available designs include glass mosaic art and flora-inspired patterns like grapevines and flowering climbing plants. If you want to maintain your privacy, go for the designs with a lot of details and colors. Otherwise, select from those that will provide accents to glass surfaces to make them more attractive and pleasing to the eye. The window films come in colors to suit most color schemes.

Unlike the conventional frosted or stained glass designs, vinyl window films are easy to install. They are also easy to remove so you can use them in other glass surfaces (or any smooth and nonporous surface) in your house. In addition, you can change the films to befit any holiday occasion, season, or whatever it is that strikes your mood.

Randall Freedman is an interior designer specialized in affordable home improvements ideas. Through his articles, he gives practical tips on choosing the right privacy film for windows [http://www.decowindowfilms.com/privacy-window-film.html] and stained glass window film [http://www.decowindowfilms.com/stained-glass-window-film.html].

Article Source: [http://EzineArticles.com/?Stained-and-Frosted-Glass---Timeless-Art-on-Windows-and-Doors&id=4212754] Stained and Frosted Glass - Timeless Art on Windows and Doors