Obscured & Frosted Glass

Etched glass

Etchlite is a float glass on which one side has been treated with acid to produce a fine grain, satiny finish. The soft, satiny look helps create a minimalist design and glass with a neutral appearance.

Typical applications for Etchlite glass include furniture, bathrooms, cabinets, shelves, lighting, partitions, shower doors and screens, doors, windows, façade glass or balustrades.

The Etchlite surface treatment results in light filtering properties that soften, contour, and produce delicate silhouettes in a wide range of interior and exterior glazing applications. If sprayed with water, the matte appearance will be less visible but will be restored once the glass is dry.

Etchlite is easier to clean than sandblasted glass and the surface can be polished gently to remove any marks. Normal proprietary glass cleaners can be used.

Applications

Applications for Etchlite glass include furniture, bathrooms, cabinets, shelves, lighting, partitions, shower doors and screens, doors, windows, façade glass or balustrades.

Processsing

Etchlite can essentially be processed in the same manner as standard float glass. Etchlite can be toughened, laminated, used in insulated glazing units (IGU), painted, bevelled, drilled, and edge-worked. It is important to note that the etched side must be outwards when laminated (surface 1 or surface 4), the etched surface is not suitable for applying ceramic frit coatings, and the beveling and edge treatments will remove the etch effect and give the appearance of standard float glass. 

When glazing

It is advisable to have the etched surface to the inside of the building or to the side easiest to clean. In shower applications, the etched surface should not be inside the shower. The glazing procedure for Etchlite is as per normal glass, but care must be taken with putty and sealants as the etched surface is harder to prepare and adhere to than the normal float glass surface.

Frosted glass

This is the most common type of obscure glass — more or less opaque, with an extremely fine and smooth texture and a white appearance. Popular for shower doors, office workspace partitions, retail storefronts, and more, frosted glass provides the functionality of glass with partial or full privacy. Acid-etched obscure glass has been treated with a special acid solution that alters the physical surface of the glass and leaves a smooth, flat texture with consistent frosting. This is a very cost-effective option with low-maintenance, high-quality results.

Please note that only selected patterns can be toughened due to the variation in the depth of the pattern. Refer to the selection chart for a list of what thicknesses are available and which options can be toughened. For the types that cannot be toughened, Metro recommends using the laminate option. All obscure glass can be laminated.

Textured glass

Textured glass is manufactured in many different thicknesses with a variety of patterns available. Please note that only selected patterns can be toughened due to the variation in the depth of the pattern. Refer to the selection chart for a list of what thicknesses are available and which options can be toughened. For the types that cannot be toughened, Metro recommends using the laminate option. All obscure glass can be laminated.

When ordering it is essential to state the direction of the pattern on the order.  Given that standard practice in the glass industry is to state height first and width second, unless stated otherwise the glass will be cut with the pattern running down the height and across the width.

Wired glass

Wired glass has 13mm square electrically welded steel wire mesh sandwiched in its centre during the manufacturing process. It is commonly used in fire-rated windows and doors to the maximum sizes and FRR times as tested by the manufacturers. It is a Grade B safety glass.

It is commonly used in fire-rated windows and doors to the maximum sizes and FRR times as tested by the door manufacturers (FFR is based on testing of glazing systems as a whole, not just the relevant glass type).

Polished Georgian Wired is clear class and Squarlite Wired is a stippolite pattern that helps to provide privacy.

Note: Wired glass can't be toughened but it can be laminated to clear glass.