Acid-Etched Glass
Acid-Etched Glass
A glass solution for privacy and light
Acid-etched glass is designed to alter how light interacts with its surface. Created through a specialized chemical process, it features a smooth, matte texture that helps to diffuse light evenly. Available in various thicknesses and styles, this versatile material is suitable for a range of applications, offering a functional balance between privacy and natural illumination.
What is acid-etched glass and how is it made?
Acid-etched glass is manufactured from float glass, a type of flat glass characterized by its uniform thickness and flat surface, as well as its high optical clarity. The float glass is dipped into a hydrofluoric acid solution, usually with one side protected from the acid and the other exposed. The acid removes a very thin layer of the glass surface that isn’t protected, creating a smooth, matte finish. The finish on acid-etched glass contributes to reducing surface reflections and creating a soft glow when light passes through. Its satin appearance helps balance privacy while allowing in natural light. After acid-etched glass is manufactured, the remaining acid on the surface is washed and removed from the final product (no acid remains). The washing water is treated in compliance with our operational and environmental permits.
What are the benefits and properties of acid-etched glass?
Privacy
Acid-etched glass offers consistent translucency achieved through a uniform etching process. This makes it a practical option for spaces requiring both privacy and natural light. Its properties can also help reduce reliance on artificial lighting while contributing to a warm and inviting atmosphere.
Stain resistant properties
Acid-etched glass features a smooth surface which makes it less prone to smudges than traditional glass. This helps reduce the need for frequent cleaning, requiring less maintenance than standard glass, while retaining its elegant appearance.
Soft Light
Acid-etched glass diffuses light evenly, reducing glare and balancing light transmission to provide natural illumination and visual comfort. The glass can be available in various thicknesses and finishes, offering a range of options that can meet the requirements of many projects.
Product Stewardship
Guardian SatinDeco™ acid-etched glass is covered globally by a Health Product Declaration (HPD) and a Safety Data Sheet (SDS). These documents provide complete transparency about the product's composition and the materials used in its production. In North America, Guardian SatinDeco™ glass also holds an Environmental Product Declaration, communicating transparent information about the life-cycle environmental impacts of the product.
What types of finishes or patterns are available for acid-etched glass?
Acid-etched glass is a versatile product that can serve both practical and decorative purposes. It provides various levels of translucency to help balance privacy and light transmission. This type of glass can be cut, beveled, curved, tempered, painted, laminated, or assembled into double glazing, providing flexibility for a variety of applications.
Bird-Friendly acid-etched glass
Acid-etched glass can be engineered to address specific challenges. One notable innovation is bird-friendly acid-etched glass, which features carefully designed patterns, applied through the acid-etching process, to help reduce bird collisions while maintaining transparency and aesthetic appeal. This type of glass helps meet architectural requirements to reduce the risk of bird window collision, delivering functionality and design without compromise.
Size and thickness
With its versatility and durable composition, acid-etched glass can be used in a variety of projects, from retail spaces to tabletops. Guardian Glass offers a wide range of acid-etched glass products in varying sizes and thicknesses. To learn more about the sizes available, please visit the relevant product page and refer to the “Maximum Size” section under “Product Information”.
Want to know more about glass and its properties?
Guardian Glass provides a comprehensive range of technical notes, tools, and online resources to deepen your understanding of glass and guide you in selecting the glass that can meet your project’s requirements. Explore our Resource Hub to find out more!
Applications of acid-etched glass
Acid-etched glass is a versatile choice, offering a practical way to incorporate natural light while providing privacy. Its durability and stain-resistant properties make it a suitable option for building projects.
Shower screens: acid-etched glass allows bathroom light to penetrate into the shower area through the glass screen, preventing darkness while gently obscuring visibility to maintain discretion.
Partitions: acid-etched glass allows natural light to brighten rooms that lack direct window access while subtly obscuring the view of interior activities, making it a suitable option for partitions.
Balustrades: thanks to its stain-resistant properties and sleek, modern design, acid-etched glass can be used for high-traffic areas that combine practicality and aesthetics such as glass balustrades.
Flooring: acid-etched glass allows light to flow freely throughout a building, making it an excellent choice for hallways and stairs.
Why choose Guardian Glass?
Guardian Glass are experts in the creation and application of glass – constantly developing new glass technologies and techniques to deliver performance glass solutions all around the world. We’re focused on expanding the boundaries of what can be achieved with glass. From landmark architectural projects to home interiors and retail spaces. This means we work hand in hand with our partners and customers across the supply chain to help ensure the right outcome. In other words, when it comes to glass, we help you see what’s possible.
Our acid-etched glass ranges
Guardian SatinDeco™ is our range of acid-etched glass offering aesthetic appeal and effective light diffusion, providing a balance between privacy and natural light. The gentle, even diffusion of light through the glass creates a welcoming atmosphere. Its uniform, matte finish is easier to maintain than traditional glass and retains its elegant appearance.
The range offers design flexibility, and can be used for doors, staircases, partitions, furniture, and more. Available in a variety of finishes, it helps meet the needs of diverse projects, whether as an eye-catching centerpiece or a practical solution to help enhance privacy or reduce glare.
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Guardian SatinDeco®
Guardian SatinDeco® is a translucent, satin-feel glass that also has a high level of natural light transmittance. Not only does this allow abundant light through, it gently diffuses it to create environments that seem to glow.
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Guardian Bird1st™ Etch
Guardian Bird1st™ Etch glass helps to prevent birds from colliding with buildings – by featuring striking and highly visible acid-etched patterns. With a choice of four distinct patterns the glass also offers enhanced design flexibility on façades and curtain walls.
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