Frosted glass is revolutionizing interior and industrial design with its combination of privacy, aesthetics, and robust technical properties. As demand rises for customized, high-performance solutions, understanding the technological details, supplier landscape, and specification data is vital for consultants, architects, and industrial buyers. This guide delivers an in-depth, data-driven overview of frosted glass — including variations such as cut frosted glass and 5mm frosted glass — with authoritative references and practical case studies.
1. Global Frosted Glass Industry Trends & Market Growth (2024-2030)
According to market research (Grand View Research), the architectural glass sector, in which frosted glass plays a key role, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% through 2030, driven by:
- Demand for Privacy & Aesthetics: Increased usage in offices, hospitals, and upscale residences.
- Industrial Expansion: Applications in petrochemical, metallurgy, clean rooms, and lab environments.
- Energy Efficiency Regulations: Emphasis on sustainable, low-e glass and thermal control.
2. Frosted Glass: Product Overview & Classification
Common Types of Frosted Glass
Type |
Process |
Typical Thickness |
Light Transmittance |
Applications |
Acid Etched |
Etched with Hydrofluoric Acid |
3-15mm |
60-85% |
Windows, Partitions |
Sandblasted |
Surface Grit Blasting |
4-12mm |
55-80% |
Doors, Shower Enclosures |
Cut Frosted Glass |
Customized CNC/Waterjet |
4, 5, 6, 8, 10mm |
65-80% |
Custom Installations |
5mm Frosted Glass |
Acid/Sandblasted, Polished Edge |
5mm |
70-85% |
Interior & Industrial |
- Material: High-quality float glass grade, purity & flatness per ISO 9050/EN 572.
- Process: Acid-etch, sandblast, CNC-cut for cut frosted glass projects.
- Available Thickness: 5mm frosted glass is most popular for balancing privacy and light; available up to 19mm on request.
3. Manufacturing Flow of Frosted Glass (Process Diagram & Highlights)
Process Steps:
1. Float Glass Preparation (
Key: EN 572 compliance) →
2. Cutting (CNC/Waterjet for
cut frosted glass) →
3. Surface Treatment (acid etch or sandblast; particle size & acid concentration monitored per
ASTM E2167) →
4. Washing & Curing →
5. Edge Finishing (polish/grind per requirement) →
6. Final Inspection (
ISO 9001/ANSI Z97.1 standard tests for haze, transmission, surface flaw, impacts)
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Material: Float glass, optical clarity with iron content
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Manufacturing Process:
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Acid Etching: HF acid reaction forms a silica-haze surface for privacy and diffusion.
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Sandblasting: Abrasive blasting ensures uniform diffusion, widely chosen for patterns or cut frosted glass decorative use.
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CNC Cutting: Ensures cut frosted glass achieves custom shapes, holes, and slots to ±0.5mm tolerance.
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Quality Control: Online haze meters, visual flaw inspection, and mechanical stress tests per ISO 12543.
[See Frosted Glass Manufacturing Video]
4. Frosted Glass Technical Specifications & Performance Comparison
Frosted Glass vs. Clear & Tinted Glass (5mm)
Parameter |
Frosted Glass |
Clear Float Glass |
Tinted Glass |
Light Transmittance |
75% (±3%) |
90% (±1%) |
55% (±3%) |
Haze Index |
92% (privacy) |
5% |
8% |
UV Blocking Rate |
83% |
44% |
60% |
Surface Hardness |
6-7 Mohs |
6-7 Mohs |
6-7 Mohs |
Thermal Expansion |
8.0 x 10-6/°C |
8.0 x 10-6/°C |
8.0 x 10-6/°C |
Corrosion Resistance |
High |
Medium |
Medium |
Custom Machining |
Available |
Available |
Limited |
5. Manufacturer Comparison & Buying Guide (2024)
Top International Frosted Glass Suppliers
Supplier |
Product Range |
Main Certifications |
MOQ |
Support for Custom Cut |
Lead Time |
Chinamirrorglass |
3-19mm, acid/sandblast, CNC, 5mm frosted glass, cut frosted glass |
ISO 9001, EN 12150, ANSI Z97.1 |
100 m2 |
Yes |
10-15 days |
Saint-Gobain |
Standard/Patterned, 4-12mm |
CE, ISO 14001 |
300 m2 |
No |
22-30 days |
AGC Glass |
Acid Etch, Tinted, 3-15mm |
ISO 9001, RoHS |
200 m2 |
Limited |
15-25 days |
Guardian Industries |
Patterned & Etched, 3-10mm |
ISO 9001 |
150 m2 |
Limited |
18-25 days |
Certifications:
Products supplied comply with CE Marking (EN 12150, EN 572), ISO 9001 for quality management, and ANSI Z97.1 for safety glass performance, enabling specification for commercial, industrial, and controlled environment projects.
How to Buy:
- Identify required thickness, finish, and dimensions (e.g., 5mm frosted glass custom cut to size).
- Request product datasheets & compliance certificates (ISO, ANSI, etc.).
- Specify technical requirements: edges, holes, notches, surface quality.
- Place order with official PO; confirm inspection/pilot sample as needed.
6. Applications & Case Studies: Frosted Glass in Practice
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
- Laboratory partitions (EN 61340-5-1 ESD areas)
- ICU & ward privacy walls
- Easy to clean, surface resistant to chemical cleaning agents.
Case: Pfizer Asia R&D Center (ISO 14644-1 Cleanroom Certified)
Commercial Interiors
- Office partitions, conference rooms (privacy + aesthetics)
- Shopping malls, glass doors
- Signage zones with custom logos on cut frosted glass
Case: Vanke Tower, Shanghai
Industrial Facilities
- Chemical process windows (corrosion/chemical resistance)
- Petrochemical, metallurgy plants (acid-resistant partitions)
- Water treatment centers (hygienic, durable)
Case: Sinopec Petrochemical Plant
Residential & Hospitality
- Bathroom windows, shower screens
- Balcony dividers, sliding partitions
- Hotel lobbies and lifts: 5mm frosted glass for visual comfort
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Energy Efficiency: Frosted glass offers up to 27% reduction in solar gain compared to uncoated clear glass (see DOE Glazing Study).
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Corrosion & Longevity: Service life tested up to 25 years under simulated acid/alkali cycling (per AHRI-700).
7. Customization & Engineering of Cut Frosted Glass
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Precision Processing:
Advanced CNC or waterjet enables cut frosted glass of any shape or slot (round/arched/rectangular). Dimensional accuracy ±0.5mm.
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Edge Finishes: Available as seamed, arrised, polished, or bevelled.
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Tolerance Control: Flatness per EN 572; hole diameter tolerance ±0.2mm.
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Composite/Double Glazed: Can be integrated with IGU for energy-efficient façade systems.
Specification case:
Project: Hospital Renovation
Glass: Cut frosted glass, 5mm, 1200x2800mm
Processing: CNC, acid-etched, polished edges;
Certification: ISO 9001, ANSI Z97.1, delivered within 14 days.
8. FAQs: Frosted Glass Engineering & Service
What materials are used for frosted glass manufacturing?
High-purity silica float glass is standard, with low iron content (<50 ppm) for clarity. Glass is certified per EN 572-2 and ISO 9001.
What are the recommended thicknesses for cut frosted glass?
For commercial partitions and residential uses: 5mm, 6mm, 8mm. Thicker (10–19mm) glass is used for load-bearing or large span structures.
What is the maximum dimension for a single frosted glass panel?
Up to 3300 x 2440mm (standard), larger sizes can be custom-ordered (flatness tested per EN 572-2).
What is the typical surface haze index for privacy glass?
Standard frosted surface haze ranges from 80%–95%, ensuring optical privacy in typical lighting conditions.
How is quality of frosted glass tested?
Testing per ISO 9001, ANSI Z97.1 for impact & fracture, and haze transmission via ASTM E430 or E167.
Can frosted glass be installed in wet areas (e.g. showers)?
Yes; chemical resistance to water, soap, and mild acids is verified via ISO 15148 test protocols.
What warranty & support is provided?
Standard warranty: 5 years against delamination, optical defects, or discoloration. Spare parts and technical support offered through authorized distributors.
Delivery Time: For custom cut frosted glass, production is typically 10–15 days for standard lots (<300m2).
Customer Feedback: "Our laboratory partitions with 5mm frosted glass remain flawless after four years of intensive use..." — Johnson Controls, 2023 Facility Upgrade Report
Customer Service: 24h response, full technical documentation and installation manuals provided.
9. Data Visualization: Frosted Glass Specifications and Trends
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5mm frosted glass achieves the optimal balance between light transmittance, privacy, and structural performance (see chart below).
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Customization demand (“cut frosted glass”) has risen over 40% since 2021, indicative of the architectural trend for bespoke solutions (source: Statista).
10. Why Choose Frosted Glass from Chinamirrorglass?
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Industry-Leading Expertise: Over 15 years of engineering experience in architectural and industrial frosted glass supply, with full R&D and quality control.
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Full Certifications: Products certified to ISO 9001, EN 12150, ANSI Z97.1, CE Marking.
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Comprehensive Customization: Support for cut frosted glass (irregular geometry, surface patterns, holes, slots), sheet thickness 3–19mm.
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Warranty & Support: 5-year defect warranty, 24h support, OEM/ODM available.
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Reference Projects: Supplied to Huawei, Johnson Controls, and CRCC.
References & Further Reading
"Frosted glass is gaining rapid traction in both green building and process facility upgrades due to its unique combination of light diffusion, privacy, and corrosion resistance. The growing preference for cut-to-size frosted glass further supports customization in contemporary projects."