KINGSTAR GLASS
Acid Etched Glass | Frosted Privacy Glass with Uniform Matte Finish from KINGSTAR BUILDING GLASS
KINGSTAR BUILDING GLASS Acid Etched Glass is a high-end decorative architectural glass created through a controlled acid-etching process that produces a uniformly smooth, frosted matte finish on one or both surfaces. Unlike traditional sandblasting, acid etching chemically alters the glass surface to create a consistent, elegant satin appearance that diffuses light beautifully while maintaining privacy. The process also enhances the glass surface with a smooth, silky texture that resists fingerp
Acid-etched glass is annealed glass treated with acid to permanently change its appearance, making it smoother than sandblasted glass. Acid-etched glass refers to annealed glass that has been treated with hydrofluoric acid to give its surface a frosted look.
Thickness: 3mm 4mm 5mm 6mm 8mm 10mm
Size: 1830*2440mm, 3300*2140mm
acid-etched glass products offer architects and interior designers a unique opportunity to realize their design goals. Because it is not a coating, acid-etched glass maintains its look and finish over time, creating a translucent satin appearance which obscures view while maintaining a high level of light transmittance. Our full surface products come in four different opacities and can be used in interior and exterior applications.
Acid etched glass is produced by applying a hydrofluoric acid-based solution to the glass surface under controlled conditions. The acid chemically reacts with the silica in the glass, creating a microscopic surface texture that diffuses light and creates a translucent, frosted appearance. This chemical process produces a finish that is smoother, more uniform, and more durable than mechanically sandblasted surfaces.
The acid etching process provides several distinct advantages over traditional sandblasting:
| Feature | Acid Etched Glass | Sandblasted Glass |
|---|---|---|
| Surface Uniformity | Excellent - perfectly even matte finish | Variable - may show uneven texture |
| Surface Smoothness | Smooth, silky to the touch | Rough, textured feel |
| Fingerprint Resistance | High - resists smudges and prints | Low - shows fingerprints easily |
| Cleaning Ease | Easy - smooth surface wipes clean | Difficult - rough surface traps dirt |
| Durability | Permanent chemical etching | Surface may wear or scratch |
| Coating Compatibility | Excellent for low-E or easy-clean coating | Limited coating adhesion |
| Glass Type | Thickness | Light Transmittance | Light Reflectance | Visible Appearance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clear Float Glass | 4mm | 90% | 8% | Transparent, clear |
| Acid Etched (Single Side) | 4mm | 85% | 10% | Frosted matte on one side |
| Acid Etched (Double Side) | 4mm | 80% | 12% | Frosted matte both sides |
| Acid Etched Tempered | 6mm | 84% | 10% | Frosted, tempered safety |
| Acid Etched Laminated | 6+1.52+6 | 78% | 11% | Frosted with safety interlayer |
| Parameter | Specification |
|---|---|
| Glass Thickness | 3mm – 19mm |
| Maximum Size | Up to 3300mm × 6000mm |
| Minimum Size | 300mm × 300mm |
| Finish Types | Single-Sided Etched, Double-Sided Etched, Patterned Etched |
| Glass Substrates | Clear Float, Ultra-Clear Low-Iron, Tinted (Bronze, Grey, Blue, Green) |
| Edge Finishing | Cut Edge, Flat Polished, Beveled, Pencil Edge |
| Available Configurations | Monolithic, Tempered, Laminated, Heat-Strengthened, Insulating Glass Units (IGU) |
| Processing Options | Cutting, Edge Grinding, Drilling, Notching, Tempering, Laminating, IGU Assembly, Silk-Screen Printing |
| Certifications | ISO 9001, CE, AS/NZS 2208 (available upon request) |
| Lead Time | 10-20 days after order confirmation |
| Packaging | Interleaving paper, protective film, wooden crates, or custom packaging |
Beyond standard full-surface etching, KINGSTAR BUILDING GLASS offers creative customization options:
Ready to add elegant privacy and sophisticated aesthetics to your next project? Share your design requirements with our team for custom acid etched glass solutions. We'll provide pattern samples, performance data, and a competitive quote tailored to your specifications—with fast turnaround times backed by a decade of architectural glass expertise.
Q1: What is the difference between acid etched glass and sandblasted glass?
A: Acid etched glass is chemically altered using hydrofluoric acid to create a smooth, uniform matte surface. Sandblasted glass is mechanically abraded with high-pressure sand or grit, leaving a rough, textured surface. Acid etched glass offers superior uniformity, a smooth silky feel, better resistance to fingerprints, and is significantly easier to clean. It is also more durable—the chemical etching is permanent and does not wear away, while sandblasted surfaces can be scratched or show wear over time. Acid etched glass also tends to have a more elegant, consistent satin appearance, making it the preferred choice for high-end architectural applications.
Q2: Does acid etching affect the strength or structural integrity of the glass?
A: Properly executed acid etching removes an extremely thin layer of glass—typically less than 0.05mm—which has no measurable effect on the structural strength or integrity of the glass. The acid etching process does not create surface micro-cracks or stress points, unlike mechanical sandblasting which can introduce surface imperfections that may weaken the glass. KINGSTAR BUILDING GLASS acid etched glass can be safely tempered, laminated, or heat-strengthened without compromising performance. For applications requiring high strength or safety glass, we recommend tempering or laminating the acid etched glass.
Q3: Can acid etched glass be cleaned with regular glass cleaners and how do I prevent staining?
A: Yes, acid etched glass can be cleaned with standard commercial glass cleaners, mild soap and water, or a solution of vinegar and water. The smooth, non-porous surface resists dirt and grime buildup, making cleaning straightforward. Avoid abrasive cleaners, scouring pads, or brushes with hard bristles—these are unnecessary and could potentially scratch the surface. To prevent staining, wipe up spills promptly. Unlike sandblasted glass, acid etched glass does not trap dirt in microscopic crevices, so it stays cleaner longer with minimal maintenance. For exterior installations in hard water areas, regular rinsing or occasional squeegee cleaning will maintain the glass's pristine appearance.