Frosting is a decorative technique where glass glaze powder of specific size is applied to the surface of glass products. When baked at temperatures between 580°C and 600°C, the glaze melts onto the glass surface, creating a color that contrasts with the glass body. This method is widely used for artistic and aesthetic purposes.
The process involves applying the glaze using a brush or a rubber roller, and it can also be done through screen printing to create frosted patterns. The technique begins by printing a pattern using a flux-blocking agent on the glass surface. After drying, the glass undergoes frosting, followed by high-temperature baking. During this stage, the areas without the printed pattern melt, while the areas covered by the screen print remain un-melted due to the flux inhibitor. As a result, a transparent design appears on the frosted surface, giving a unique visual effect. The frost-resistant ink typically consists of materials like iron oxide, talc, and clay, which are finely ground (350 mesh) and mixed with a binder before being used in screen printing.
[Image: Frosting technique illustration]
The production of frosted glass involves several steps: designing the pattern, preparing the screen, printing the etching ink, rinsing, and finishing.
1. **Design**: A desired pattern is created using a computer. Small designs can be printed via laser, while larger ones may be engraved on black sticky paper using a computer-controlled engraver or a laser phototypesetter.
2. **Screen Preparation**: A polyester mesh with 100–180 threads per inch is used, preferably monofilament for better quality.
3. **Printing**: Before printing, the glass surface must be clean and free of oils. The frosting paste (screen printing ink) should be well mixed and handled carefully—avoiding metal tools and using bamboo or wooden alternatives instead. For optimal results, apply two layers of ink during printing. In colder conditions, the ink should be warmed to between 20°C and 40°C. It's important to use float glass rather than flat glass, as uneven thickness can lead to an inconsistent finish after baking.
4. **Rinsing**: After printing, the glass is left to sit for three minutes before being rinsed with water. Once dry, the frosted pattern becomes visible, resembling snow-like textures. This type of glass is highly sought after in the market and has gained popularity among consumers.
This process is commonly used to produce items such as tea sets, handicrafts, gift glasses, and glass containers, offering both beauty and functionality.
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