The mirror has always been not only a useful household item, but also a wonderful decorative element. Over time, it was used more and more in interior design, and the options for its use became more and more diverse.

Effects of matting mirrors

One of the most widely used methods now is the matting of mirrors. It allows you to achieve very interesting effects from the point of view of decor, and also has a practical meaning: matting allows you to remove the transparency of glass. Due to this, partitions became possible, allowing light to pass through and at the same time not allowing to see the opposite side.

Most clearly you can see the result of matting on various wardrobes. The various designs and patterns that decorate the mirror surfaces are the result of matting. It is he who guarantees the durability of the picture.

Essentially, frosting is a process by which the transparency of the glass is reduced and the surface roughness is also achieved.

Mirror matting process

First of all, it is worth clarifying that there are several ways to achieve the required goal.

Usually there are only three of them:

1. Chemical. The matting effect is achieved through the use of various pastes and chemicals.


2. Acidic. A variety of acidic substances are used here.


3. Sandblasting. One of the most popular methods in the industry.

Chemical and acid matting can be done at home. To do this, you just need to purchase the necessary pastes or substances and show a little patience in the work.

Sandblasting matting of mirrors

Sandblasting mirrors is a much more complex but effective process. It is necessary to purchase special equipment for it. Moreover, importantly, the list of this equipment also includes various protective devices aimed at ensuring that all the sand and dust does not harm people's health. Unfortunately, despite the speed and efficiency, this method of matting is suitable exclusively for production, since it is quite expensive in itself.

Alternatively, for not very developed enterprises, there is a method of acid matting. It is slower and unsafe, however, all the necessary substances for it are significantly cheaper than the same abrasive for the sandblasting method.

Solutions and equipment for matting mirrors at the exhibition

Since any process of matting mirrors is inevitably associated with a health risk, it makes sense to take care of the maximum quality of the equipment or solutions used. The more high-quality and proven means are used, the less likely they are to cause irreparable damage to someone.

The Mir Stekla exhibition provides a wide selection of various products for matting mirrors. Among the huge variety, there will certainly be exactly the product that will satisfy all the needs and requirements of the client. In the halls of the Expocentre, anyone can easily find everything they need to work, and can also get advice from specialists.

This procedure makes it possible to change the structure of the mirror surface at the area where the pattern is applied, that is, the picture "eats" into the material and cannot be easily washed off or scraped off. There are several main ways of performing this operation: pseudomatization, chemical etching,. Each method is not only good in its own way, but also has some disadvantages. All of these technologies are detailed below.

Artistic decoration with sandblasting

This method is more popular than the others, because with it you can apply clear images not only to the surface of the mirror, but even to the amalgam itself (the inner reflective layer). In the course of such processing, sand has not been used for a long time as an abrasive element, more advanced materials are used, but the procedure is called "sandblasting". This operation allows you to adjust the degree of matting, create deep reliefs and cover large mirrors with a pattern. The disadvantages of sandblasting include the difficulty of working with products with a small surface area, as well as products with a complex, intricate shape - vessels, decorative figurines, etc.

Chemical etching

In terms of the aesthetic appeal of the resulting pattern, this method is almost as good as sandblasting technology. An image that can be etched looks even softer, more pastel. But it is extremely difficult to make a drawing on amalgam in this way - the edges will be slightly blurred, and the integrity of the mirror layer will be violated. If the procedure is not performed carefully enough, drops of a chemical reagent, falling outside the picture, will spoil the appearance of the mirror. But chemical etching is very easy to matte complex shapes - mirror clocks, vases, various decorative objects. This method also applies relief to the mirror, making the resulting image durable. The advantages of this technology include the speed of the procedure - everything takes place in a matter of seconds.

Paint processing

This is an imitation of matting. It allows, giving the designer access to an almost limitless variety of shades. This method is simpler than the others, but the resulting pattern will be less durable. In addition, amalgam cannot be painted with paint. But any errors during the procedure are corrected very easily, so the likelihood of a marriage is extremely small.

The more unique an item is, the more it is valued. The uniqueness of many items, in turn, depends on how much freedom will be given to the master.

When it comes to working with glass (mirrors), you can immediately single out this area as the most suitable one: glass provides excellent opportunities for creating unique objects of art, interior design and everyday life.

Today we will focus on the artistic processing of glass, its decoration, or more precisely, the artistic matting. A number of methods that exist at the moment, do not allow to achieve all the necessary effects, therefore, it is much more profitable to use combinations of different methods.

Glass matting is a fairly economical and ergonomic method of working with glass products, although there are a number of features and nuances associated with matting.

So, the matting of glass and mirrors consists in the fact that due to all kinds of solutions of silt substances (most often sand), the transparency of the glass decreases, roughness becomes characteristic of it, smoothness is lost, allowing various design ideas to be realized. That is, the glass is deliberately dull.

Methods for matting glass and mirrors

Of the methods of matting, several main ones can be distinguished, the most commonly used:

1. Glass matting with various acid-containing preparations.
2. Sandblasting the glass surface.
3. Chemical matting, which also includes glass processing with special pastes.

Due to these methods, it is possible not only to frosted glass, but also to produce artistic processing (to obtain a drawing). From an economic point of view, the most economical is matting with pastes. They are inexpensive and you can even make them yourself. Working with pastes also does not require a specialized workplace.

Among the disadvantages of this method, you can single out stains, which clearly will not suit you if you are hoping to turn your work with glass and mirrors into a profitable business. Here you can advise to purchase special matting liquids. It is more expensive, but does not leave streaks, it is more suitable for working with large surfaces.

It is also important to understand that even when using matting liquids (not to mention pastes), you need to choose foreign manufacturers whose quality is much higher.

There is one more way of matting - this is sandblasting matting of glass and mirrors. This method provides for the presence of special equipment: directly a sandblaster, as well as specialized protective equipment, since a huge amount of dust is released during operation. This excludes the use of this method at home, that is, an equipped workplace is also needed.

The advantage of the method is a wide scope for the master: the device allows you to create relief images of various thickness. It is also important that the speed of work with the sandblasting method is much higher - this speeds up the glass processing process.

However, it is necessary to take a responsible attitude to the abrasive material, which, if you do not find a sufficient amount of sand, you will have to purchase.

The biggest disadvantage is the high costs for purchasing everything you need, and then for electricity, for the purchase of abrasives, the creation of stencils, if you are not a professional artist.

Conclusion: the method of sandblasting matting is justified when it comes to a well-established business in terms of customers, otherwise, the costs may exceed the possible income.

It is possible to matt glass and mirrors with acidic solutions. The main types of acids are hydrofluoric acid, as well as ammonium bifluoride and ammonium fluoride.

The method consists in applying an insoluble protective layer to the working surface, then removing the places intended for matting, direct acid etching, then holding and rinsing.

After removing the protective layer, you can rinse again. The method requires a responsible attitude and safety, even more than when working with a sandblaster.

But, given the average speed of such glass processing and the relative cheapness of acids, it can be said with confidence that this method can be successfully used for frosting glasses and mirrors.

Chemical and artistic glass matting

Chemical frosting of glass or mirrors - this is the application of a certain pattern or design on a smooth surface, while certain areas cease to be transparent.

You can apply any pattern on a smooth surface, while it does not wear off, does not lose its shape and does not fade.

Artistic frosting of glass (mirrors) is performed in three main ways: sandblasting, chemical etching, and matte film.

The simplest and most budgetary way of matting is film matting. In this case, a matte surface can be obtained by gluing a special film produced for glasses and mirrors.

If you want to get a glossy pattern on a matte surface, the entire surface is pasted over with a matte film, on which the desired image is cut.

The most common processing is sandblasting. It got its name thanks to the technology: the haze effect on glass or a mirror is achieved through the action of abrasive sand particles supplied with a strong jet of air under pressure to a smooth surface.

The material is processed mechanically using dry sand. Glasses can be matte with a transparent pattern or vice versa. In this case, you can apply volumetric images to any surface area, even the largest. The image is applied by the stencil method, an ornament is applied before processing, after matting it is removed.

When sanding, you can adjust the depth and intensity of the impact by reducing / increasing the particle size or by changing the pressure.

But sandblasting artistic glass matting has a number of significant disadvantages:

1. The surface is rough to the touch, therefore it strongly attracts dust and microparticles. To avoid these problems, the material is treated with varnish for smoothness, but after a certain time the varnish loses its original color, turns yellow, and the appearance of the product already changes significantly.


2. Due to the difficulties with fixing the material blade being processed, it is difficult to work with objects of complex shapes. As a rule, flat mirrors and glass are subjected to this treatment.


3. Fingerprints are easily visible on the frosted surface of sandblasted glasses and mirrors, so these items need regular care and cleaning.

Very often, sandblasted glass is used in wardrobes; it is not recommended to use it in interior partitions due to the unaesthetic back side.

Chemical frosting of glass (mirrors) in another way is also called etching or matting with paste. Under the influence of chemical compounds, the surface acquires its heterogeneous surface. The main component of such substances is hydrofluoric acid.

This method allows obtaining a surface of ideal quality with minimal roughness. To apply the image, a fatty solution is applied to the stencil, which is not subject to aggressive acid attack.

The main advantage of this method is the processing speed and the ability to process large areas of any shape, and the disadvantage is the likelihood of obtaining an unevenly matted surface.

The dullness obtained by this method is highly durable, it cannot be washed off or removed in any other way, because the structure of the upper surface layer changes.

Matting in the interior is becoming more and more popular. Surfaces that have undergone artistic and chemical matting are often found in modern decor, matte patterns are found in the design of partitions, cabinets, doors, windows, etc. A well-chosen image will decorate any room, and the use of lighting will visually expand the space and change the surrounding interior.

Glass matting technologies

Glass is used today in a variety of industries, from industry to jewelry. The methods of its processing allow obtaining a variety of products, and the technology of glass matting is constantly evolving.

Frosted glass is used in interior design, for the manufacture of pieces of furniture, showcases and mirrors, tableware, costume jewelry, and other souvenirs.

Several methods are used to obtain a matte surface. All methods of glass matting make it possible to obtain an opaque, like velvet, surface that visibly decorates any glass product. One of the most common processing methods is mechanical.

The most ancient methods are faceting and engraving, grinding. Today, sandblasting is actively used. These methods can be manual or mechanical.

Sandblasting allows you to get a surface of different types, changing the grain size of the sand. It is ideal for large areas such as partitions, display cases, ceilings. However, such methods of glass matting provide for a special apparatus, the acquisition costs of which can be significant.

In addition, the device requires power consumption, a special stand for work, as well as the protection of a specialist from dust arising in the process of glass matting with abrasive materials.

The original surface allows for chemical etching of glass. The chemical destroys the surface layer of the glass, allowing varying degrees of depth to be achieved and fine patterns.

Most often, for such work, hydrofluoric acid and compounds based on it are used: pastes, gels or aqueous solutions. This method is convenient for processing small items and can be used even at home in compliance with safety regulations.

Some pastes do not contain hydrofluoric acid; they are safe for human health. Chemical matting easily allows you to achieve different degrees of transparency on the same sample.

To obtain patterns, etching is often used, but it belongs to the category of hazardous industries. Glass products obtained in this way are safe for health - no acid remains on them, there are no harmful fumes.

The method of firing coatings can also give the glass a matte surface. This technology of glass matting is the application of a special coating, after which it is processed in an oven at a high temperature. In this case, the resulting surface is less smooth than, for example, chemical etching.

This method requires a preliminary installation of a kiln for firing, energy consumption, while the size of the processed glass product is limited. However, in production, this method is convenient in that there are no harmful fumes at a relatively high productivity in general.

Special paints are used for firing, resulting in beautiful stained-glass windows with a durable coating. Paints are applied by hand, the master must accurately observe the thickness of the paint layer. This method is good for creating dishes, lamp shades, stained glass windows.

The effect of a matte glass surface can be created using matt paints and varnishes. For this, organic varnishes, paints and polymers based on polyurethane are used. The colors are white or translucent. This method is simple to implement, despite the rather high cost of materials, it is available, but it requires high accuracy of drawing a pattern on glass.

A highly qualified master does not allow smudges, mixing paints, sloppy strokes. To fix the coating, a drying chamber is used, which also somewhat increases the cost of the final product. The disadvantage of this method is that over time, the paint and varnish layer may be damaged.

A similar effect can be achieved using a special stained glass film. This method is simple and fairly affordable. At the same time, the films simultaneously serve as protection against UV radiation, which ensures the durability of the paints on the stained glass.

The glass is also matted with hand-applied paints. For this, both brushes and stencils are used. Paints can be water-based, solvent ink is used, the drawing is varnished. Contemporary artists use fluorescent-based paints.

Glass matting agents

Various means for glass matting were widely known several centuries ago. Basically, special hydrofluoric acid was used for these very purposes, but due to the fact that this acid is very poisonous, it was almost impossible to use it for decorating glass or in domestic conditions.

Special sandblasting of glass was also widespread, with the help of which the glass became matte. Yes, perhaps this method was less harmful, but it took a lot of money and time.

The process of matting itself is necessary for decorating the surface; it is also used to form a pattern, minimize transparency, and also to correct scratches.

This process is most often carried out on cabinet doors, doors made of glass, but it can also be found on dishes, for example, on glasses for celebrations. Currently, there are several very popular methods (means) of glass matting, which I would like to consider in more detail.

Matting paste

Matting paste is actively used by builders, and indeed it is used by many specialists. This product does not contain any harmful substances, does not contain hydrofluoric acid and does not have an unpleasant odor. Thanks to all these properties, the use of the paste does not cause difficulties and is quite simple.

Grinding wheels

Glass frosting mechanically is a fairly reliable and effective way in which the glass will be the most durable and aesthetic. The procedure itself is quite difficult: the material to be processed is placed on a surface that has a special container for draining the water, and then it is processed using grinding wheels.

The texture of matting in this way depends mostly only on the size of the grains of sand. This method is especially popular in cases where the amount of work is very small.

Sandblasting

Glass matting with a sandblaster is as fast as possible, even in comparison with the previous version. The glass is installed vertically with a slight inclination, resting on a fairly rigid support, always with a soft gasket (most often felt).

The glass surface is treated with dry sand using air pressure. This type of treatment is most often used in workshops that are equipped with chambers with special exhaust ventilation.

Hydrofluoric acid

This is a special aqueous solution of hydrogen fluoride with a content of up to 40%. Such liquid for glass matting was quite popular before - it has been known for hundreds of years. Hydrofluoric acid destroys all metals except platinum and gold.

Also, glass matting liquid is capable of dissolving fat, wax, resin, or mixtures thereof. It should be remembered that it corrodes glass, so if you intend to store acid, it is better to use rubber or ebonite dishes.

As you can see, there are many ways, and in the modern market you can find a huge number of various devices and solutions that will help matting glass.

But always remember that any means for glass matting has its own advantages and disadvantages, therefore, as correctly as possible, choose the option that will be the most profitable for you, both in terms of aesthetic criteria, as well as in terms of safety and price range, which is very differs.