The elegance of veiled light. Acid-etched glass does not obstruct light, it shapes it. It transforms direct and glaring sunlight into a soft, homogeneous glow, guaranteeing privacy without visually closing or darkening interior spaces.
Unlike sandblasting (a mechanical abrasive process), chemical satin finishing immerses entire float glass sheets in baths of hydrofluoric acid. The acid literally eats the first layer of silica, producing microscopic rounded-edge craters ('soft craters'). This creates a smooth and velvety surface, immune to skin grease accumulation (commonly defined as an anti-fingerprint finish).
Acid-etched glass exploits the physical principle of scattering (optical diffusion). When photons hit the micro-rough surface, they are refracted in multiple random directions. This destroys the retinal image (creating a very high ‘Haze’ factor), guaranteeing the invisibility of what lies beyond the glass. However, unlike tinted or darkened glass, the acid-etched pane continues to transmit most of the visible light spectrum (70-85%), acting as a large diffusing lamp ideal for dividing offices and bathrooms.
Standards
European and international references applicable.
Physical properties
Usage environment
Important: if acid-etched glass is laminated with the rough face in contact with PVB plastic, the glue fills the craters restoring total transparency. The acid-etched face must always be exposed to air (face 1 or 4) to function. In wet areas, acid-etched glass far outperforms sandblasted glass in terms of ease of cleaning.