MATERIAL DATA SHEET

Frosted glass (Acid-etched/Sandblasted) (4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm)

Processed Glass
mineral › Glass › Processed Glass
mineralglassprivacyfrostedacid-etchedsandblastedtranslucentAS1288safety-glass
ATLAS CODE
MIN-GLA-PRO-010
Frosted glass (Acid-etched/Sandblasted) (4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm)
Category mineral
Material Family Glass
Regulatory Status Non-combustible
Density
2500 kg/m³
Carbon (A1-A5)
15 kgCO₂e
Fire Class
Non-combustible
Lifespan
50+ years yrs
Description

Frosted glass is a processed glass product created by treating one surface of clear float glass with either acid etching (using hydrofluoric acid) or mechanical sandblasting. This treatment creates a translucent surface that diffuses light and provides privacy whilst maintaining approximately 50-70% light transmission. Available in standard thicknesses from 4mm to 12mm, suitable for interior and exterior applications.

Primary Sectors
[Commercial][Residential][Hospitality][Healthcare]
Typical Uses
  • Shower screens and bathroom partitions
  • Office partitions and conference rooms
  • Residential windows and doors
  • Glass balustrades and pool fencing
  • Kitchen splashbacks
  • Decorative architectural features
  • Privacy screens in healthcare facilities
  • Shopfront displays
Recycled Content 20
Renewable Content 0
Recyclability 100
Embodied Carbon 15 kgCO₂e
Embodied Energy 200 MJ/kg
EPD Available Yes
Advantages
Provides privacy whilst allowing natural light transmissionPermanent finish that won't wear or peelCan be toughened or laminated for safety complianceAcid-etched version resists fingerprints better than sandblastedAvailable in various opacity levels and patternsSuitable for all Australian climate zonesNon-combustible material (BAL-FZ compliant when required thickness)100% recyclable at end of life
Cautions
Cannot be cut or modified after temperingSandblasted finish shows fingerprints and requires more maintenanceHigher cost than clear glassReduced light transmission compared to clear glassAcid etching process involves hazardous chemicalsLimited availability of acid etching facilities in AustraliaFragile in annealed form - requires careful handling
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 1 OF 4
TECHNICAL DATA: PERFORMANCE PROPERTIES MIN-GLA-PRO-010
Density (Dry) 2500 kg/m³
Specific Gravity 2.5
Porosity 0 %
Water Absorption 0 %
Hardness 5.5
Surface Roughness 0.8 μm
UV Resistance Excellent
Chemical Resistance Excellent
pH Tolerance 3-11
Compressive Strength 1000 MPa
Tensile Strength 40 MPa
Flexural Strength 45 MPa
Shear Strength 25 MPa
Elastic Modulus 70 GPa
Impact Resistance Low J/m
Poisson's Ratio 0.22
Creep Resistance Excellent
Abrasion Resistance Good
Thermal Conductivity 1 W/mK
Thermal Resistance 0.001 m²K/W
Specific Heat Capacity 840 J/kgK
Thermal Expansion 9 μm/m·K
Melting Point 700 °C
Sound Transmission Class (STC) 31
Noise Reduction Coeff. (NRC) 0.05
Optical
Light Transmittance 50 %
Light Reflectance (LRV) 0.08 %

Frosted glass techniques date back to the 1800s with sandblasting developed in 1870 by Benjamin Tilghman. Acid etching using hydrofluoric acid was developed in the late 19th century. Modern acid-etching processes were refined in the 1960s for architectural applications. Australian adoption accelerated in the 1980s with increased focus on privacy in commercial and residential design.

CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 2 OF 4
SAFETY, ECOLOGY & INSTALLATION MIN-GLA-PRO-010
Flame Spread Index 0
Smoke Developed Index 0
Combustibility Class Non-combustible
Fire Resistance Rating Non-combustible hours
Heat Release Rate 0 kW/m²
Toxicity of Combustion None
Embodied Carbon (A1-A3) 15 kgCO₂e/kg
Embodied Energy 200 MJ/kg
EPD Available Yes
Recycled Content 20%
Renewable Content 0%
LEED Points 2
Circular Economy Score 7 /100
VOC Emissions 0 g/L
Skill Level Professional glazier
Crew Size 2
Installation Time 0.5-2 hours/m² hr/m²
Curing Time 24 hours hours
Setting Time 30 minutes min
Temperature Range 5-35°C °C
Humidity Range 30-80% RH %
Required Tools
Glass suction cupsGlazing packersSilicone gunSpirit levelMeasuring tapeSafety equipment (gloves, glasses)
Certifications Required
Glass and Glazing License (state-specific)
Weather Limitations
No installation in extreme heat >40°CAvoid high winds
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 3 OF 4
COMMERCIAL, LOGISTICS & REGULATORY MIN-GLA-PRO-010
Material Cost $45-85/m²
Installation Cost $70-90/hour
Annual Maintenance $20-50/m²
Lifecycle Cost (50yr) $250-400/m²
Market Availability High
Lead Time 1-2 weeks weeks
Design Life 50+ years years
Warranty Period 5-10 years years
Maintenance Interval Annual cleaning months
Service Temp Range -50 to 300°C °C
Freeze/Thaw Resistance Excellent
Dimensional Stability Excellent
Certifications Held
AS/NZS 2208:1996 (Safety glass)AS 1288:2021EPD availableGBCA Green Star compliantNon-toxicVOC-free
Fire Code Compliance
AS 1530.1 (Non-combustible)AS 3959:2018 (BAL ratings)
Standards Compliance
NCC 2022BCA Volume 1 & 2ASTM C1036ASTM C1048ISO 12543ISO 717-1EN 572EN 12600

DISCLAIMER: This specification document is generated from the CLAD Materials Atlas Database. Information is for general guidance only and does not constitute professional engineering advice. Values are typical and may vary by batch, manufacturer, and production run. Verify suitability for specific project applications independently.

ID: MIN-GLA-PRO-010 Schema: v3.0
CLAD MATERIALS ATLAS PAGE 4 OF 4