Privacy options for window in shower

[Shane Moss]

I've recently installed a new vinyl window in a rental to replace the old cubed block glass that was in there. This is a 1950's house with only one window that is in the shower. I need something to let light in while remaining private. I've seen the option of a curtain, but I don't care for this look. I've also seen tint like films at Home Depot, but none of them seem to obscure enough. I'm also not sure if the film would hold up to a constant barrage of water. I thought I've seen something thicker, like a rubbery film that's a couple of millimeters thick that clings to the window. Maybe I'm not remembering right because I've scoured the Internet and haven't found anything like this.

One more thing... I've tried the frosting in a spray can that is supposedly meant for a bathroom, but it was worthless. It came off too easy.

Can you guys offer any advice?

[Mitch Kronowit]

Originally posted by Shane M:

I like your idea of having it etched. Any idea of what something like that costs? I suppose I can call a local glass company on Monday.

I have no idea. I'm not even sure what the best method is for this application. The glass can either be etched with hydrofluoric (HF) acid or sandblasted. I imagine a good window company will steer you the right way. It may be easier and cheaper for them to simply swap out your clear glass panels with frosted ones.

If you're a brave adventurous soul, you can try spraying automobile wheel cleaner on the glass (most of those products used to contain HF acid), but the "tree huggers" may have had it banned in recent years. Read the warning label to see if HF acid is the active ingredient. If so, use your head and wear goggles, gloves, a respirator, etc. and do it on the outside panel so you're not inside with the fumes. I don't want to read about you in the newspaper getting the "Darwin Award". :wink:

Good luck. Let us know what works.