Frosting Acrylic Panels Again

Question:

This is about the frosted acrylic question in the August, 2003 Painting Clinic column (Painting Acrylic Panels). Why not just sandblast the acrylic panels to get the frosted effect? It is cheap, no adhesion problems and easily controlled. You can also get some nice artistic effects by masking a pattern or image prior to sandblasting and then you can even go so far as to edge light these patterned panels for results that can be quite stylish. K.M.

Answer:

I did, I did, I already did! In the column, T. H. wanted to paint the acrylic sheets and asked, “What should we be using and how should we apply it?” To answer his question, I told him how to paint the acrylic sheet using texture paints.

In the next paragraph, I told him to consider etching the acrylic sheet either chemically or by abrasion. I went on to say, “Abrasive blasting with different media will also etch the surface much the same as it does glass. As a bonus, these alternative treatments may give the panels a different “look” that may be better than your competitor’s.” Taking this a step farther, the use of different sizes and materials for blast media will vary the texture of the frosted areas

Thanks for writing. Your additional information about artistic effects by masking and edge lighting the panels for stylish effects are very helpful.