Bring spa style home

Hands-on time: One hour.
Skill: Moderate, requires use of basic tools.
Cost estimate: Depends on size of Plexiglas used (approximately $15).

Materials & Tools

• Plexiglas
• Long steel ruler
• Pencil
• Strong painter's tape (Scotch 3M won't tear when sanding)
• Laminate cutter with Tungsten carbine tip
• Electric sander (sanders can be rented)
• Sandpaper
• Drill with a small bit
• Lint-free cloth
• Window cleanser
• Two screw hooks
• Ball chain (also known as bathtub chain) and two end rings
• Pliers
• A level

Looking for a bright window treatment to replace old blinds or curtains? Create the spa look for a bathroom with a view by covering the bottom half of a window with a frosted window panel. A frosted panel is easily made by using painter's tape and an electric sander.

Take the window measurements to determine the width and length for the Plexiglas panel. Plexiglas sheets come in various sizes and some hardware stores will cut them to your specifications. If cutting it yourself, leave the protective plastic film on the panel until you have completed the necessary cuts. Place the sheet on a hard, flat surface. Mark out the dimensions on the Plexiglas using a measuring tape or a long steel ruler and a pencil.

To cut the panel, you need a laminate cutter, along with a steel ruler for a guide. Run the cutter along the ruler over the pencil line. Use pressure and go over your cut several times. Gently snap the panel in two along the cut. Repeat the cutting steps until you have the desired panel size. Practice cutting on smaller pieces to get the hang of it.

Use a small drill and bit to make one hole on each end of the panel about 2.5 centimetres down from the top. This is where the ball chain will be attached. Remove the protective plastic film from only one side of the Plexiglas panel. Lay the panel down on the side that still has the film on it on your work area. This will avoid scratching the under-surface while sanding the top. To create clear horizontal stripes on the Plexiglas, measure and mark their placement. Cover the designated stripe area by placing painter's tape directly onto the panel. These areas will remain clear. Make sure you are using a strong tape that will not shred during sanding. I have tested several brands, and 3M painter's tape is the strongest, but duct or black hockey tape can also be used.

To get the frosted look, use an electric sander to gently and evenly go over the panel in a circular motion. Once this look is accomplished, peel off the taped stripes and wipe the panel with a lint-free cloth. Use a window cleanser to remove any tape residue.

To install, measure and mark the windowsill for the placement of the hooks. Screw the hooks into the top of the window frame. Position the panel against the window and measure how long the ball chain should be. It will run from the window frame, through the holes in the Plexiglas, back to the window frame.

Using pliers, cut the ball chain to the needed length. Place the end rings onto the hooks. Attach the ball chain to one of the end rings then insert the other end through each of the holes in the panel and attach it into the end ring.

Use a level, to make sure the panel is straight, adjust the chain if necessary.

Variations

• Instead of sanding the Plexiglas, glass paints can be used. Paints can be blended to achieve soft colours like mint or baby blue. Try sanding the whole Plexiglas sheet, or making square or circle patterns. Frosted spray paints or pattern films can also be use on Plexiglas or on windows. However, some bathrooms have more condensation than others, which will lead to the paint or film peeling off. This is why I opted for sanding the Plexiglas. Plus, if you move, you can take it with you.