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InteriorInterior
Privacy Glass (Obscure & Frosted)
Description

Metro Privacy, Obscure and Frosted Glass provides different levels of visual screening while allowing natural light into residential, commercial and architectural spaces.

The range includes etched, frosted, textured, patterned and wired glass options, including Metro Etchlite, Mistlite, Cathedral, Stippolite, Polished Georgian Wired and SquareLite Wired. Selected options can be toughened or laminated to provide Grade A safety glazing where required.

Key Features
  • Provides visual screening while allowing natural light through
  • Available in different privacy levels, textures and patterns
  • Etched, frosted, obscured, patterned and selected wired-glass options
  • Suitable for residential and commercial projects
  • Can create privacy without completely enclosing a space
  • Metro Etchlite provides a fine grain, satin appearance
  • Selected options can be toughened
  • Obscure glass can be laminated where toughening is unavailable or additional retention is required
  • Can be incorporated into selected insulating glass units
  • Suitable for windows, doors, screens, partitions and showers
  • Available in multiple thicknesses and panel sizes, subject to the selected product
  • Custom glass selection and technical support available
Scope of Use

Metro Privacy, Obscure and Frosted Glass is suitable for residential, commercial, hospitality, institutional and architectural projects.

Typical applications include:

  • Bathroom windows
  • Shower doors and screens
  • Bedrooms
  • Entrance doors and sidelights
  • Office partitions
  • Meeting rooms
  • Internal privacy screens
  • Cabinet doors and shelving
  • Furniture
  • Lighting features
  • Windows and glazed doors
  • Selected façade glazing
  • Selected balustrade applications, subject to specific design
  • Insulating glass units
  • Decorative interior glazing

Metro Etchlite can be toughened, laminated, painted, bevelled, drilled, edge worked or incorporated into insulating glass units, subject to processing and design requirements.

Limitations on Use
  • Privacy performance varies by pattern, glass thickness, lighting, viewing distance and the position of people or objects behind the glass.
  • Obscure or frosted glass does not necessarily provide complete privacy, particularly when spaces are backlit.
  • Only selected patterned glass options can be toughened because pattern depth can affect processing.
  • Metro recommends laminated options where a selected pattern cannot be toughened and safety glazing is required.
  • The pattern direction must be stated when ordering. Unless otherwise specified, patterned glass is generally cut with the pattern running in the direction of the stated panel height.
  • Etched or frosted surfaces can be more susceptible to marking than standard polished glass.
  • The etched surface of Metro Etchlite should face the most accessible side for cleaning where practicable.
  • In shower applications, the etched surface should not face the inside of the shower.
  • When Metro Etchlite is laminated, the etched surface must face outward as surface one or surface four.
  • Ceramic frit coatings are not suitable for application to the etched surface of Metro Etchlite.
  • Bevelled or edge-worked areas will lose the etched effect and appear similar to standard float glass.
Statement of Building Code Compliance

When correctly selected, designed, manufactured and installed, Metro Privacy, Obscure and Frosted Glass complies with or can contribute to compliance with relevant provisions of the New Zealand Building Code, including:

  • B1 Structure
  • B2 Durability
  • E2 External Moisture, where incorporated into a complete external glazing system
  • E3 Internal Moisture, for relevant wet-area applications
  • F2 Hazardous Building Materials
  • F4 Safety from Falling, where incorporated into a specifically designed and compliant barrier system
  • G7 Natural Light
  • H1 Energy Efficiency

Compliance depends on the complete installed system and the selected glass type, safety treatment, framing, fixings and installation.

Other Performance Attributes
  • Different glass patterns provide different levels of light diffusion and visual screening.
  • Selected options can be toughened or laminated to provide Grade A safety glazing.
  • Safety glass options are manufactured in accordance with AS/NZS 2208.
  • Glass selection and installation are undertaken with reference to NZS 4223.
  • Metro Etchlite diffuses light and softens the visibility of objects behind the glass.
  • Etchlite can be processed in a similar manner to standard float glass, subject to the specific surface and processing limitations.
  • Laminated configurations can provide post-breakage retention and improved acoustic performance.
  • Insulating glass configurations can combine privacy with thermal, solar-control or acoustic performance.

Warranty & Maintenance

  • Warranty coverage is subject to Metro’s applicable decorative, processed or insulating glass warranty terms.
  • Refer to the attached Metro Performance Glass warranty documentation for coverage, exclusions and claim requirements.
  • Maintain in accordance with the Metro Performance Glass glass-care and maintenance guide.
  • Metro Etchlite may be gently polished to remove selected marks.
  • Do not use abrasive pads, blades or metal scrapers on etched, frosted or patterned surfaces.
  • Maintain framing, glazing seals and drainage paths around exterior installations.
  • Etched glass may appear more transparent when wet, returning to its normal matte appearance when dry.
Documents
Warranty

Metro Performance Glass delivers locally made, high performance glass and glazing solutions, supported by nearly 40 years’ experience and New Zealand’s largest installation capability.

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