Glass reflections are annoying and distracting. Glass surfaces often reflect your surroundings, making it difficult to see beyond the glare. This article will show you the best methods on how to make glass non-reflective so you can reduce glare and enjoy a clear view.
Using the right products and techniques, it’s super easy to reduce reflection on glass! Whether you want to get rid of light reflection on electronic screens, windows, or picture frames, I’ve got several effective solutions to make glass less reflective. Here’s how to stop reflection on glass!
Note: DON’T use any methods below on prescription glasses lens. The only reliable method to reduce glare on glasses is to purchase lens with anti-glare coating. Using any methods from this post can seriously damage or reduce the clarity of prescription glasses.
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Best Products To Reduce Reflection On Glass
How To Make Glass Non Reflective
- Spray a matte clear coating to reduce reflection on glass surfaces.
- Swap your picture frame glass with an anti-reflective replacement glass.
- To make windows, picture frame glass, and other surfaces non reflective, apply a clear matte film.
- Reduce glare on computer, laptop, and phone screens with anti-glare screen protectors.
1. Matte Clear Coating Spray
A matte clear coating spray can help reduce reflections on glass by giving glass surfaces a matte finish. Although it won’t completely get rid of light reflection, it will slightly reduce glare on glass surfaces. As a bonus, some matte clear coatings will also provide uv protection.
For glass surfaces, I recommend using this Matte Clear Enamel Coating from Rust-Oleum. This inexpensive matte spray has excellent coverage and quality for the price. When spraying, avoid applying more than two thin coats of matte clear spray (too much coating can cause glass surfaces to fog).
I also don’t recommend using this spray on electronic glass screens (use an anti-glare screen saver instead) or windows (a clear matte film is easier to remove). For best results, use this product on picture frame glass or on the outside of glass tanks.
Here’s how to make glass non reflective with a matte clear spray:
How To Make Glass Non Reflective With A Matte Clear Spray (For Picture Frames)
- Work in a well ventilated area or outside. Cover and protect your work surface with newspapers.
- Optional: If you don’t want to coat the frame in matte clear spray, remove the glass from the picture frame. You can also tape the frame with painters tape.
- Shake the can for one minute after the mixing ball inside begins to rattle. To ensure a smooth coverage, spray the can in a quick and even, back-and-forth motion, slightly overlapping each stroke.
- Allow the clear paint to dry completely before adding additional coatings (around 2 to 4 hours). For best results, apply no more than two coats. Additional coats can significantly reduce the clarity of glass.
- Allow the matte clear coating to completely cure for at least 4 hours before inserting the glass back into the picture frame.
2. Anti-Reflective Picture Frame Glass
GroGlass | Anti-Reflective Premium Replacement Glass for Picture Frames
Looking for more ideas on how to stop reflection on glass surfaces? Although a matte clear spray will help make picture frame glass slightly less reflective, it can be tricky to apply on glass for beginners. To make your life easier, try replacing your picture frame glass with anti-reflective replacement glass.
For an almost invisible look, I highly recommend using this Anti-Reflective Premium Replacement Glass for Picture Frames from GroGlass. After using this product, you won’t want to use regular picture frame glass again! This product is super high quality and gives your framed pictures excellent transparency even under direct sunlight.
It’s also super easy to use: just swap out the picture frame glass with the anti-reflective one. This listing also comes with handling gloves to help prevent fingerprint smudges while handling the glass.
GroGlass glass products are high quality and used by museums and galleries. Their anti reflection glass coating helps reduce reflections by more than 85 percent giving framed pictures excellent clarity and color. I highly recommend checking them out!
How To Insert Non Reflective Glass Into A Picture Frame
- Open the picture frame, removing all contents including the glass. Wear handling gloves.
- Carefully insert the non reflective replacement glass into the picture frame. If there are any smudges, you can use a clean microfiber cloth to gently wipe the glass clean.
- Reassemble the picture frame and you’re done!
3. Clear Matte Film
Con-Tact Brand | Self-Adhesive Semi-Transparent Clear Matte Film
A clear matte film is typically used to make flat surfaces non reflective. This versatile material can be used to reduce light reflection on posters, windows, glass doors, and much more. As a bonus, this film can be used to protect surfaces from scratches, smudges, and other damage.
To reduce reflection on glass, try using this Adhesive Semi-Transparent Clear Matte Film from Con-Tact Brand. This film is thick, durable, waterproof, and easy to cut and clean. The clear matte film removes cleanly without residue, making it a great temporary anti-glare solution for glass windows in a rental.
Note that although this product looks clear on smooth flat surfaces (like on documents, shelves, and posters), it is semi-transparent when applied on glass surfaces like windows. Therefore, it can also be used to create privacy on glass windows.
For this reason, I don’t recommend using this film on picture frame glass because it will make pictures look cloudy (use matte clear coating spray or replace the glass with anti-reflective picture frame glass instead). Otherwise, this is a great product to reduce reflections and add privacy to windows while allowing natural light to pass through.
Here’s how to make glass non reflective with a clear matte film:
How To Stop Reflection On Glass With A Clear Matte Film
- Measure and cut the clear matte film to the exact dimensions of the window (or other smooth, flat glass surface).
- Using a clean microfiber cloth, wipe down the window until completely clear. If needed, use a small amount of dish soap to help remove dirt and grime. Make sure the window is completely dry before applying the film.
- Carefully apply the clear matte film onto the window. Reposition the film as needed. Use a credit card to help smooth down any air bubbles.
4. Anti-Glare Screen Protectors
Looking for ideas on how to stop reflection on glass screens of electronics? Anti-glare screen protectors are excellent solutions for significantly reducing glare and light reflections on electronics. You can find anti reflection screen protectors for all types of electronic screens like TVs, computers, laptops, iPhones, and tablets.
These screen protectors are made specifically for devices and are generally made of a matte material that helps reduces glare, especially in bright environments. Anti-glare screen protectors are the best solution to make your touchscreen electronics less reflective without damaging the screen or reducing clarity. They are also super easy to install and affordable!
For example, you can get pack of two Anti Glare Matte iPad Screen Protectors from Mobdik for only around $10! Note that this particular screen protector has a rough feel to help reduce slipperiness and glare. This is a quality screen protector for tablets and has a paper-like feel when you draw or take notes. As a bonus, this product also reduces the appearance of fingerprints!
How To Use Screen Protectors To Reduce Glare On Computer, Laptop, Tablet, And Phone Screens
- If provided, place the anti-skid mat on your work surface. Using a lens wipe and/or microfiber cloth, clean the glass screen. Use dust removal stickers to get rid of any dust specks.
- If desired, apply positioning stickers as a guide before applying the screen protector. Carefully align and attach the screen protector. Use a credit card to help smooth down any air bubbles.
Summarized: How To Make Glass Non Reflective
In this post, I’ve gathered the best techniques on how to make glass non reflective. Here’s all the recommended products in one convenient list:
- Rust-Oleum | Matte Clear Enamel Coating
- GroGlass | Anti-Reflective Premium Replacement Glass for Picture Frames
- Con-Tact Brand | Self-Adhesive Semi-Transparent Clear Matte Film
- Mobdik | Anti Glare Matte iPad Screen Protector
Conclusion
Glass is great material for picture frames, windows, fish tanks, and electronic screens. Unfortunately, glass surfaces often reflect your surroundings, making it hard to see beyond the glare. In this post, I’ve gathered the best products and techniques on how to make glass non reflective.
Here’s the best methods to reduce reflections based on type of glass:
- Picture Frame Glass: replace with anti glare glass or add two coats of clear matte spray (budget option)
- Glass Tank: spray two thin coats of clear matte spray on the outside glass
- Window Glass: apply a clear matte film
- TV, Computer, Laptop, iPhone screens: use an anti-glare screen saver
- Prescription Glasses: purchase glasses lens with anti-glare coating (don’t use any methods from this post)
I hope this post gave you some helpful tips on how to stop reflection on glass. Good luck!
