Science, Tech, Math › Science Crystal Frost Window Paint Homemade Crystal Frost for your Windows Share Flipboard Email Print You can "frost" a window with Epsom salt crystals, even when it's hot outside. Anne Helmenstine Science Chemistry Activities for Kids Basics Chemical Laws Molecules Periodic Table Projects & Experiments Scientific Method Biochemistry Physical Chemistry Medical Chemistry Chemistry In Everyday Life Famous Chemists Abbreviations & Acronyms Biology Physics Geology Astronomy Weather & Climate By Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Anne Marie Helmenstine, Ph.D. Facebook Twitter Chemistry Expert Ph.D., Biomedical Sciences, University of Tennessee at Knoxville B.A., Physics and Mathematics, Hastings College Dr. Helmenstine holds a Ph.D. in biomedical sciences and is a science writer, educator, and consultant. She has taught science courses at the high school, college, and graduate levels. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on February 05, 2020 Grow non-toxic crystals on your window that look like frost. These easy crystals grow in a few minutes and give you the effect of frost, even if it's warm! Crystal Frost Materials You only need a few common household materials for this project: 1/3 cup Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) 1/2 cup hot water Few drops liquid dishwashing detergent Prepare the Crystal Frost Paint Dissolve the Epsom salt in the hot water.If the salt doesn't completely dissolve, microwave the solution for about 30 seconds.Add a few drops of liquid dishwashing detergent. The detergent helps make the crystals easy to wipe away when you're done with them.Use a paper towel or rag to wipe a window with the solution. Crystals will form in a matter of minutes. Epsom salt or magnesium sulfate crystals often form delicate needle shapes. Stefan Mokrzecki / Getty Images Helpful Tips and Tricks Make certain the Epsom salt is dissolved. If there are salt grains in the solution then the window will have uniform crystals rather than random-looking "frost".Use your finger to "write" on the window. The invisible text will act as a center for crystal growth, producing an interesting effect.Other smooth surfaces work well. Try a mirror, a metal pan or a translucent plate.When you're done with the frosted window, you can wipe it away with a damp cloth. View a video of this project, including time-lapse photography of crystal growth. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Crystal Frost Window Paint." ThoughtCo, Aug. 29, 2020, thoughtco.com/crystal-frost-window-paint-606262. Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. (2020, August 29). Crystal Frost Window Paint. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/crystal-frost-window-paint-606262 Helmenstine, Anne Marie, Ph.D. "Crystal Frost Window Paint." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/crystal-frost-window-paint-606262 (accessed May 30, 2023). copy citation