Th is technique uses dulling spray to achieve the frosted appearance on a glass. Th e frosted look indicates to the viewer that a chilled liquid is in the glass. Dulling spray
TRICKS OF THE TRADE I prefer using canned carbonated beverages when possible. Open a new can each time you fi ll a hero glass. Use a large-mouthed funnel to pour the carbonated beverage directly from the can into the glass on set. Cover the area of the set around the pour with a couple layers of paper towels before starting to pour.
If you are uncertain about your choice of whether to use a real versus a substitute liquid, run some tests. Put the actual liquid in a stand-in glass and let it remain there undisturbed for an hour or two at room temperature. If the liquid appearance has not changed after that length of time, you can be fairly comfortable using it on
is normally used to remove shine or gloss from a surface but in this technique, it creates a foglike layer on the glass. One of the advantages of using dulling spray is that it can be easily washed off the glass with soap and water when you are fi nished with the project or if you need to re-apply the spray.
Prep the glass a day or two before shoot day. Th is will allow you more time on the actual day of photography to attend to other issues on the set. Just remember to store the treated glasses in a dust- and moisture-free environ- ment, such as in a cabinet or under a cover of some type. I often use a large clear glass bowl and invert it over the treated glass. Th at way, others in the studio can see that there’s something under the bowl. It is also a good idea to put a sizable warning note on the cover over the glass or near the glass so no one touches it regardless of where the glass is stored.
Use the stand-in glass on set to determine the fi ll line in the glass. Once the level is determined, turn your atten- tion to the hero glass. Clean the hero glass inside and outside using soap and water. Dry the glass with a paper towel. Next, clean both inside and outside of the glass with glass cleaner. From this point forward, avoid touch- ing the glass directly with your hands. Refer to tech- niques for moving the glass during prep and to the set in a separate section in this chapter.
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To protect the part of the glass that is not going to be treated, run a strip of matte tape, masking tape, or painter’s tape around the top edge of the glass so that the bottom of the tape is at the approximated fi ll line. Assuming the glass will be standing upright on your set, be cautious to keep the tape in a horizontal line parallel to the top of the glass. If needed, use a level to make sure the tape is horizontal. Once the tape is in position, fi rmly press it to the glass surface.
towel to cover the foot of the glass and tape it in place. Once this is completed, you’re ready for dulling spray. To maneuver the glass during the prep process, push a clean, dry paper towel inside the glass, creating an open pocket that you can put your hand, or at least a few fi ngers, into. By spreading your fi ngers out so they contact the glass through the paper towel, you can maneuver the glass. Depending on the shape of the glass, you may actu- ally be able to pick up the glass. Th is method will help
TRICKS OF THE TRADE Leave a 2-inch length of tape sticking out at the end of the tape after you wrap it around the glass. Fold the 2-inch tape back onto itself to create a 1-inch tab. This tab will allow for easy removal after all treatments on the glass are completed.
If any of the glass is exposed between the top of the glass and the tape you just positioned, you will need to cover that exposed part with tape also so that, when you’re done taping, none of the glass above the fi ll line is exposed. When using a glass that has a stem or foot, you’ll want to protect those areas also because those areas don’t normally frost. To do that, run a piece of tape around the top of the stem just under the bottom of the glass, leaving a tab on the tape for easy removal. Wrap the stem of the glass with a paper towel and secure the paper towel to the band of tape with a small piece of tape. Th e paper towel doesn’t need to be tight because its only purpose is to keep any spray from hitting the stem. Use another piece of paper
you avoid getting any fi ngerprints on the glass. Before using this technique for the fi rst time, practice on a non- hero glass to gain confi dence.
Set the glass in the center of the spray booth. You might want to cover the top of the glass with a sturdy piece of heavy paper or cardboard to ensure that no spray enters the glass. Push the paper towel far enough inside the glass to allow the cardboard to sit fl at on the top of the glass.
Shake the can of dulling spray before beginning to spray and every minute or so during use. Holding the dulling spray can about 12 inches from the glass, spray the side of the glass facing you with a single light coat using a hori- zontal movement beginning and ending your spray strokes a couple of inches on either side of the glass. Turn the glass 180 degrees and repeat the spray process until the entire glass is sprayed. Be sure to replace the cardboard on top of the glass until you are fi nished spraying.
I usually apply two light coats of dulling spray to the glass to avoid any runs. Th e spray washes away easily if you need to start over, but you will have to replace the tape. Th is will complete the frosting eff ect.
If the frosting eff ect is your fi nal goal, you can remove the tape when the dulling spray is dry. Avoid touching the frosted area of the glass. If your fi nal goal includes condensation, don’t remove the tape at this time and leave the glass in the paper bag booth where it will reside for the remainder of your prep work.
TRICKS OF THE TRADE The easiest way to make a temporary spray booth for small items is to use a brown paper grocery bag. Tear out one side of the bag, leaving the bottom and other three sides intact. The bag will sit or lay fl at on a work surface to give you a three-sided “booth” with a fl oor. Spray in a well-ventilated area or outside.
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Supplies used to complete the frosted eff ect for the white wine shot:
● One hero glass and one stand-in glass ● Windex glass cleaner
● Bounty paper towels ● Krylon dulling spray
● One large standard brown paper grocery bag ● 4-in. × 5-in. piece of heavy paper or poster board ● Small level
● White wine
● 3/4-in.-wide black matte tape found at art supply
stores or masking or painter’s tape