Window Condensation/Frost Help

CineMischief

CineMischief

Active member
Need to know how to frost up car windows or put condensation on em to simulate it being cold outside. Basically, I want the actors to be able to write/draw on the windows and be able to do multiple takes. Is there a quick easy way to do this without it actually having to be cold outside? I'll settle for time consuming/difficult if it works. This is for a night shoot in not so chilly Cali...

Thanks for yer help
 
Go to a professional photo supply store and get a can of "dulling spray". it's used in still & video shoots to kill reflections on shiny things. It dries with a powdery look and wipes off easily. It does look kind of like a "steamed up" window.

I'd test it by combining it with actual water; spray some water drops on the glass with a spray bottle, just a light misting, and then see how the dulling spray works/interacts... this way you'll get runny droplets when it's fingered.

That may not work, but should give you a starting point to play with.

Also, corn syrup in a spray bottle is how a lot of those "drippy wet" beer bottles/cans are shot; that may work well if the water is just too runny (but between-takes cleanup will be a bit more involved). Just remember to figure this all out in a testing situation, not with talent standing around!

Hope that helps. --MC
 
All good advice., MC.
Another option would be to try Glycerine (available from any pharmacy) from a spray bottle. Test with different mixing ratios with water.
 
Icepacks on the outside, boiling water on the inside. Chill the window, blow the steam onto it. (Maybe dry ice, if you're careful with it.)

Gotta work fast, though. :)
 
from the most available to the specialized spray deodrant, spray snow and spray ice crystals
 
Last edited:
salt water solution

salt water solution

I have seen a salt water solution used before. It takes alot of salt though. You have seen the residue it leaves on your car during snowy rides. The same principle applies to windows. You can break down some epsom salts in a warm water or stale beer until the liquid can't hold any more, and paint the outside of the card windows. Once the water evaporates, it leaves the milky salt residue on the window which is slightly opaque. Kind of looks like a frosty window with and since the salt is crystalline in nature some of that is transferred to the window, which simulate the frost crystal look. That might work for the look you are going for. You can easily wash the salt afterwards.
 
Last edited:
Niiiiice...cheers for all the help, hombres. Guess I'm going for that look when you first get in your car on a cold night and the windows have that thin layer of condensation on em. The characters are gonna be on the inside and need to be able to draw on the windows...

Gotta do some more tests to see what works best. Thanks again for all the help. I love each and everyone of you.
 
another option. get a separate piece of glass cut the shape of the window. store it in a ice chest or freezer. then pull it out on every shot and set it against the actual window . fimed from either side should be fine.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top