How to create fake condensation to glasses for food photography and food styling!

Hey everyone, it’s Dani! Today, we’re focusing on how to create realistic condensation on glasses—ideal for making drinks like cocktails look frosty and refreshing. Let’s jump into the top tips and techniques for achieving this effect!

Tip 1: Prep the Glass with Scotchgard

For a frosty, long-lasting effect, start by spraying the glass with Scotchgard:

• Use a paper towel to hold the glass, preventing fingerprints, and spray Scotchgard evenly over the outside.
• Scotchgard provides a base that helps glycerin solution adhere better, creating natural-looking beads of condensation. While optional, Scotchgard adds durability to the effect, ensuring that your glass stays frosty for a longer period.

Tip 2: Use a Glycerin and Water Solution

A glycerin and water mixture is perfect for creating condensation droplets:

• Mix glycerin and water at a 50/50 ratio in a spray bottle.
• Spray the mixture from a few inches away for an even mist, or get closer for larger droplets. The glycerin mixture forms beautiful, realistic droplets that won’t evaporate quickly, making it ideal for extended shoots.

Tip 3: Freeze the Glass for a Quick Effect

Freezing the glass is a simple, tool-free way to add a frosty look:

• Place the glass in the freezer until it’s well-chilled, then take it out just before shooting.
• Clean up any extra frost marks by lightly wiping the glass to maintain an even frosty look. This method is great for quick photos, but remember that the frost will fade quickly, so be ready to shoot immediately.

Tip 4: Use Ice Powder for a Professional Finish

Ice powder is a commercial product designed to mimic the icy, frosty look:

• Available from food photography suppliers, ice powder creates a lasting, artificial frost effect, perfect for professional shoots.
• Simply apply it to the glass to achieve a realistic frozen look without relying on temperature. While not necessary for every shoot, ice powder is a great option for creating that frosty effect when you need it to last longer.

Thank you for watching! If you found these tips helpful, please leave a comment below and let us know what other topics you’d like covered. Don’t forget to like our Facebook page and click the link in the description to download our Food Photography Workflow Checklist—a handy guide we use on every set.

Until next time—happy styling!