A diffuse reflecting optical construction that does not rely on special molds or tooling of the prior art in order to create a critical diffuse reflecting surface feature of the optical construction. An atomized spray method is employed to apply a hardenable transparent liquid polymer layer to the surface of a prefabricated base optical substrate. The polymer layer forms beads on the surface of the prefabricated base optical substrate, resulting in the formation of a surface having a random and continuous series of peaks and valleys thereon that form the diffuse reflecting surface feature. The prefabricated base optical substrate having the diffuse reflecting polymer layer thereon combined with additional optical layers forms a transparent diffuse reflecting optical construction that can be used in the manufacture of optical lenses, windows, and transparent films that reflect light in a diffuse manner while transmitting light in a substantially undistorted manner.