I've got a job where etched glass would look great, but sandblasting &/or chemical etching are not feasible. I think the "etched-look" vinyl would do nicely.
Now here's the dumb question part: Do I install the vinyl on the outside of the glass? Or do I cut it in reverse, and mount it inside?
Thanks in advance, Coop
Posted by Doug Allan (Member # 2247) on :
ON CLEAR GLASS IT LOOKS GREAT FROM BOTH SIDES. Oops, sorry for caps, I would decide based on which side may be more prone to damage or vandalism. If tinted, then I would install from the side they wish to view from,
Posted by Philip Steffen (Member # 2235) on :
I would cut in reverse for two reasons: 1) It will probably last longer indoors. I don't the weather the vinyl will see in your part of the world, but I bet it's nicer weather indoors (less walk-by pickers of vinyl too...which leads me to...) 2) People who actually stop & look will have a harder time knowing it is not etched or blasted, thus lending to the illusion your after.
P.S.- I prefer Avery's "Etch Mark" over Gerber/3M "Dusted Crystal" or "Frosted Crystal"
Posted by Curtis hammond (Member # 2170) on :
if its outside where fingers can get to it, it will get picked.
Dont ask me why I know Posted by Steve Eason (Member # 3567) on :
Hey Coop, I just installed over 30' of the stuff last Friday. Although it's usually much easier installing on the outside of the glass (no moving of furniture & window sill clutter), it is better protected on the inside.
My preference is also the Avery Etchmark product. You do have to be careful not to tear or stretch as this stuff is pretty thin. Good luck! - Steve
Posted by roger bailey (Member # 556) on :
Hey Coop, if you havn't yet tried Rapid Tac or Tac II just e-mail your street address to; mail@rapidtac.com for FREE samples, it will make life easier and more profitable !
Roger Posted by Jon Butterworth (Member # 227) on :
Hiya Coop ... how's spring in you neck of the woods? Just starting to cool down a bit here.
All comments above are valid. We do a fair bit of etch vinyl including covering 1/2 and full windows in offices. I also did a set of dolphins on our shower doors for Sue
Just couple of hints:
Make sure you hands are clean! Surgical gloves are an option. Believe me, you touch the glue side and your print is there for everyone to see.
Big areas (single sheets) go down WET WET WET on a pristine clean glass surface cause it will show every fly do do!
Small graphics go down DRY otherwise you are going to be there for hours trying to release the transfer tape. Misting the tape down with water helps make it less agressive when trying to remove.
Finally, if you have the function in your sign system, crop the fine points off everything. The rubber squeeges window cleaners use can curl the tips of the vinyl real quick.
Best of luck mate Posted by Monte Jumper (Member # 1106) on :
Hey Coop ...Etch mark is the best and as far as durability...I had it on the windhield of my truck for 6 years and never lost a piece of it...the wipers hit it and never so much as scratched it ir rolled a corner up.
Visability will be higer on the outside of the glass...true it will be more protected inside but if there are no vandalism problems in the area you're going to put it I'd opt for outside.
Hope this helps!
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
Anoter vote for th Avery product. Someday someone will show me some tricks to make that stuff easy to work with. I often need a light table to see the cut lines to weed it. Trying to see it through application tape is rather awkward also. I think I invent a new procedure every time.
Posted by coop (Member # 504) on :
Thanks for all of your replies! I really appreciate it. Posted by Lee Futch (Member # 1162) on :
Rick,
Try rubbing your pounce bag over the image. This should make your cut lines stand out. And yes we've done this numerous times and have yet to have the dust affect the adhesive.
Posted by Jon Butterworth (Member # 227) on :
I use Lee's trick all the time. Works great and not just on etch. A fine charcoal stick on white vinyl makes life weeding a whole lot easier. When are they going to come out with dark backing paper on light colors?
Another tip: If you have fine graphics or small lettering. Do the final weeding on the glass.
Rick: If you have problems seeing thro the app tape to register. Cut a small square in each corner and color it with a nicko pen before appling the tape.
Posted by Steve Burke (Member # 2674) on :
question- would reverse-cutting it make the adhesive more susceptible to UV???
Posted by Rick Sacks (Member # 379) on :
The stuff I've been getting hasd a black release liner. Even rubbing white shows very little. I think the 20 year olds see the lines just fine though.
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