We have a first time project of doing a sandblasted lucite sign for behind our hotel front desk. First thought was perhaps sandblasted glass, but didn't want to take a chance of anything happening to either the sign or the employess behind the counter - so that is why we are having thoughts of lucite. Our seasonal carpenter ( man of many hats ) will be able to do this for us. His thoughts are to blast some of the design from the back and some from the front for more dimension - WE LIKE and NEED DIMENSION ! Also - with or without LED lighting........... So many options I guess.
Any thoughts to share?
Posted by Tom Giampia (Member # 2007) on :
Colleen, The "Etched look" is very often an affordable option that looks very good if it is designed well. We've been using it on the 1/2" thick green glass acrylic with great results. You could also get a lot of detail with laser engraving. More Options....
Posted by Joey Madden (Member # 1192) on :
Lucite huh?
I'd use aluminum oxide for less mishaps unless the substrate is 1 or more inches thick and depth is an issue
[ February 12, 2005, 11:04 AM: Message edited by: Joey Madden ]
Posted by Bruce Bowers (Member # 892) on :
Colleen,
You can use etch vinyl and edge light the plastic for basically the same look.
It isn't quite as cool but at the distance you will be viewing the panel at, I doubt it will be much of an issue.
Posted by Joe Crumley (Member # 2307) on :
I agree with Bruce. Frosted Crystal vinyl illuminates so well from LED's, is fast and easy to do.
Perhaps Lucite and plastics can be blasted but are many times more resitant than glass.
Tempered glass might be an option but can only be surface etch. I've blasted dozens of tempered church windows over the years. At first I had a few failures but soon learned the limits. No returns after installation, Thank God.
Although I wouldn't take on a plastic sandblast job, I sure would sure love to see some of Tom and Sharron's sandblasting, and find out how they do it. You gotta have some real CFM and patience.
Thank you all for your input ! Of course I did think of the vinyl approach....... Still thinking on that one.
Tom & Sharon - what exactly is green glass acrylic?
Posted by Tom Giampia (Member # 2007) on :
Joe, Let me clarify... We Don't sand blast acrylic. I said that we use the "Etch Look Vinyl".
Colleen, Green Glass Acrylic is a clear with a slight green tint that is more visible on the edges. It looks more like tempered glass than regular clear.
Posted by Colleen Santucci (Member # 1085) on :
Howdy people ! Guess what ! We are going to attempt a glue-hipped sign...... Thank you - thank you - thank you for your input ! I DO appreciate it ! I was calling a few people and places about the hide glue and we already had a 5 lb bag of it. It's been here as long as I have , probably longer........ yikes !
Have a great day ! I'll be enjoying the falling snow today -it looks absolutely beautiful on the trees.
Posted by Colleen Santucci (Member # 1085) on :
ok - not a glue-chipped sign, but a glue-chipped sign....... ( that would be pretty funny - maybe a little painful ) Posted by Colleen Santucci (Member # 1085) on :
not again............ i need some caffiene, this decaf isn't working. ( isn't there a spell check that i don't use on this thing? ) ugh
Posted by Tom Giampia (Member # 2007) on :
I thought that I'd use this thread to try and post a photo for the first time.... These are glass ADA signs that we did a few years ago.
This one does'nt have braille, but it holds an 8.5 x 11 insert for meeting notices. The top is Green Glass Acrylic, the back plate is sandblasted and touch screened tempered glass.
We are working on designs for a lobby diretory for the new owners of the building using similar materials that I will post in the portfolio section soon.
Posted by Tom Giampia (Member # 2007) on :
Sorry... Just trying to figure out this photo thing! Posted by Tom Giampia (Member # 2007) on :
I think I get it now.... Posted by Colleen Santucci (Member # 1085) on :
![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Also - with or without LED lighting........... So many options I guess.
