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?
-------------------- :) Colleen Santucci SixFlags Darien Lake Sign Shop Darien Center, NY 14040 csantucc@sftp.com Posts: 11 | From: buffalo, ny usa | Registered: Sep 1999
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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....
-------------------- Tom & Sharon Giampia Creative Image Design Port Chester, NY Posts: 285 | From: Port Chester | Registered: Mar 2001
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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.
-------------------- Bruce Bowers
DrCAS Custom Lettering and Design Saint Cloud, Minnesota
"Things work out best for the people who make the best of the way things work out." - Art Linkletter Posts: 6469 | From: Saint Cloud, Minnesota | Registered: Jun 1999
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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.
-------------------- Joe Crumley Norman Sign Company 2200 Research Park Blvd. Norman, OK 73069 Posts: 1428 | From: 2200 Research Park Blvd. | Registered: Sep 2001
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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.
-------------------- Tom & Sharon Giampia Creative Image Design Port Chester, NY Posts: 285 | From: Port Chester | Registered: Mar 2001
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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.
-------------------- :) Colleen Santucci SixFlags Darien Lake Sign Shop Darien Center, NY 14040 csantucc@sftp.com Posts: 11 | From: buffalo, ny usa | Registered: Sep 1999
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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.
-------------------- Tom & Sharon Giampia Creative Image Design Port Chester, NY Posts: 285 | From: Port Chester | Registered: Mar 2001
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![[Smile]](smile.gif)
Also - with or without LED lighting........... So many options I guess.
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