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I have a client who wants a large window(5 feet wide and 8 feet tall) done to resemble etched glass. The kicker is the location changes tenants fairly often so they want it to be removable. I could use vinyl but am concerned about seams. Any ideas? Thanks
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It seems that seams seem to be a problem. When using etched glass and the art is bigger than I can cut, I try to design the artwork so it can be cut in pieces with a break of somesort in the design where the seam seems to be needed. Or tell the customer that it seems there will be a seam.
-------------------- Ace Graphics & Printing Camdenton, MO. USA
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Hi Hank, I just completed a similar job this weekend. We used Avery Etchmark vinyl on two large glass doors for a local pizza place. Having never done this before, it was a learning experience.
Due to the size of the graphic, I was not able to do this job without any seams. On Saturday, I applied a large cartoon character on one door. I used a very small overlap (~0.25") on the seam. Although others thought that it looked good, I hated it. The seam was too obvious. The next morning, I returned with my heat gun and quickly removed the graphic. I applied new material that I cut differently. With round two, I cut panels so that they would butt-joint together, no overlap. The seam is virtually invisible.
A carefully handled heat gun may be used at a later date to remove portions of the film. Oh, another tip for you is whether or not to use application fluid. Lots of information on this board if you search. I personally had lots of headaches using the stuff. After struggling for some time on a few small areas, I jumped in and tried the dry application. The dry application sure worked better for me.
Good luck and I hope that this info is helpful. - Steve
-------------------- Steve Eason Admiral Signs Juneau, AK Posts: 62 | From: Juneau | Registered: Jan 2003
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Hiya Hank, Tony's got the right idea. You're going to have to eith install the graphic with a seam or incorporate a panel into the design. The largest roll of etched look vinyl I could buy is 48". Perhaps you can incorporate some sort of 6" - 12" decorative border into the design that will remain constant throughout the tennant changes. Then you outsource the larger graphics to someone like Gregory or Earl Mich. This way you only pay for what you use.
Havin' fun,
Checkers
-------------------- a.k.a. Brian Born www.CheckersCustom.com Harrisburg, Pa Work Smart, Play Hard Posts: 3775 | From: Harrisburg, Pa. U.S.A. | Registered: Nov 1998
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Well you need something without seams and must be changeable I saw a spray can that creates the etched glass look just reverse mask and spray. When you need to change it just scrap it off. I am sure I saw it at Wal Mart.
-------------------- Steve Eisenreich Dezine Signs PO BOX 6052 Stn Forces Cold Lake, Alberta T9M 2C5 Posts: 774 | From: Cold Lake | Registered: Mar 2000
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Hi y'all, I have in the past mixed talcom powder with clear varnish and applied it to the inside of glass, works a treat, looks like etched glass and can be removed with a razor blade later if required.All you need is a paint mask of the design and a sponge roller - the way to go !!!!
-------------------- Brian the Brush brian the brush uk Yorkshire, UK www.brianthebrushuk.com Posts: 123 | From: United Kingdom | Registered: Sep 2001
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Thanks for all the info! Part of the problem is...there is no design involved. they just want the frosted glass look on the entire panel, so a spray on or the talcum powder thing might do the trick. Thanks again!
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I wouldn't want to be the one applying it in that large of a piece, but have you checked to see if you can get the vinyl in 5' wide? I don't know for sure, but I think it comes in logs and they cut the 24", 30", etc.. rolls from the log.
-------------------- Ace Graphics & Printing Camdenton, MO. USA
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Positioning fluid and application fluid, worlds apart folks, nothing in soap and water to "kick off" the adhesive (especially for glass applications).
Roger
-------------------- Roger Bailey Rapid Tac Incorporated 186 Combs Dr. Merlin Oregon 97532 Posts: 3020 | From: Merlin Oregon | Registered: Dec 1998
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Wow Randy, after all these years, you think I still have feelings? Just kiddin, I just don't want folks to get the wrong idea, how bout you, whats your take on it?
He he he he he
Roger
-------------------- Roger Bailey Rapid Tac Incorporated 186 Combs Dr. Merlin Oregon 97532 Posts: 3020 | From: Merlin Oregon | Registered: Dec 1998
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Thanks again for all the input!!! I checked the local Wal-mart on the way home and they do carry a spray on "window frosting" made by none other than Krylon. I think we may give it a try. I'll keep you all posted
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