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Optically clear vinyl, advice needed please?

Posted by Wayne Maxwell on 20 March 2019 at 08:01

Hi all. Anyone know where I can buy optically clear print vinyl to apply onto mirrors? My plan is to print onto it with white ink and apply to the mirror. Only want to buy it by the metre.

Thanks

Kevin Mahoney replied 6 years, 6 months ago 4 Members · 11 Replies
11 Replies

Iain George

Member
20 March 2019 at 08:05

Why not just use white vinyl or is the image to intricate?
Robert Lambie

Member
20 March 2019 at 08:18

William Smiths supply optically clear vinyl, williamsmith.co.uk

Ian, clear can be used in various instances, ill even use it controvision depending on for who its for and the type of finish they require. but it’s not fully transparent and for things viewed close and especially the likes of a mirror it will look very dull and murky.
Iain George

Member
20 March 2019 at 08:27

Robert
I have used optically clear myself but was wondering why white vinyl couldn’t be used in this circumstance.
Robert Lambie

Member
20 March 2019 at 08:58

I could be wrong, but I would imagine the colours should be semi-transparent so that you can see the reflection of the mirror beneath the colours printed on the surface. similar to a stained glass mirror. if printed onto white vinyl you will have a total block out.
or, as you say…
maybe the graphic is too intricate, there for the entire mirror maybe flood coated with the printed film.
Iain George

Member
20 March 2019 at 08:59

I am sure Wayne will be back an reveal all [emoji846]
Wayne Maxwell

Member
20 March 2019 at 16:34

Thanks for the replies guys. Yes far to intricate to apply cut vinyl. It’s going to be seating plans for a wedding so lots of names. Was thinking optically clear vinyl with just white ink printed to simulate white cutout lettering. What would yous guys suggest?
Iain George

Member
20 March 2019 at 16:38

Could it be screen printed to the mirror?
Wayne Maxwell

Member
20 March 2019 at 16:58

quote Iain George:

Could it be screen printed to the mirror?

Iain this customer wants to reuse the mirror over and over again. He’s a wedding planner. So trying to find something that will be easy to change every few weeks.
Kevin Mahoney

Member
20 March 2019 at 18:19

How about a reverse printed clear acrylic panel backed up with some 3mm mirror acrylic? You could print direct to acrylic or clear vinyl but optically clear is still never as good as you hope it will be
Wayne Maxwell

Member
21 March 2019 at 18:53

quote Kevin Mahoney:

How about a reverse printed clear acrylic panel backed up with some 3mm mirror acrylic? You could print direct to acrylic or clear vinyl but optically clear is still never as good as you hope it will be

Kevin this customer has a mirror inside a fancy frame. So only option to the apply something directly to the mirror. Reason I was thinking optically clear vinyl or cling with white printed text.
Kevin Mahoney

Member
21 March 2019 at 19:47

quote Wayne Maxwell:

quote Kevin Mahoney:

How about a reverse printed clear acrylic panel backed up with some 3mm mirror acrylic? You could print direct to acrylic or clear vinyl but optically clear is still never as good as you hope it will be

Kevin this customer has a mirror inside a fancy frame. So only option to the apply something directly to the mirror. Reason I was thinking optically clear vinyl or cling with white printed text.

Wondered if it would be that kind of thing, a self cling would be ok I guess & would give the effect they’re after. I’d be tempted to apply it with a mist of water though