ideas please for a glass looking effect on windows?

[Phill Fenton]

Have you suggested using etched glass vinyl?

Many clients are not aware that this effect can be created using vinyl – they see etched glass windows and assume it has been done by sandblasting the glass.

[Robert Lambie]

what about stained glass.. using transparent film and adhesive lead strips..

gluing to glass without glue showing is done with a glue called perma-bond.
they use it to glue chrystal bevels to windows.. you onl need a small drop and its cured with a UV light.. Sets in about 3-4 seconds.

glass trade suppliers sell it

[ruth]

Carrie,

There is a window I pass quite regularly which is simply decorated with an irregular coloured glass bead in the middle of each pannel, very striking! It looks as though it is stuck on with silicone but it must be something more than that. The glass stones are commonly available in craft shops, why not create a mosaic of glass stones to create the shop name. A simple light on the inside will turn that into an attractive nighttime display?

Just a thought
Ramjam

[Simon Clayton]

What about real sand blasting…I once see a sign that was done on both sides to a depth of anything from 1mm to 12mm. It was a world map in total relief… looked fantastic!
They were glass dividing panels, you just had to go up and touch it, run your fingers over the contours 😳
Does the client have any artwork to go on…business card etc.

[Martin Pearson]

Phil mentioned using etched glass vinyl and said that a lot of people did not know what effects could be achieved. This is very true, I have a glass panel with about 20 different window films on it. These are all vinyls designed especially for windows, there is a range of colours and effects available. Have a look at the Hexis web site, you might be surprised just how many window films there are.
http://www.hexis.co.uk

[Alan]

I suppose getting out the paint and gold leaf is out the question?

[Mike Grant]

Carrie, If you want to go the built up letter route, to hide the back of the letter simply cut out a mask to go on the inside of the glass to follow the shape of the lettering. This could be done in the same material as the lettering. Once the main lettering is up just simply stick the mask to the back. Problem solved no ugly glue marks from either side.

[Carrie Brown]

Thanks for the input & great ideas everyone 😀

We already suggested the etch vinyl to the customer, who is quite happy to use it but only as a temporary measure until they decide which alternative they want? They want something different to what everyone else has, not using vinyl or paint or sandblasting …………….. Im sure what they want hasn’t even been discovered yet?

We like the idea of using letters which look as though they have been cut out of ice, with a frosted effect on the face……….. nice idea, customer seems to like the idea aswell……………. we just have to find a supplier now (?)

Thanks again 😀

[Tim Shaw]

Some of the bigger glass suppliers have large format glass engraving
facilities.

my local Yates wine lodge as some beautiful engraved panels above the seats and in the dividing door panels.

A firm in Whitby called Cowans have this facility but I have know idea about costs, file formats etc.

[steve]

carrie hows about an LED moving message panel with their logo programmed in its great as people can not ignore one of these babies he could put on time and temperature info ..anything to get it looked at not the cheapest solution but innovation never is we all look at that type of info also looks good at night when all other signs are asleep!!