Etched vinyl cut-out graphics are an excellent way to combine privacy with aesthetics, like these frosted vinyl graphics applied to glass conference room walls at an office in Century City in Los Angeles, CA.
Frosted or “etched” vinyl is an economical and popular way to add semi-permanent graphics and/or privacy film to just about any glass surface. Walls, windows, doors, glass tables and even concrete floors are easily dressed-up with frosted vinyl in both residential and commercial environments. We use only the highest quality frosted films by 3M or Avery.
Etched vinyl is used for a variety of applications on glass surfaces, primarily for privacy, decoration, and branding in commercial, retail, and residential settings. It can be applied to windows, doors, and partitions to provide a frosted or sandblasted appearance that allows light to pass through while obscuring the view. Key uses include creating privacy screens in offices and dressing rooms, displaying company logos on storefronts, designing decorative accents on windows, and enhancing safety by reducing visibility in security-sensitive areas.
The process to achieve a fantastic-looking etched vinyl application on glass is simple:
1. Identify and measure the glass surfaces that will receive the material. When planning for your installation, it is important to know that the largest rolls of etched vinyl material are 48″ in width, by up to 100 yards in length. This will have an impact on the design process, particularly if the area you plan to cover exceeds 48″ in both directions. If your project is a significant size, or complicated, we will be glad to send a professional out to help with taking accurate measurements.
2. Creating the design for your application is easy when you work with the award-winning graphic design team at Iconography Studios. We are expert at coming up with ideal solutions for large applications given the limitations of the size of the material. The material also comes in several densities and textures, and we can help you decide which one is right for your application.
3. Production of your project will begin once you have received and approved proofs of what your application will look like once it is finished. Your final design will be machine-cut and then professionally installed by a member of our certified installation team.
4. Installing etched vinyl differs from regular vinyl primarily because etched vinyl requires a wet application method and more delicate handling. Its matte, translucent finish is prone to damage and can trap fluid, demanding precise installation, while regular vinyl can be applied using either wet or dry methods depending on the application and installer experience.
Etched vinyl wet installation method:
Etched glass vinyl, which mimics the look of acid-etched or sandblasted glass, is most often installed using a wet method. This process involves a meticulous installation to achieve a smooth, professional, and bubble-free finish.
- Wet application: The surface and the adhesive side of the vinyl are sprayed with an application fluid, typically water with a small amount of soap. This prevents the vinyl from immediately sticking, allowing for easier repositioning to achieve perfect alignment.
- Delicate material: particularly frosted varieties, is softer and less durable than many standard calendared or cast vinyls. This means it can tear more easily and is more susceptible to creases, which are difficult to remove once they appear.
- Smoothing: After positioning, a squeegee is used to push all the fluid and air bubbles out from the center to the edges.
- Curing time: The vinyl requires a curing period of several days for the adhesive to fully bond as the trapped moisture evaporates.
- Transfer tape: The low-tack, matte finish of some etched vinyls means that a stronger “high tack” transfer tape may be needed to effectively lift the design from its backing.
Interested in adding privacy film to one of your glass conference rooms or offices? We can help! Give us a call today at 562-424-4353!
