Etched vinyl decals are a great way to dress up almost any glass surface in your office, home, boat or any other location. The frosted vinyl can easily be cut into almost any pattern, allowing for customized themes to be continued throughout the space.
Any glass surface can easily be turned into a work of art, from windows and walls to tables and even floors in your office, restaurant, bedroom, bathroom, den – you name it! Our art department will create a custom design to fit your specific style whether it be a modern block pattern, a natural image of flora or fauna, or even a scene from your child’s favorite cartoon applied to his or her mirrored closet doors or bedroom window. Corporate logos can even have custom colors added to complete your brand image.
In addition to the design elements, etched vinyl offers lighting control and privacy. Restaurants, office buildings, health clubs, hotels and other commercial spaces use the frosted vinyl to create privacy screens without interfering with natural lighting. Two significant benefits of choosing frosted vinyl over actual etching is that the vinyl is easily removed at a later date to allow for changes in themes and redesigns. Also, many landlord may object to permanent etching of glass, but will not object to the vinyl applications because they can be easily removed with no harm to the glass surface. Etched vinyl decals are also less costly than the same patterns and coverage of actual glass etchings.
Which Manufacturers Offer Etched Film
We work with the two most renowned makers of etched vinyl films: Avery Dennison and 3M. Each company offers slightly different material, textures and price points. Our installers are skilled at working with all products offered by both companies.
Why Choose Etched Vinyl Over Glass Etching
Etched glass is significantly more expensive than etched vinyl, with etched glass costing up to $125 per square foot compared to vinyl which is a fraction of the cost. Etched glass often costs anywhere from two to three times more, or even up to ten times more, due to the difference in materials and the complexity of the process. The exact cost difference can vary based on the project’s size, design complexity, and installation method. This is because etched glass requires a more complex and labor-intensive process like sandblasting or acid etching, whereas vinyl is a film that can easily be cut to your specifications and professionally installed with much less labor and machinery involved than glass etching.
Vinyl is also easier to remove and replace, making it a more flexible and budget-friendly option. For a large-scale project, such as an office space with multiple glass panels, the cost savings of using etched vinyl can be substantial, potentially saving tens of thousands of dollars.
Glass Etching
- Cost: Can be very expensive, potentially costing hundreds of dollars or more depending on the size and detail.
- Process: Involves a professional fabrication method like acid etching or sandblasting.
- Installation: Requires skilled labor, professional installation, and often professional removal of the glass.
- Durability: A permanent application, but expensive and difficult to repair if damaged.
Etched Vinyl Application
- Cost: Much more affordable and budget-friendly.
- Process: Uses a decorative film that mimics the look of etched glass.
- Installation: While it is still a skilled labor process, the tolls involved are much simpler, saving on installation time and labor costs.
- Durability: A flexible option that can be easily removed and replaced without damaging the glass, making it ideal for temporary designs.
Interested in adding a frosted or etched vinyl application to a glass surface in your workspace or residence? Give the experts at Iconography Studios a call today at 562-424-4353.
