Etched Glass Vinyl Suggestions Needed!

[Tek Wrap]

I am trying to install etched glass vinyl on large office interior windows. The windows are 56" x 72". The customer was concerned about the estimate when I quoted him using 3M etched Glass. It's the only roll, other than General Formulations brand, that came in 60" so that I would not have seams.

He did not accept the quote so I told him we could get the cost down with the GF brand, although I HATE "cheaping out" on material. But we did it since it saved him $400 on the job.I was very unhappy with the results and embarrassed to show the customer. He actually agreed that using the cheap material might not have been a good idea.

I know one mistake we made was overlapping sheets of premask because we didn't have a 60" roll of it. Whereever the overlap was we had bubbles. But even other areas that I thought would have no issue were covered in air pockets.

I will not be using the product to finish the install. I am looking for suggestions for install techniques, or anyone else that has had experience with General Formations Etched Vinyl. Do you think I should go with 3M? Need some help please!

Thanks!

 

[bulldozer]

I am trying to install etched glass vinyl on large office interior windows. The windows are 56" x 72". The customer was concerned about the estimate when I quoted him using 3M etched Glass. It's the only roll, other than General Formulations brand, that came in 60" so that I would not have seams.

He did not accept the quote so I told him we could get the cost down with the GF brand, although I HATE "cheaping out" on material. But we did it since it saved him $400 on the job.I was very unhappy with the results and embarrassed to show the customer. He actually agreed that using the cheap material might not have been a good idea.

I know one mistake we made was overlapping sheets of premask because we didn't have a 60" roll of it. Whereever the overlap was we had bubbles. But even other areas that I thought would have no issue were covered in air pockets.

I will not be using the product to finish the install. I am looking for suggestions for install techniques, or anyone else that has had experience with General Formations Etched Vinyl. Do you think I should go with 3M? Need some help please!

Thanks!

is it reverse-weed? if it's a bunch of lettering or a graphic you won't have to use 60" material. panel it then line it up. if it's full coverage, i THINK oracal makes a 60". don't quote me on that though.

as far as feeling bad that you screwed the job up, that is on the customer. he wanted a lower price, so you gave him what he wanted.

 

[Tek Wrap]

i think i will try the 3m product. the windows are completely covered with reverse weed logo in center

 

[fine point]

I have been using Vector Dusted Crystal from Beacon Graphics.
All my clients have been happy with them. Installation can be tricky and I don't think I can manage without using tons of application fluid.

I am not familiar with other brands, but Vector Dusted Crystal feels very "soft" and it stretches very easy and leave stretch marks. Not my favorite medium to work with.

FP

 

[the graphics co]

What was your technique for the install? Did you try to do it dry? Frosted films are almost exclusively wet install. I would think that would keep you from getting bubbles where you have the premask overlapping.

 

[the graphics co]

also you should be able to butt seam any frosted without the risk of shrinking, this allows for a visibly seamless install on large panels.

 

[CanuckSigns]

Mactac makes a frosted film with air release, it's great to work with!

 

[S'N'S]

I've used Neofilm air release silver frosted etched vinyl (only comes 1370mm wide) and is ok to apply dry on large areas but on small tight areas I used wet apply. You need to be very careful removing the liner on this stuff as it creases REALLY easy even though they say it doesn't, but I also wasn't using mask and working in confined space probably didn't help. Can print on with solvent or UV as well.