Etched window vinyl, with printing shapes to be viewed from outside

[MikeyG]

Hi all!
I've just been dumped with a job that I have no real idea how to do...
I've got to put up some window etch in a series of windows (six in total) up to about half their height (about 1m).
However, on this etched section, and to be seen from outside, are a number of animal shapes (dogs, cats, etc.) in a solid purple colour.

What do you consider to be the best way to produce that would be?

1. I could print the animal shapes onto the etch vinyl (using my latex printer), but would they be opaque enough to be seen from outside properly?

2. Or I could put up a plain piece of etch vinyl first, the apply contour-cut animal shapes to the inside.

3. Or I could put the animal shapes up first, then apply the etched vinyl behind that. (Although this would probably result in a gap/bump where the animal shape meets the etch vinyl).

Any help would be gratefully received, as I have to do this in the next few days, and the boss is on the warpath!!

Thanks!

 

[eahicks]

Assuming these windows are not tinted, and you're installing inside to view from outside, you could definitely print on to etch. But if they want a more solid purple, just reverse cut out the purple shapes, install etch first, and drop in purple shapes. Either with an slight overlap, or you can leave a gap, which looks good on occasion.

 

[petepaz]

what about cutting the shapes out of the etch vinyl about 1/8-1/4" bigger then the actual animal shape then inlay the animal shapes on to the glass separately

 

[petepaz]

Assuming these windows are not tinted, and you're installing inside to view from outside, you could definitely print on to etch. But if they want a more solid purple, just reverse cut out the purple shapes, install etch first, and drop in purple shapes. Either with an slight overlap, or you can leave a gap, which looks good on occasion.

apparently you type quicker then i do...haha

 

[eahicks]

That's KINDA what I just said. Great idea. ;0

 

[MikeyG]

Thanks to you both!
An excellent idea, and one I'm going to test out in a few minutes.
I'm printing some tests on my polymeric window etch right now, and I'll do some more with doing what you guys suggest.

I'll let you know how I get on!

Thanks!

 

[HIGHSPEEDGRAPHIX]

Another way you can install the Frost on the 2nd surface (inside) and install the purple on the outside (1st surface)