Acrylic Art - how please?

[Bafa]

I have a picture in my head of what i want. I can't find how to do it. I don't know if vinyl on acrylic is the way to go, or is there some other method thats better.

I am wanting an acrylic side to a case with a simple one color image on it. The entire rest of the acrylic is clear, the image is solid opaque black. i have seen etching, and have been very impressed by some of it, but that's just not what i am looking for. i am looking for a smooth, shiney finish. Here are two pictures that are similar to what i am talking about:

I like the nice gloss this one has
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc15/Coldaus/acrylicopaque.jpg

But i am looking for the acrylic without the image to be clear, and instead of a translucent image like this one, would rather the image be solid and remaining acrylic clear.
http://i216.photobucket.com/albums/cc15/Coldaus/acryliclucent.jpg

Thanks for any help!

[Luke122]

I would definitely go with vinyls if you want a clear acrylic with a opaque image on it. Optionally, you could use vinyls to mask the area you with to remain clear, and sand/sandblast the exposed acrylic to get a nice frosted look to the logo, which will then glow if edge lit with a light source.

[Bafa]

Ok. I was thinking it would be vinyl, but was very unsure. I kept searching sites about vinyl and acrylic, but got very limited info.

Is there a good tutorial for applying vinyl to acrylic? Also is the vinyl that thin that it gives that high gloss smooth finish? or is it glossed over with something?

i am so new so I need as much basic info or FAQs you could point me to. I don't know how to choose what i will need. Not even sure what thickness acrylic I will need.

I do remember in Jr. High making a screen print by cutting by hand with an exacto blade some stuff that melted onto the screen. Mine was the only one that worked. I made a couple, so I think I could cut the depth I need and get it to come out nice. (once I learn about it lol)

Thanks!

[Govtman]

Depending on how complicated the image you want is, I would suggest possibly masking the inside of the window, and doing what is called reverse painting. Using opaque paint, you could get the clear that you want for the plexi. and still have the gloss as well - the outside of the window wouldn't be touched. This method is a little sensitive to scratch damage, but does look very good (depending on your ability to think in reverse).

When painting, you start with the details, and finish up with the broad background. Haven't seen this on a case, but I've seen a lot of antique clocks that use this for decoration.

Cheers!

[blueonblack]

Depending on how complicated the image you want is, I would suggest possibly masking the inside of the window, and doing what is called reverse painting. Cheers!

I second this. I used this method for the front panel on the acrylic case I built recently. I wanted it black but shiny, so I painted the inside of the front panel. I wanted some frosted patterns on the sides but again wanted the shine, so I frosted the inside.

Another option, depending on where you live. There are two places in my town that I can take a design to and they can cut it out of (or into) a piece of vinyl and even apply it for me if I like. Auto and truck vinyl work is what they do, and they can do just about anything, no matter how complex. You could have the pattern cut and then apply it to the inside of the acrylic.
________
Honda nr500 specifications (http://www.honda-wiki.org/wiki/Honda_NR500)

[Eclecticos]

You should have some vinyl die cut, as recommended by blue on black.
Make sure you let them know you want a mirror of the image or text cut.
Here is a vinyl application video tutorial.

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[Eclecticos]

I also found a stained plexi-glass tutorial Here. (http://www.instructables.com/id/Faux_Stained_Glass/)
For anyone interested in making a stained glass side panel window.

http://img359.imageshack.us/img359/7080/stainedqi0.jpg

[dfigravity]

I also found a stained plexi-glass tutorial Here. (http://www.instructables.com/id/Faux_Stained_Glass/)
For anyone interested in making a stained glass side panel window.

http://img359.imageshack.us/img359/7080/stainedqi0.jpg

nice...this just inspired me to do a van gogh themed mod...dont know why

[Luke122]

What I was saying was use the vinyl as a mask, and sand the areas not covered by vinyl. Then when you remove the vinyl, you'll have clear parts, and frosted parts.

If you do it on the inside of the window with a backwards vinyl cutout, you'll have a completely smooth outside on the window. Add an edge light, and the frosted/sanded part will light up, and the rest will remain clear.

After I re-read your original post, I understand this a bit better now.

If you paint the inside of the window, it will be completely glossy smooth from the outside, even if it looks rough/bumpy on the inside. Use the vinyl as a mask, then paint the inside of the window, then remove the vinyl. Voila! Clear image, shiny opaque surroundings.

[Ichbin]

You could use vinyl as the Faux stained glass....I would look into dye sublimation also... It can get finicky and expensive though.

[moon111]

Could one take an image, place it on a sheet of acrylic, then pour liquid acrylic on top of it?

I remember seeing a old `50's pick-up truck that had a neat tailgate. It was a stainglass window. (The middle lite up for a 3rd brake light). It was sandwiched between two layers of automotive glass and the inside was filled with liquid acrylic making it one piece. The overall effect was awesome.

[nevermind1534]

Could one take an image, place it on a sheet of acrylic, then pour liquid acrylic on top of it?

I don't see why not.

[XcOM]

just makesure the be careful to to get air bubbles