I've built a faux-window for a client; basically a 9-light storm window
that will cover an electrical panel. She wants to backlight it (or
something along those lines), but she's concerned one of her kids will
smash a pane. Any recommendations about what to use that will look
"good"? I'm thinking tempered glass, but what about acrylic? It's
going to be frosted, but I don't want it to look plasticy. Thanks.
JP

"Jay Pique" wrote in message
ups.com...
I've built a faux-window for a client; basically a 9-light storm window
that will cover an electrical panel. She wants to backlight it (or
something along those lines), but she's concerned one of her kids will
smash a pane. Any recommendations about what to use that will look
"good"? I'm thinking tempered glass, but what about acrylic? It's
going to be frosted, but I don't want it to look plasticy. Thanks.
JP


polycarbonate (Lexan)

--
Want change? Vote out the incumbents.

Jay Pique wrote:
I've built a faux-window for a client; basically a 9-light storm window
that will cover an electrical panel. She wants to backlight it (or
something along those lines), but she's concerned one of her kids will
smash a pane. Any recommendations about what to use that will look
"good"? I'm thinking tempered glass, but what about acrylic? It's
going to be frosted, but I don't want it to look plasticy. Thanks.

Tempered glass has to be custom made to the exact size. It can't be
cut. It also breaks into a bazillion pieces which is a pain in the ass
to clean up. Laminated glass can be cut to size and stays intact when
the glass breaks. I've used laminated glass in bathrooms, drawn up a
design in Autocad and had a local sign shop cut a vinyl frosted decal
that was applied to the glass. Looks like a million bucks and cost
less than half that.

Polycarbonate would work, as would acrylic. In your situation either
would be okay. Polycarbonate is stronger and more expensive.

R

On Nov 2, 7:27 pm, "RicodJour" wrote:
Tempered glass has to be custom made to the exact size. It can't be
cut. It also breaks into a bazillion pieces which is a pain in the ass
to clean up. Laminated glass can be cut to size and stays intact when
the glass breaks. I've used laminated glass in bathrooms, drawn up a
design in Autocad and had a local sign shop cut a vinyl frosted decal
that was applied to the glass. Looks like a million bucks and cost
less than half that.

Polycarbonate would work, as would acrylic. In your situation either
would be okay. Polycarbonate is stronger and more expensive.

Thanks. I'll probably go with Lexan, provided it looks right.
JP

find a good glass shop. In fact I would go to a couple to get other
opinions.

don't go to home despot or lows but someone that does only glass

Jay Pique wrote:
I've built a faux-window for a client; basically a 9-light storm window
that will cover an electrical panel. She wants to backlight it (or
something along those lines), but she's concerned one of her kids will
smash a pane. Any recommendations about what to use that will look
"good"? I'm thinking tempered glass, but what about acrylic? It's
going to be frosted, but I don't want it to look plasticy. Thanks.
JP

"Jay Pique" wrote in message
ups.com...
I've built a faux-window for a client; basically a 9-light storm window
that will cover an electrical panel. She wants to backlight it (or
something along those lines), but she's concerned one of her kids will
smash a pane. Any recommendations about what to use that will look
"good"? I'm thinking tempered glass, but what about acrylic? It's
going to be frosted, but I don't want it to look plasticy. Thanks.
JP

Go with acrylic. It can be found in numerous frosted styles and is much more
impact resistant than glass. It does not yellow upon exposure to sunlight.
Lexan (polycarbonate) will work, but I'm not sure on the availability for
frosted choices. Polycarbonate may yellow upon exposure to sunlight which
the frosting may this look stronger.
-S

Lexan would work, but it sure is pricey. Several years ago it was
over $180 a sheet. It is virtually indestructible by hammer or
any other physical blow, but scratches super easy.

I think you will come out better and be well pleased with
laminated safety glass from your local glass shop. Tempered glass
will not work for your needs.
___________________________
Keep the whole world singing. . . .
DanG


"Jay Pique" wrote in message
ups.com...
I've built a faux-window for a client; basically a 9-light storm
window
that will cover an electrical panel. She wants to backlight it
(or
something along those lines), but she's concerned one of her
kids will
smash a pane. Any recommendations about what to use that will
look
"good"? I'm thinking tempered glass, but what about acrylic?
It's
going to be frosted, but I don't want it to look plasticy.
Thanks.
JP

"DanG" wrote in message
...
Lexan would work, but it sure is pricey. Several years ago it was
over $180 a sheet. It is virtually indestructible by hammer or
any other physical blow, but scratches super easy.

I think you will come out better and be well pleased with
laminated safety glass from your local glass shop. Tempered glass
will not work for your needs.


Well - he said it was going to be frosted, so scratching won't be an issue.

--

-Mike-

I suggest that an ugly scratch will show right in/through an even
textured frosting job, remember they are planning to back light
the unit. I suppose it matters most on the extent and method used
to frost the lites. A bit like saying that it's a brushed chrome
finish, so who cares if it's scratched.
___________________________
Keep the whole world singing. . . .
DanG


"Mike Marlow" wrote in message
...

"DanG" wrote in message
...
Lexan would work, but it sure is pricey. Several years ago it
was
over $180 a sheet. It is virtually indestructible by hammer or
any other physical blow, but scratches super easy.

I think you will come out better and be well pleased with
laminated safety glass from your local glass shop. Tempered
glass
will not work for your needs.


Well - he said it was going to be frosted, so scratching won't
be an issue.

--

-Mike-