​The terms frosted and etched glass come from the type of glass work that existed before vinyl. Etched and frosted glass are generic terms for decorative, translucent glass that obscures visibility and also diffuses light. The difference between the two is in their meaning. 
 
Etching is the process of altering the surface of the glass to create a decorative effect. Frosting changes the surface of the glass from transparent to translucent to create an opaque, cloudy appearance. This is usually achieved by acid-etching, sometimes called ‘French embossing,’ one of the oldest decorative glass techniques. Thousands of years ago, craftsmen discovered that heating fluorite, a dark green mineral, produced hydrofluoric acid. When applied to glass, it eroded the top layer of glass and left a frosted look. 
 
Nowadays to get the effect of frosted glass without using a dangerous chemical, we use vinyl, which is applied on glass. This product is a three-mil, high-quality PVC film with a soft and constant light transmission that prevents reflection. The clear and permanent adhesive is widely appropriate for use on plotter cutting systems. It can be used indoors and outdoors on windows and glass doors. 

​Frosted and etched vinyl graphics maintain the privacy of conference rooms and executive offices. They can also help display a corporate brand on sliding doors and glass partitions. 

​Case Study: A. Duie Pyle
For A. Duie Pyle, the Northeast’s premier transportation and logistics provider, etched glass vinyl created privacy in the company’s conference room. Employees using the conference room benefitted from the natural light the vinyl allowed to pass into the room, while still maintaining privacy from the public hallway. Signs A La Carte also cut A. Duie Pyle’s logo out of the vinyl to create a branded wall. 

​International Ministries
 
When we worked with International Ministries, also known as the American Baptist Foreign Mission Society, we used frosted vinyl to make the entrance door more decorative. The logo is trimmed like a step and repeat banner. With a strip of etched glass at eye-level, it’s an attractive and sophisticated addition to the business’s ambiance. 

​River Avenue Digital
 
Additionally, frosted or etched adhesive vinyl graphics maintain privacy from the outside. River Avenue Digital came to Signs A La Carte for this type of vinyl to create a layer of privacy between the office and passerbys on the street. It gives the office a high-class, professional look. 

​Kids Clubhouse of the Mainline 
 
Etched and frosted vinyl is also incredibly useful when working with kids. Signs A La Carte installed frosted vinyl on the windows at Kids Clubhouse of the Mainline, a daycare on demand. During the day, sunlight can pass through the vinyl, but the kids and employees aren’t distracted by what’s happening outside. 

​Whether you need an upscale look for your storefront or interior windows or you want to incorporate frosted glass vinyl for a custom logo or signboard, Signs A La Carte will exceed your expectations by applying attractive and versatile material. Give us a call if you want to install privacy window film at your business! 

Signs A La Carte recently worked on a fun project for Chris Madonna, a State Farm agent in West Chester, PA. After purchasing a Smart car, Chris wanted to get the car wrapped for his business. He knew a vinyl vehicle wrap is a cost-effective tool for generating brand awareness, sales, and business growth. 
 
We proposed the idea of using reflective vinyl instead of regular vinyl. Though the price per square foot for 3M™ Scotchlite™ Removable Reflective Graphic Films was higher, the more vibrant, 24/7 exposure with reflective vinyl was a critical advantage. Reflective film provides better slideability, air release, and removability for easier, faster, bubble-free installations and removal. With heat removal, reflective vinyl leaves little or no adhesive residue. 
 
Signs A La Carte gave Chris a mock-up of what his car would look like with a wrap, and he loved how it brought the graphic to life. To protect the vinyl, we applied a clear laminate to shield it from fading, scratches, and road debris. 

Chris Madonna really loves the new design of his car. He is so happy that his business name is visible day and night.

When Chris dropped off his car, he discovered we can do anything with vinyl, like building signs, directory signs, any kinf of signs to promote your brand indoor and outdoor. ​In addition to the vehicle wrap, Chris also needed to update his business hours and change the post panel in front of his office. We removed the old signs and replaced them with new signs. 

​​As you can see here, we replaced the vinyl on the business hours sign and updated it with Chris’s new hours. 

​To manufacture the post sign, we cut a medium density overlay (MDO) panel. This is a type of material produced with a high-quality, thermosetting resin-impregnated fiber surface bonded to one or both sides under heat and pressure. The sign’s shape has a half-oval at the top, which can hold one-third of the logo. 
 
Signs A La Carte applied a red and white printed vinyl cover with a laminate and then installed it on the post. 

​Not only can vinyl be used on cars, but it can also be used for signs and building graphics to give brands and promotions greater visibility. The material can easily be printed on a large, eco-friendly printer. Unlike paint, which requires greater patience to apply because of the level of detail, vinyl lasts longer and is easier to apply. 
 
Chris Madonna is a great Signs A La Carte customer who educates his clients about all types of insurance, including auto insurance, motorcycle insurance, home insurance, renters insurance, life insurance, business insurance, and more. If you need help with your insurance needs, don’t hesitate to contact Chris at 610-353-7171. 
 
Looking for a way to promote your ad day or night with creative custom graphics and custom designs? Contact Signs A La Carte! We can help you create any type of indoor or outdoor signage to meet your needs.