Installing Etchlook Vinyl

Etchlook vinyl is yet another pattern and material option from Modello Designs. This vinyl material is produced in the same way as our other Modello materials except, in this case, the vinyl simulates the look of frosted glass and remains on the surface. You can have any of our thousands of designs cut from Etchlook and use them to decorate windows, mirrors, cabinetry, French doors, and more.

Etchlook vinyl is priced at a 25% upcharge from our standard square footage pricing.

Benefits
The benefit of using Etchlook vinyl over chemical etching or sandblasting is that the process is quick and clean, with predictable results. Sandblasting can be costly and is not an option for most residential applications where the glass is already installed. Chemical etching, with a product like Etchall, is great for small areas and particularly for glass surfaces that can be removed and laid flat. It can be challenging to get an even etch on larger vertical surfaces.

Limitations
The Etchlook vinyl material comes in 48” wide rolls, limiting the actual design width to 45”. The maximum length of each piece will be 60” to 72” depending on the complexity of the pattern. For larger areas you will generally not want to see a “seam” in the vinyl, so creative designing will be necessary to craft a design for larger glass areas.

Installation
Etchlook installation is easy when you utilize a “wet” application. DO NOT apply the Etchlook vinyl to windows that are receiving direct sunlight at the time of installation.

It is highly recommended that you “Pre-Release” the Etchlook vinyl from the Backing Paper prior to beginning your project. This is outlined in our Basic Application Instructions included with every order.

Step 1
Clean the glass area thoroughly with good glass cleaner or alcohol. Important: Don't attempt installation on a window surface that is receiving direct sunlight. Do not apply at temperatures below 65 degrees.

Step 2
Fill a spray bottle with warm water adding just a drop of dishwashing liquid. Mist the glass surface thoroughly.

Step 3
In this case the Backing Paper was pulled back about 5” and creased to exposed just the top area of the adhesive-backed vinyl. The exposed adhesive was placed against the glass. While the glass surface is wet it is very easy to move the vinyl around on it, allowing you to make any necessary adjustments.

Step 4
Once the vinyl is in place, use the squeegee to burnish out from the center to the sides and top edge, pushing the water out from underneath the vinyl. It is important to burnish VERY hard to squeeze out any air bubbles that may be present under the vinyl.

Step 5
Continue to remove the Backing Paper in incremental areas as you also continue to burnish hard down and out to the sides.

Step 6
As long as the glass is wet, the vinyl will continue to slip on it and be removable. Once it is fully dried the vinyl will have a VERY secure bond. This makes it important to let the water evaporate completely before removing the Transfer Tape that covers and protects the pattern.

Maintenance
Once applied, the Etchlook material is semi-permanent, meaning that is not easily removed, and surfaces can be cleaned with glass cleaner, much the same as you would treat and clean other glass surfaces.

Removal
The Etchlook vinyl material can be removed by scraping it off with a single-edged razor blade. Alternatively, the vinyl itself can be removed with a heat gun and the remaining adhesive residue removed with mineral spirits.

See more Etchlook in action here and here.

Download the Etchlook Basic Installation Flyer