Sydney Signs Portal sponsor the UNSW 2016 Master of Architecture Graduand Exhibition

It was a great honour for Sydney Signs Portal to sponsor Utopia Redux, the UNSW 2016 Master of Architecture Graduand Exhibition.

Our sponsorship is the culmination of 3 years of producing window decals and wall stickers for the UNSW, and reflective of the value we place in forming meaningful relationships with our clients and the community.

Our decision to offer sponsorship was set in motion when the students approached us with an installation proposal that was well beyond their budget. We have always been generous with our pricing for their signage needs, but the scale and ambition of their concept compelled us to offer sponsorship as a means to realise their vision.

The process also provided the students with the type of valuable negotiating experience they can take with them into the future.

For Sydney Signs Portal, we took particular delight in being able to sponsor an event that showcased the talent of young people poised to launch a career in one of the creative fields – we not only work within – but have tremendous respect for.

We look forward to continuing our relationship with UNSW next year and beyond.

13 Facts About Window Frosting

1. PRIVACY

Basically window frosting is used for privacy. It is installed in offices, boardrooms, meeting rooms, storage rooms, and also in private homes – in bathrooms, showers, laundries, toilets, low lying balconies and on front doors. Even when the highest level of privacy is required, window frosting is still the best product for that – it is not transparent at all. Privacy is the most popular feature of the frosted films, but not the only one.

2. Decoration

Window frosting is also widely used for interior decoration. Patterns, flowers, branches, geometric shapes, all types of stripes and squares are used for frosting. Computer cutting makes it possible to create endless design options for offices and homes, combining it with privacy and sun protection. Window frosting decorations are very delicate, subtle and exquisite. Compared to other materials, window frosting adds elegance and brings a space to life.

3. Office Branding

Window frosting is used for office branding. Your company logo and signage can be computer cut into the frosting that is intended for any particular window. We can create frosted lettering, frosted logos, frosted graphics or frosted patterns, instead of making it simply black, white or some other color.

4. Sun Control

Window frosting is used for solar heat control. It prevents rooms from getting too hot during summer days and helps to reduce energy consumption and save on air conditioning costs. Window frosting can also extend the life of curtains, carpet and furniture fabrics, by limiting the amount of sun bleaching these items would otherwise be exposed to.

5. Security

Window frosting is used for security – preventing potential thieves from being able to view the valuable contents in a room.

6. Shattered Glass Protection

Window frosting is also used as a protection against shattered glass. Frosted film creates a safety layer on a window and is able to hold sharp glass pieces together when a window is broken, prevents them from scattering, causing damage to the interior and injuries to people inside the room.

7. Printing On Frosting

Window frosted films are printable which can be used for branding and interior decoration as well. We can print literally anything on window frosting.

8. Cut Outs

At the production stage we can cut letters, graphics or stripes out of plain window frosting so it could be installed both for privacy, decorative purposes or branding. Allowing small channels of visibility helps create a non-claustrophobic but, still, private space for those inside.

9. Matte Or Sparkling?

Frosted material can have various effects on glass: frosted, dusted or sparkling – depending on the choice of film. The majority of companies in Sydney prefer a so called “dusted window film” to create a neutral, translucent light grey effect with matte finish. Frosted film will appear translucent matte silver – though it depends on the manufacturer as to how much “silver” you will get – it varies between brands. Sparkling window film will normally have microscopic metallic particles in it to create that sparkling effect on glass, but remains smooth and translucent like other types of window frosting.

10. Inside Or Outside?

Window frosting is generally applied to the internal side of the window. It is not designed for long life outdoors. Good quality window films will last for many years outdoors, but still not as long as the same frosting installed internally.

11. Wet Application

For window frosting installation, a so called “wet application” method is used. It means the glass surface needs to be sprayed with soapy water so the frosted decal can slide on the glass to be perfectly positioned and leveled, and easily re-positioned if needed. Wet installation also prevents frosted film from being damaged, as the film becomes more flexible and manageable, helping to avoid bubbles and wrinkles.

12. Wet Cloud

On the installation day a frosted decal may look slightly cloudy. Because of the wet application method, we usually allow several days for window frosting dry. Drying results in the natural evaporation of the so called “wet cloud” under the frosting, usually within a week. Drying time depends on many conditions: room temperature, glass temperature, humidity, sun in the room, or air conditioning.

13. Too Easy to Maintain

Frosted windows are very easy to maintain. Frosting is water and detergent resistant therefore it can be easily cleaned with water and mild detergents. Though abrasive cleaning materials and sharp tools should not be used on frosted areas of the glass as it may scratch and damage the film.

Shop Window Decals For Purebaby

IT IS FUN TO WORK WITH BABY SHOPS! PUREBABY

Sydney Signs Portal was invited to produce shop window decals for Purebaby stores in Westfield Shopping Centre, Bondi Junction and Chatswood Chase Shopping Centre. The work we do installing decals for baby shops is always a great pleasure. The simple beauty, cuteness and whimsy that you see with baby graphics and decals, always makes for a fun installation.

Macquarie University: Architectural Glass Decal Project

SYDNEY SIGNS PORTAL INSTALLS 180 METERS OF FROSTING FOR TAYLOR CONSTRUCTION GROUP.

We are happy to announce that on October 24, 2014 Sydney Signs Portal successfully completed a large-scale Glass Decal project at Macquarie University. The installation of glass frosting was ordered by Taylor Construction Group for the new premises of The Australian Institute of Health Innovation (AIHI), who recently announced their intention to relocate from the University of New South Wales to join the Faculty of Medicine at Macquarie University.

TAYLOR CONSTRUCTION GROUP CREATES NEW SPACE FOR AIHI

Taylor Construction Group is one of Australia’s largest, fastest growing construction companies, specialising in Commercial Construction, Retail Construction, Industrial Construction, Aged Care Construction, Educational & Universities, Motor Showrooms, Refurbishment & Fitout Projects. One of their latest Interior Fitout projects was the new office space for Australian Institute of Health Innovation, which occupies the entire sixth level floor of one of the Macquarie University buildings.

AMAZING GLASS DECAL PATTERN DESIGNED BY DWP|SUTERS

The new premises for AIHI – including the privacy frosted decals – were designed by dwp|suters, award winning architects and interior designers who specialise in Architecture, Interior Design, Master Planning and Urban Design, creating exceptional spaces for life, work and community. The amazing geometric pattern was designed to be cut out of a matte frosted film which is 1200 mm wide. When it was installed on the surface of glass partitions, it transformed the space with a contemporary look that was a highlight of the new premises.

DECAL INSTALLATION TURNAROUND: 7 DAYS

Frosted glass decals 1200 mm wide with a cut-out pattern were installed by Sydney Signs Portal on the glass walls of 31 offices – the entire sixth level floor in one of the Macquarie University buildings. The total length of the frosted material used was 180 linear meters. The type of the material used for the decals was dusted vinyl film – a product that helps to create a sophisticated matte effect on glass, ensures total privacy while allowing enough natural light to enter the room.

MAINTAINING HIGHEST QUALITY STANDARDS

Frosted window films are unforgiving with any mistakes made during production and installation. Even the smallest error leaves a visible defect which cannot be corrected, resulting in several meters of frosted vinyl material going to waste. This is one reason why Sydney Signs Portal is committed to maintaining the highest quality standards when performing the window film computer cut and installations. The frosted glass decal was cut with precision on our imported Japanese equipment. The next stage was to inspect and ensure that all the glass was perfectly clean, as any dust, dirt, oil, sand, paint, masking tape or any adhesive residue may affect the quality and durability of the decal. If not clean, any contamination will remain under the frosting for years and be a visible, unsightly annoyance. Once the glass was ready, Sydney Signs Portal took great care with the installation, paying extremely close attention to the finest details.

ONLY PREMIUM QUALITY MATERIALS

Sydney Signs Portal goes to great lengths to source the best quality materials for all projects. For the Macquarie University project we used Avery Dennison® MPI Dusted Glass translucent vinyl, which is a polymeric calendered window film. This simply means – one of the best. It is created to provide excellent dimensional stability (does not shrink or change its shape) and superior indoor durability – 9 years on internal glass partitions.
Window Frosting Sydney