TURNAROUND – LESS THAN 24 HOURS!
Small building signs can be very elegant when designed in black and white. For Hengji Development, this building sign was produced and installed within 24 hours by Sydney Signs Portal. Aluminium composite panel is the optimum material for this type of signage – very light, durable, weatherproof and cost-effective.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Window frosting is used for security – preventing potential thieves from being able to view the valuable contents in a room.
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.
Window frosted films are printable which can be used for branding and interior decoration as well. We can print literally anything on window frosting.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Sydney Signs Portal relished the opportunity to create this original design and to produce these decals for Bonza Brats windows – with the help of stylist, Olivia Waugh. This is a great example of the transformative effect that simple window decals can have. Beyond their beauty, they convey a fairy tale; a wondrous story of boys and girls in a magical world! Even adults are transported nostalgically – far, far away from this busy life – into that world of imagination we blissfully inhabited when we were children.
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.
