Computer Case

April 21, 2005

Hi all. I need some expert advice. I am building a custom computer chasis. It will be made of acrylic (plexiglass) in standard box form. However, what I wish to do is give it a one way mirroring effect. So it is mirrored during the day and see through at night. I have no experience tinting anything so I could really use a good noob tutorial :lol6 I suspect this is not the type of project most of you are used to answering on these forums, but I would realy appreciate some help. Thanks.

April 21, 2005

It will be made of acrylic (plexiglass) in standard box form. However, what I wish to do is give it a one way mirroring effect. So it is mirrored during the day and see through at night. I have no experience tinting anything so I could really use a good noob tutorial
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With what I know... window film + acrylic = outgassing leading to film blistering or peeling. The two just do not mix well... like oil and water. Even if you followed through and found yourself facing the removal of blistered film, you'd destroy or seriously scratch up the surface of the acrylic trying to get all the glue off. :idea

If you're set of acrylic, check and see if it is offered with a metallized coating that allows visibility through it. :dunno

aliveandawake · April 22, 2005

Yea, any reflective or duel reflective film will give it a neat look. You will only be able to see in at night if you have some sort of light inside the box. Like Metint said, find some samples and check it out. I would say that if it is kept out of the sun, you shouldn't have any problems with out gasing (bubbling) I have some plexi filmed for over a year now and it is just fine. But just keep in mind there is the chance it might not last 5 years, but most computers are obsolete by then anyways... Try it and let us know how it turns out.

April 22, 2005

You can always just go get some 1/8 plate and tint it. Just make sure you tint both sides so if it breaks, it will not crumble into your machine.

April 24, 2005

We frequently tint sheets of acrylic for the same purpose that is mentioned above. A local company uses them for their systems. Haven't had problems with outgassing yet. Have done this for them consistently for over a year now.

April 24, 2005

Is there a liquid solution, or similiar application process I can use? Or would it just be easier to apply a film?

tint_detective · April 24, 2005

April 24, 2005

All we know is film, my friend.

April 25, 2005

I knew 19 years of custom 12 volt audio might come in handy. Check into Select Products a 12 volt supplier, they stock 2 way mirrored plexi in sheets, and acrylic glue, to put it all together. I tint acrylic often, without incident. Metint's right about removing it, any method will destroy the piece.

Z