Etching

[poddo]

If I have a large sized window, and etch something into it that takes up a lot of the window, how easy is it to see through the etching? Is the inside of my case going to be basicly lost in the etch?

 

[Sobek]

I would have to say yes but it really just depends. Post a pic of what you plan to etch. Look through some of the galleries at other people's etched windows to get a better idea.

 

[BellaCroix]

Yes, it will be lost. You'll basically lose the window and gain a translucent pattern. Bright spots inside the case (LED fans, UV reactive components very near the window, etc) will still show through as blurry bright spots but that's about all you'll see.

I've had laser etched windows on the last few cases I've built and have sometimes been upset that some of the best looking etches hide the internals.

You could use a very low contrast image on the etch but realistically all that's going to do is make the bright spots a little less blurry.

To give you an example, the densest parts on the window etch on one of my cases right now prevents me from even being able to see the silly status LEDs on my Corsair RAM.

 

[Sobek]

Click me: http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=815518

 

[poddo]

And if i do decide to etch it, whats the bet way to light it up? does the light tube have to be touching the side of the plexi panel? or cna it be real close? would EL wire light it up well?

 

[BellaCroix]

And if i do decide to etch it, whats the bet way to light it up? does the light tube have to be touching the side of the plexi panel? or cna it be real close? would EL wire light it up well?

I'm planning on wrapping the window in EL wire. If you try it first let me know how it works.