Multi-colored etched plexi image???

[MrMayhem]

Does anyone know of a way to etch an image onto plexi that has multiple colors on it? I have an image that incorporates several colors (gold, red, green, black, white). I want to have each specific image to be lit in it's own color. Basically it's a green shield with gold wings and a skull in the center of it. Does anyone know of a way to do this? Is there a way to do this? If you have any ideas or suggestions please share!!! THanks in advance!

 

[Logan321]

Etching, no. But if you had each piece laser-cut, and then reassembled into a single window again with an opaque sealant between (white caulking might work) then you could bore and install LEDs into each piece seperately without the light crossing over.

 

[SarverSystems]

The trick would be to use layers. Each color would have to be on its own piece of acrylic, then sandwich the layers together, and LED light the edge of each layer with a different color LED.

 

[BellaCroix]

About the only way to have each piece actually light it's own color would be to go with some sort of stained glass effect. Something like what Logan321 suggested.

I was working on a cathedral themed case last year and planned on copying the window from a gothic cathedral near my house, the only way to get a stained glass effect is by doing stained glass.

The other option (not anywhere near as good) is to use "candy" paints which are basically a small amount of color mixed with clear coat. The end result is a fairly translucent paint that when applied over a pane of glass/acrylic is something like a window tint. If lit from behind (like with a CCFT) it will look somewhat like stained glass.

You could also hit up your local auto parts store... the ricers have gotten into colored window tint so now most major auto parts stores carry self-adhesive window tint film. Cut the shape you want then apply. Again, you're going to get something like a stained glass effect.

It sounds like you might actually be looking for something different than that though, like for each seperate part to light up independent of backlight. In order to do that you're going to need multi-plane acrylic sheets etched, then have each seperate pane individually lit from the sides. To pull that off I'd wrap the edges of each pane you don't want lit with electrical tape, sandwich the whole thing together then rig up your lighting. I usually use EL Wire to light an etch but I think that would be a challenge on this particular build.

Your biggest concern will likely the the thickness and weight of the total window using the multi-plane approach, unless you use VERY thin sheets.

 

[penguin]

The trick would be to use layers. Each color would have to be on its own piece of acrylic, then sandwich the layers together, and LED light the edge of each layer with a different color LED.

I've seen this done before, and it works pretty well.
Listen to Sarver.

 

[MrMayhem]

If th elayered route was the only way to pull it off, and it looks like ot will be at this point, I had planned on using 1/8" plexi, hopefully no more than 4 sheets, for a total thickness of 1/2" and an overall size of 8" x 10", that way the "window" shouldn't be too heavy, and I can use two seperate areas of plexi for my side panel, one clear and one with my etching on it. I started some test parts over the weekend but my dremel died on me, it was old anyways, time for a new one!!!...

 

[SarverSystems]

If you bevel the edges or round them slightly, they'll give off more light. Also, roughing up the edges a bit to make them opaque will emit more light too.