I am going to add LED lighting to the interior of my gold mill when it’s done.
Since I’m not detailing the interior I’d like to use translucent glass for the mill. Does anyone make any? Sprays are not going to hold up in our desert climate.
It might be cheaper to get regular window glass, and just etch it. Walmart sells a paste-type etching solution that works fairly well.
Ah, this stuff:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Glass-Etching-Cream-22-Ounces/12347710?findingMethod=rr
You can buy clear acrylic with one frosted and one clear surface. We use it for signage. OR - There are vinyls that you can apply to glass to give an etched look. 3M Dusted Crystal is one.
I do sandblasting as a hobby, and it’s VERY easy to sandblast glass to get what you want. A cheap harbor freight sandblaster, or even one of those canned air things from the crafts shop should do the trick.
One thing I have never tried, but might work, would to just use some 160 grit sandpaper. It’s the same material I blast with, so what the heck…
Sanding the acrylic will work quite well
I was going to use glass but I have a sheet of 1/8" plexi that I will try the sandpaper on.
Doug, I’m skipping the glass and planning just to use some fine animal fence screen for the windows. However this week i am trying to fit in 4 steam and 1 diesel train rides into one week of vacation.
I like your idea on the windows but I already bought mine and the window openings are made to fit them. I am close to completing the first level. I may have to drink my diet Dr. Pepper faster to have enough roofing!
You might have to take a second week of vacation to recover from the first one!
For window ‘glass’ check with your local Engineer, Surveyor, or Architect and ask for the trim ends of Mylar drawing sheet. It is thin and easy to cut, it is already frosted, and glues very nicly. I use it alot, of course I have a fair supply - I am an Engineer and make drawings.
Paul
I have used microscope slides; 1" x #’ and 2" x 3". I scribe and cut each slide to a size slightly larger than the opening. I use model airplane canopy glue to hold everything in place and it does make a real difference in appearence.
Barry
you can use christmas frosting in an areosol can, or if you have an orbital sander 150-220 grit paper does a great job, sand the large sheet first then cut it.
Dennis
Diog, I will get busy when I get back. Rode two trains today, another one tomorrow.
Doug,
Leave the windows clear then take some additional pieces, spray them with a flat clear spray to make them opaque and lightly glue them in place behind the clear windows. That way you can always remove the opaque parts leaving you with clear windows should you ever decide to detail the interior at a later date.
I really like that idea Richard!