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Product:
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The Shattered Web Custom Window Appliqués |
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Price:
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7 1/2" $10 (CAN) / $7 (U.S), 3 1/2" $8 (CAN) / $5 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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The Shattered Web
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Author:
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Hi-TEK
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Date:
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May 3rd, 2002
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Rating:
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MODTHEBOX would like to thank Terry from The Shattered Web
for sending the custom MTB Window Appliqués for review.
Introduction:
A typical case modification project can take anywhere from a week to a few months. Case modders will purchase standard stock cases and
transform them into pieces of art, which are a representation of self-expression. Creating a one of a kind case that differentiates from
everyone else’s is usually the end goal. One of the more popular mods being duplicated on many case projects is plexi window etching.
Plexi window etching involves physically transferring an image onto an acrylic sheet using a dremel and carbide sanding bit. To complete
this modification takes plenty of patience, skill and a steady hand. If you lack the necessary talent and resources but still want the
etched window look, there is now a solution. Today in the MTB Labs, we will be evaluating Custom Window Appliqués from The Shattered Web,
a new company that provides quality custom graphics at great affordable prices.
Specifications:
The Shattered Web is currently a small company based out of Yelm, Washington and has partnered with Oracle Graphics
to provide quality custom graphics that can easily be ordered online. Consumers have the choice of selecting pre-designed appliqués featured
on the site or from their stock catalog of over 200 images. Here is a small list of recommended tools that are required:
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MTB Recommended Tools:
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| Lucite cleaner or plastic polish |
| Plastic Squeegee |
| Soft cloth |
| Spray bottle filled with tap water |
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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The customer service at The Shattered Web is simply quite amazing and after a few e-mail exchanges detailing the concept and design I
wanted the product arrived one week later. The standard sizes for most of the appliqués offered measure 7 1/2”, which is the perfect
size for a side panel window. The same appliqués designs can also be reproduced in smaller sizes measuring 3 1/2”, which are perfect for
cases with top mount windows. The package received came with one sheet of instructions, a plastic blue squeegee and the custom
MTB appliqué.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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In order to apply the MTB appliqué, the surface of the acrylic window must first be cleaned. My personal preference for this task is to use
Novus #1 Polish or Lucite cleaner, which is available at Home Depot for $10 a bottle. If you don't have an access to either product using
tap water and a soft cloth will do the job. The Shattered Web recommends misting the surface of the window first with water prior to
application since this aids in removing the graphic if repositioning is required. Once the surface is ready, the white opaque backing on the
appliqué must be removed. One thing that I noticed about the appliqué design is that the adhesive side is on the opposite side of the
appliqués that I have seen on the market. This means that the graphic must be applied on the outside of a window instead of the inside.
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