Neon Integration
Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Fiberglass, Fabrication, and Interiors
Forum Discription: Fiberglass Kick Panels, Subwoofer Enclosures, Plexiglas, Fabrics, Materials, Finishes, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=55584
Printed Date: April 25, 2024 at 11:00 AM
Topic: Neon Integration
Posted By: Master Asylum
Subject: Neon Integration
Date Posted: May 12, 2005 at 8:32 AM
Ok I'm thinking of a project I wanna start that should be fairly easy and can be started immediately with like little to do with my equipment right now. I'm gonna do a mold of an area, then I wanna do something to light it up but not with just a neon light behind 100% clear plexi or something, I want a material that kinda disbursts the lighting make it like mostly stop at the surface. Something like what you'd see in a shower, that mostly stops lights once they hit the surface. Can't really think of a way to describe it, dangit. But basically it'd just look like a panel that was lighting up and providing little lighting through it. Obviously going to use neons for the lighting. Just want a different surface and I can't think of what would be good, or even exactly how to implement it. Any ideas?
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1998 Monte Carlo w/
Eclipse CD8454
2xRockford 5.25" Power 2-way T152C
2xRockford 6"x9" Punch 3-way FRC4369
1xMemphis 16-MCH1300 5-channel
2xKicker 12" L5 Solobaric-2 Ohm
Replies:
Posted By: placid warrior
Date Posted: May 12, 2005 at 11:57 AM
u could still use plexi but just frost the back of the plexi...that will make everthing u frosted glow blue (or whatever color.)
Posted By: r0yal
Date Posted: May 12, 2005 at 5:57 PM
yea, thats what I was gonna say.. frosted... I dont know how to do that, so all I would do is scuff it up good with some fine sand paper 
Posted By: mi_what
Date Posted: May 12, 2005 at 7:12 PM
Did you ever think of using LEDs instead of neon tubes? they provide the same amount of light, cost less, and use less power. Then you can just aim them wherever you want. I will include a paint drawing of what I'm talking about...
Posted By: mi_what
Date Posted: May 12, 2005 at 7:25 PM
 Naturally I'm not the best artist, but this is a simple picture...it is basically a box, the little lines indicate plexiglass, and the green lights are LEDs. I have six pictured, that might be too much; but you get the picture. Good thing is that they are so small you can place them anywhere you want and the light they emit is immaculate for their size. Just a suggestion.
Posted By: placid warrior
Date Posted: May 12, 2005 at 11:47 PM
either way...if the glass isnt frosted u wont have a nice even glow over clear plexi. I think u can buy glass frosting kits at walmart or something, but u can also just scuff up the back with some sandpaper...220 i think would be good as it shouldnt leave nasty scratch grooves. plus if u do clear plexi u also have to worry about what the inside will look like.
Posted By: Master Asylum
Date Posted: May 13, 2005 at 7:31 AM
Ok sweet, that was what I was thinking of. Where can I buy plexi at exactly? Never had to buy it to be honest. Concerning the LEDs, I would use them for an area where I need a tighter fit, but well, I can get a couple 9" from the local store for cheap(courtesy of an employee I am associated to) and I like neons. :) Plus I want the strong line it'll form. Now this doesn't mean I won't consider LEDs just to test, but for then, where can I buy seperate LEDs that I can wire together? (One problem is I haven't ever even dealt with LEDs to know how to wire them, neon setups are pretty easy.) Thanks for the great replies guys! EDIT: Oh and also, how do I get the plexi to fit into the FG work? I'd guess that the sanding would help it bond or even drilling holes and such, but I don't want this to go very FAR into the FG piece since it will be on a rounded area. (I'm kinda 50/50 if I want the plexi rounded as people will be moving around the area and if it is rounded, if even possible, then it'd probably get kicked more.) ------------- 1998 Monte Carlo w/
Eclipse CD8454
2xRockford 5.25" Power 2-way T152C
2xRockford 6"x9" Punch 3-way FRC4369
1xMemphis 16-MCH1300 5-channel
2xKicker 12" L5 Solobaric-2 Ohm
Posted By: oonikfraleyoo
Date Posted: May 13, 2005 at 8:44 AM
Make an MDF frame for your Plexi. Make it part of your enclosure, then screw in the plexi when your done.
You can buy spray on frost at wal-mart or lowes. I wouldn't sand it. It would be hard to get an even finish. ------------- Nik
Jeeputer Progress
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Check it out.
Posted By: Master Asylum
Date Posted: May 13, 2005 at 9:05 AM
Thanks nik. Still need to know where to buy plexi. :) ------------- 1998 Monte Carlo w/
Eclipse CD8454
2xRockford 5.25" Power 2-way T152C
2xRockford 6"x9" Punch 3-way FRC4369
1xMemphis 16-MCH1300 5-channel
2xKicker 12" L5 Solobaric-2 Ohm
Posted By: mi_what
Date Posted: May 13, 2005 at 12:44 PM
You can buy Plexi at Lowes...they have already cut pieces but you can have them cut a size that you need. Concerning LEDs they wire the same way that neons do (red(+), black(-)) they are a little bit easier to install becasue they are about the radius of a pencil, so they are very small; Check places like Advance Auto or Autozone to see if they have them...if not try Ebay, never hurts to try.
Posted By: mi_what
Date Posted: May 13, 2005 at 12:48 PM
Oh and I read to get a smooth cut on plexi (if you're making curves; like this S not straight cuts like this - ) is to use a router...just a thought to help you along. other wise they sell a little white tool at Lowes in the same isle that cuts the plexiglass...just ask the people if you can't find it they should know. Hope I've been helpful.
Posted By: Master Asylum
Date Posted: May 13, 2005 at 1:19 PM
Thank you, very helpful actually, I will head to Lowes when I get the time and have a size. Thanks again, I might try the LEDs sometime if I feel ambitious.
-------------
1998 Monte Carlo w/
Eclipse CD8454
2xRockford 5.25" Power 2-way T152C
2xRockford 6"x9" Punch 3-way FRC4369
1xMemphis 16-MCH1300 5-channel
2xKicker 12" L5 Solobaric-2 Ohm
Posted By: mi_what
Date Posted: May 13, 2005 at 2:58 PM
hey no problem, good luck and let us know when pics are up of it.
Posted By: Master Asylum
Date Posted: May 14, 2005 at 12:54 PM
Oh and nik, what stuff at Walmart exaclty did the frosting? I bought some material called Gallery Glass Window Color, Clear Frost. "Create stained glass look!" That is about the only thing I could find. If that is it, could you inform me of what would be best method of application? Thanks for the help man!
-------------
1998 Monte Carlo w/
Eclipse CD8454
2xRockford 5.25" Power 2-way T152C
2xRockford 6"x9" Punch 3-way FRC4369
1xMemphis 16-MCH1300 5-channel
2xKicker 12" L5 Solobaric-2 Ohm
Posted By: DukeDuke
Date Posted: May 16, 2005 at 12:15 PM
I am unsure if someone already mentioned this or not... but if you want a good crackle frosted finish, use acetone. Supposed to do a great job. If you want a frosted finished I believe sanding lightly would be your best bet.
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Duke Duke
Posted By: placid warrior
Date Posted: May 16, 2005 at 7:05 PM
sanding wouldnt be the best bet but it works and costs next to nothing. Frosting is definately the best way to go and will produce a better quality product...I frosted a piece of plexi with sandpaper and it was fine, but i saw a properly frosted piece and its not the same. I used acetone to clean a piece of plexi...it crackled, but i thought that was a bad thing...it looked kinda cool, but one corner didnt want to crackle the same for some reason.
Posted By: ravenndude
Date Posted: May 17, 2005 at 12:47 PM
for LEDs I was told to order from these guys but i never had the chance yet. Also there is a good LED calculator here
Posted By: Master Asylum
Date Posted: May 18, 2005 at 8:22 AM
Well I guess I'll just go buy a few pieces of plexi today and rip open. Maybe tomorrow morning on my day/night off. f**king work. Anyways, thanks guys, I'll try them all out and then do a side by side for comparison. (assuming my comp is still working.)
-------------
1998 Monte Carlo w/
Eclipse CD8454
2xRockford 5.25" Power 2-way T152C
2xRockford 6"x9" Punch 3-way FRC4369
1xMemphis 16-MCH1300 5-channel
2xKicker 12" L5 Solobaric-2 Ohm
Posted By: Master Asylum
Date Posted: May 19, 2005 at 9:45 AM
Hey, I went to the Home Depot to check out their plexi. They have like ceiling lighting tiles for all their plexi, which I can get a 12"x24" tile for like less than 8 and they already come with texturing. I don't think this is the plexi originally shooting for, but I'm thinking it will PROBABLY do the job I need it with the white ice one. Any opinions?
-------------
1998 Monte Carlo w/
Eclipse CD8454
2xRockford 5.25" Power 2-way T152C
2xRockford 6"x9" Punch 3-way FRC4369
1xMemphis 16-MCH1300 5-channel
2xKicker 12" L5 Solobaric-2 Ohm
Posted By: mi_what
Date Posted: May 19, 2005 at 3:55 PM
Not sure about Home Depot's Plexi...but I always buy from lowes...they have the different thickness and different material...I would try there. a relatively large (can't remember the dimensions off the top of my head) runs about 20 bucks...not too too bad.
Posted By: Master Asylum
Date Posted: May 20, 2005 at 10:24 AM
Blah, guess I'll got 20 minutes instead of 5-10. Booo. You're lucky its highway, or I'd kill ya. :)
-------------
1998 Monte Carlo w/
Eclipse CD8454
2xRockford 5.25" Power 2-way T152C
2xRockford 6"x9" Punch 3-way FRC4369
1xMemphis 16-MCH1300 5-channel
2xKicker 12" L5 Solobaric-2 Ohm
Posted By: mi_what
Date Posted: May 20, 2005 at 11:11 AM
Hey hey hey...I said thats where I shop...you're on your own as far as not following my original post and going to home depot instead. I think its pieces like five foot by three foot for like 24 or so bucks...can't remember (I didn't have all too much luck with plexiglass, but then again I didn't know you could heat it and shape it)
Posted By: Master Asylum
Date Posted: May 23, 2005 at 8:22 AM
Speaking of that... How complicated is it to try and self mold bends and such? I don't wanna spend like $200 for a bender+shipping
-------------
1998 Monte Carlo w/
Eclipse CD8454
2xRockford 5.25" Power 2-way T152C
2xRockford 6"x9" Punch 3-way FRC4369
1xMemphis 16-MCH1300 5-channel
2xKicker 12" L5 Solobaric-2 Ohm
Posted By: mi_what
Date Posted: May 23, 2005 at 9:39 AM
From what I've read, depending on your thickness of plexi, you could just use a heat gun or hair dryer. Just go slow they say (never really tried it myself). Kinda do something like heat the part that will form the angle, then slowly bend while maintaining heat on it...SHOULD bend...in theory. Try it on a piece of scrap.
Posted By: Master Asylum
Date Posted: May 23, 2005 at 9:59 AM
All of it is scrap until it has a purpose. ;) In which case, bending would give it a purpose.
-------------
1998 Monte Carlo w/
Eclipse CD8454
2xRockford 5.25" Power 2-way T152C
2xRockford 6"x9" Punch 3-way FRC4369
1xMemphis 16-MCH1300 5-channel
2xKicker 12" L5 Solobaric-2 Ohm
Posted By: mi_what
Date Posted: May 23, 2005 at 11:24 AM
Well, there ya go...start bending 
Posted By: sundownernz
Date Posted: May 31, 2005 at 8:22 PM
Hi Guys, Just following this thread through and have played around with Plexiglass for the same thing you are doing, neons behind a clear plexi window. To get the frosted effect best I have found is to sandblast the back face. Sanding can provide scratches that show up but sandblasting it gives a good, even frosted finish and great effect. You can even change the depth (pressure) of the blasting to produce graphic effects. Lots of engineering shops have small sandblasters so talk nicely to one and see what they can do. As for bending a good hair-drier should do the trick and once it's warm enough to bend gently ease it over a pipe or dowel etc. You need to be careful though as tempurature is criticle. Too hot and it will melt or distort, not enough and it won't bend or may crack so it'll be trial and error depending on the thickness. Good luck.
Posted By: Master Asylum
Date Posted: June 01, 2005 at 11:27 AM
Wow, sweet, more help. Now with the sandblasting, what is an engineering shop? Moreso, any home way of doing this? I'm really trying to find a way to currently work outta the house based area(And to that, very minor garage access).
-------------
1998 Monte Carlo w/
Eclipse CD8454
2xRockford 5.25" Power 2-way T152C
2xRockford 6"x9" Punch 3-way FRC4369
1xMemphis 16-MCH1300 5-channel
2xKicker 12" L5 Solobaric-2 Ohm
Posted By: mi_what
Date Posted: June 01, 2005 at 1:03 PM
Yeah, I would like to hear more about this as well. How do you go about finding one of these shops? How much do they charge for not being their buddy  ? How exaclty is this procedure done? as for the hair dryer part...what is a good setting to thickness ratio? I know that it would take either more heat or more concentration on a certain part for a longer time to bend 3/4 and inch as compared to 1/2 inch plexi...is there a certain time frame that you have found to be convenient when working with thicknesses such as these? Thanks for the input.
Posted By: MAYHEM_AUDIO
Date Posted: June 02, 2005 at 8:33 AM
i think it woulf help if you buily a jig to hold the plexi like set the plexi on a table put some wood on top of it, where you want it bent put the wood to that edge and screw it down, heat up and bend you could also rought the edge of the wood with a roundover bit simular to the pipe a little more secure same princapil as a house siding break
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MATT
Posted By: pewter_dime_99
Date Posted: June 03, 2005 at 12:41 AM
hey guys, i was wondering, if you wanted to attach the plexi to the glass, could you use something like silicon glue or like liquid nails to attach it?
Posted By: pewter_dime_99
Date Posted: June 03, 2005 at 12:41 AM
hey guys, i was wondering, if you wanted to attach the plexi to the fiberglass, could you use something like silicon glue or like liquid nails to attach it?
Posted By: pewter_dime_99
Date Posted: June 03, 2005 at 12:42 AM
oops... sorry about the double post
Posted By: mi_what
Date Posted: June 03, 2005 at 8:24 AM
As long as you're careful I imagine you could...however, you might want to only use those when the plexi is backed by the box or whatever you are putting it on. Wait, I think I just confused the hell out of everyone on here...let me try like this, if you build a box and plan on using plexiglass, be sure to include some sort of lip for the glass to sit on...then you could probably liquid nails it, but definatly you could throw some silicon in there to secure it and to reduce water, vibration, scratches...etc. Oh yeah, and no more double posts  ...eh, just kidding. hope I've helped.
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