July 17, 2020

Superb etch effect graphics with a difference from the creative team at Leeds based Cougar Signs. Class on Glass indeed…

Gin seems to be the ‘drink du jour’ these day and is probably more popular than at any time in its very long history. Gin’s too small a word for it really. There are shops around where over 170 flavours of the spirit can be sampled and purchased and it’s mixed into endless cocktails adding further to its appeal. Popularity on that scale is, naturally enough, followed by businesses provisioning services to gin drinkers. No surprise then, that gin bars are popping up and that customers are flocking to them.

Just one such boutique is Gin Lane, it’s in Halifax. More specifically, it’s in the breathtaking setting of The Piece Hall and, with over sixty gin variations on offer, it gives gin lovers a place to meet and drink, or discover, their favourite.

Gin Lane has an identity to promote and, through a client in the glass processing business, Leeds based Cougar Signs got to supply part of it. Cougar Signs’ contribution comprises some rather attractive etch effect graphics applied to various glazed surfaces at Gin Lane. They’re etch effect markings with a notable difference.

As anyone knows, light will go straight through a pane of glass given the chance unless there’s something to interrupt it. What’s perhaps not so well know is that light that’s admitted to the edge of a glass pane will bounce around inside the glass until it decays to nothing or for as long as there’s a light source supplying more light. If the surface of the glass is marked, or if something’s applied to it - etch effect graphics for example - the light will leak out and add a blush of colour to the etch effect.

Cougar Signs used Metamark Etch Effect films for its beautiful work at Gin Lane. Having a crystal-clear solvent based adhesive facilitates the effect brilliantly and the work looks simply stunning. The fact that the etch film cuts and weeds brilliantly is a great help too.

Cougar Signs is perhaps best known for the superb vehicle livery work that Andy Varley and the team undertake. If you find yourself in Gin Lane though, raise a glass to them for the caliber of their glazing work. It’s characterful. It’s memorable. And it’s easily repeatable should you desire something similar yourself.