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PCXMODS Case Window Biohazard Applique

Date: October 8, 2002

Giving proper props:

I want to start off by thanking Deryk over at PCXMods for supplying us the applique.

Introduction:

Modding computer cases is to PC geeks as painting on a canvas is to artists. So, its no surprise that geeks' (we are what we are) skills and creativity have led to their own form of art. Projects range from putting PCs inside of Apple cases, water cooling in fish tanks, LAN party PCs installed in briefcases, and even PCs installed in couches. They all express the artists thoughts. As this art evolved, so did the manufactures. And today, I come to you with a simple mod that can spruce up any old Lexan window. A vinyl applique.

Details:

PCXMods offers a full line of window treatments (<--My wife talking) totaling twelve different vinyl applique's. All are made out of heavy vinyl and are the same material that NASCAR uses for their car and emergency vehicle decals. The kits comes complete with one applique, applicator tool (looks like what I used back in the day for applying Bondo), and directions.

As you can tell from the above picture, I choose the Biohazard applique for my window. Now, these applique's go on easy but; are somewhat permanent. So, exercise care when attempting to apply them to your window. I can't stress enough to read the directions. I'll share my mistake with you in hopes that you do not do the same. I'll start by saying that I rarely read directions. And, that's what happened here. I had installed custom graphics on cars in the past. So, I figured it couldn't be much different. Below is what I started with.

I peeled off the applique making sure that it all stuck to the plastic backing. Enter my first error. Had I read the instructions, I would have realized that I was supposed to make sure that it transferred to the paper backing and not the plastic. So after trying to install it and getting nowhere, I checked the directions. Sure enough, it states, "Gently rub the sticker so that it will stick to the paper covering." Ok. No big deal. I'll just transfer it to the paper backing using the above technique. Everything appeared to go great until I attempted to transfer it again. The decal transferred just as it was supposed to. But one problem. I did not notice that on my first attempt, the applique had picked up some plastic shavings (remnants of last case mod). Enter problem two. Small particles equal difficult air bubbles. What now.... Ah yes! I remembered that when installing large pieces of auto tint, you could use a needle to puncture those difficult bubbles. The idea was good but the result was not exactly as I had hoped.

Not to darn bad given the problems I had created for myself. If you look closely you can see the air bubbles I was unable to remove. It actually makes a pretty decent looking mod with minimal effort. That is, as long as you follow the directions. Add some neon to the mix of things and it starts looking even cooler.

And you thought I was kidding. Not bad at all. What about with the lights off?

It looks pretty good in the picture and even better in person.

Reflections:

Because my adventure was not the perfect example of a flawless install, I can add some useful insight. First off, be sure you transfer the applique from the plastic backing to the paper backing. Its pretty easy to do. Start off first by applying pressure to the sticker - helping it stick to the paper backing. Using the bondo applicator is great for this. Once you think you have gotten the applique to stick, start peeling off the plastic. If you see the applique sticking to the plastic, simply apply pressure to the area it is sticking and repeat until it transfers to the paper. If you have a decal with many breakpoints in the vinyl, it may take some extra time. Once you get the applique transferred to the paper backing, measure where you would like the decal to end up on your window. I used pieces of tape and marked out the border ahead of time so I could easily place it in the middle of the tape. Once you are happy with where its placed, use the bondo applicator to smooth out all the air bubbles. In the extreme cases where you can not get out all the air bubbles, you can try and use a very small needle to puncture a hole in the middle of the bubble. Then, feather out the air pocket. When you feel good and it looks like you're ready to pull off the paper backing, take some care. Don't just rip off the backing. Pull it off slowly and kind of at an angle. This way if you see it pulling up from the window, you can reapply it and use the bondo applicator to apply some more pressure. Once finished, enjoy.

These applique's are somewhat permanent. Once they are applied they aren't going to fall off like a static sticker. In the event you need to get your applique off, don't worry. Get yourself a sharp razor and remove it. If you have ever removed a sticker from the window of your car, you'll know what I'm talking about. I'd also suggest some WD-40 to help lubricate and keep from scratching your window.

Conclusion:

If you're looking for a simple mod that a monkey could do (if he could read), then this is it. Of course, I'm assuming you already have a window installed in your PC. If you do, then you are probably not a monkey. For the price of $5.99 at the time of this writing, plus shipping, you can't beat it. Check out PCXMods.com for their complete line of appliques.

Pros: