Introduction

Sometimes, even the smallest things can make a difference. One may think that having a fully-decked out box complete with the latest hardware and most novel mods may be all that there is. However, even a minor addition can make your box just that much more personalized than it already is, and add that "final touch" that you've been dying to have. That is where appliques come into the equation. However, purchasing a mass-produced applique might not be what you've been looking for if you're into the personalization thing. So what do you do if you are just a plain old gal or guy who doesn't have the resources needed to produce your own decal? That is where The Shattered Web comes into play. They can produce for you a custom-designed applique of different sizes, suited directly to your box, and your identity. Let's take a look at their productions and whether it's worthy for your rig or not.

Firstly, a little information about the company:

The Shattered Web is currently a small company based out of Yelm, Washington. Our main objective is to provide quality graphics to our clientele and strive to be the number one graphic supplier in the Pacific Northwest.

The Shattered Web works in conjunction with Oracle Graphics, a company that produces banners, decals and logos of all sorts, and they are also based out of Yelm, WA. Check out their site if you need any custom work done.

Specifications

After a few conversations and correspondence, Terry from The Shattered Web sent me two custom-designed appliques; one is a 7.5" meant for application to a window, and the other is a 10" meant for application to the non-window side of a case as a decal. They make both 7.5" and 3.5" appliques for windows and for other custom work they can make just about any reasonable size for a non-window decal.

• Sizes: 3.5" and 7.5" along with others for custom work
• Colours: Red, Blue, White, Silver, Green, Yellow, Black and Etched
• Custom designs accepted

The etched colour will look best with most windows, but as you can see other colours are available should you wish to have something different. Definitely a plus if you're customizing your case. In addition to the appliques you get an instruction sheet and a credit-card sized piece of plastic for use during application. All of this came in a huge envelope that had a thick layer of bubble packaging around it to ensure the appliques weren't damaged during shipping.

Instructions, appliques and plastic card.

7.5" 'etched' window applique.

10" non-window side blue decal.

Installation and Testing

Because of the way the appliques are made, they have to be applied to the outside of the window, not the inside. This is apparent when you remove the opaque backing. I'll first be applying the window-side applique, and the first thing that must be done is a cleaning of the surface to ensure there is no dirt or other residues on the surface that may impede the applique from adhering to the window. The Shattered Web recommends using soap and water, but I used isopropyl rubbing alcohol, which seemed to work well without damaging my window, and it dries fairly fast without leaving much residue.

UPDATE:
"Just received an update from Terry from The Shattered Web, and he's said that they've now changed their appliques so that they're applied on the inside of a window, rather than the outside as seen in this review, by default."

Select an ideal spot.

After cleaning the surface, peel back the opaque layer from the transfer backing.

Use the plastic card to smooth out any air bubbles.

You then peel back the opaque layer, making sure that the applique stays on the transfer backing, which is slightly translucent. With the design I suggested, there were several small parts (such as the periods) that sometime stuck to the opaque part when I was removing it. This is no big problem; all you need to do is squeeze that part of the backing against the opaque part for a few seconds, and the applique will remain stuck to the transfer backing. Once you have the transfer backing along with the applique detached from the opaque backing, carefully lay it on the window in the position you want. This can be tricky, so the instructions suggest putting a very fine mist of water on the surface to allow some re-positioning should you misplace it.

You can see the logo's imprint.

Peel back the transfer backing.

Done!

Now all you need to do is use the supplied plastic card to squeeze out any air bubbles. When you're done, you should be able to feel the imprint of the applique, and in the case of the etched appliques, you should be able to make out the logo as well. Now just carefully peel back the transfer backing, and the applique should stick to the window. Done! Pretty damn easy, if I can do it! One last note: There may be some small air bubbles (you may be able to see them in the last picture) underneath the logo. Do not poke holes in the applique to let out this air, as it will result in rough edges around that area. All this is clearly stated in the instructions. The air bubbles will subside after a few days.

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