Printing translucent graphics

[paul luszcz]

We'd like to print translucent graphics for backlit panels and awnings. Our wholesaler prints color/white/color on white translucent 3M IJ3630 but that's not an option with our RIP. Is there a way to get good color with the backlights on or off using an Epson 80600 with an Onyx RIP?

 

[signheremd]

You can print on color on clear vinyl and then same on white translucent vinyl. then you can laminate the white translucent to printed clear and laminate the whole thing if you like. then apply this to the sign face and it will give you the standard look during the day and heavier ink at night so the colors are not washed out looking.

 

[Grizzly]

Without white you can really only print on media specifically for backlit and then use the backlit profile which is a higher density. It's really only designed though for when lights are on.

 

[Decent Digitizing]

While Epson S80600 can’t print color/white/color, you can get excellent backlit results by using double-strike mode, a backlit film/diffuser combo, or by laminating with white vinyl. Let me know your setup and I’d be happy to help you optimize it.

 

[MikePro]

print clear, and layer a white trans print on top.
edited to add: if your substrate is white trans, then you already have a diffuser, so applying a clear print to both sides (backside printed mirror'd) would be ideal unless of course it is impossible with certain awning materials

 

[Decent Digitizing]

Thanks for the suggestion! Yes, printing on clear media and layering a white translucent print on top can be a good alternative to achieve strong backlit visuals. We can definitely explore this option.

Just to clarify, would you prefer we print both layers separately and then overlay them, or would you like us to provide a test sample using this method? Let us know your preference, and we’ll proceed accordingly.

 

[GraphixGirl79]

We'd like to print translucent graphics for backlit panels and awnings. Our wholesaler prints color/white/color on white translucent 3M IJ3630 but that's not an option with our RIP. Is there a way to get good color with the backlights on or off using an Epson 80600 with an Onyx RIP?

Since our faces we do are usually always white, we print on clear media. Then before i send it to the RIP program i apply a 20-25% opacity in my graphics program ( we use coreldraw), then i do a 2 overprint setting in the RIP software ( so 2 layers of ink). We usually have pretty good results and the colors don't come out "too dark" for daytime viewing and don't look washed out when lit at night. This way avoids the layering up requirement with other medias etc.

 

[signsprintswraps]

I print on clear and apply to white panels. We have an Epson S80600. I use a clear vinyl profile and it puts down a lot more ink. It does cause colors shifts with that much ink applied so if there are photo images you may need to make adjustments.

 

[Proofread People]

You can print on color on clear vinyl and then same on white translucent vinyl. then you can laminate the white translucent to printed clear and laminate the whole thing if you like. then apply this to the sign face and it will give you the standard look during the day and heavier ink at night so the colors are not washed out looking.

Interesting, mount the translucent vinyl to the clear vinyl? How to get them both to align perfectly?

 

[DL Signs]

I usually do printed white translucent on front, and reversed image printed on clear & laid on the back of the panel. Works on clear or white poly or acrylic panels
Depending on what it is, say mostly white with just a colored logo & text you can usually get by with less material because the clear only needs to be the size of the color area, not the full size of the panel. I have a lighted table, aligning them is easy.

 

[JSIGN]

Is that a custom lighted table, or a Rolls Roller type of table ? ( if custom - would love plans / thoughts )

 

[DL Signs]

Is that a custom lighted table, or a Rolls Roller type of table ? ( if custom - would love plans / thoughts )

It's a home brew. We used an old 4x8 wood work table with wheels that was built here many years ago. Cut the top of the legs and lowered the top so it would be the same height as other tables when done, used a white piece of white ACM covering the table top as a reflector, a 2x4 frame around the perimeter, one center support and a 1/4" tempered glass top we got from a local glass company with translucent white vinyl laid on the back side. Loaded it up with LED modules, power supply and a switch, and it works great.

It was thrown together in a couple days for a big job we did a few years ago, so it ain't the prettiest, but we use it so much that I have plans to rebuild it with a 1x1 welded metal frame, use the same guts and glass. The one change I'd like to make is doubling the LED's, put half on a separate power supply & switch so I can have this level, and a super bright one. It was made out of what we had, scrap wood, the ACM had some big scrapes on it, the LED's were repurposed from a large tear-out we happened to be doing when we built, a bunch of signs that had been LED retrofitted not long before they decided to tear everything down. The only expense was the glass, think that was around $300-ish for a 4x8 that thick.

 

[JSIGN]

Thank you - I've been wanting to do this for a while - now I'm inspired to make it happen !

Jim