Pros & Cons: First Surface vs Second Surface Acrylic
Photo by Stephanie Harvey on Unsplash
December 17th, 2021 · Taye HardingToday, we will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of printing on the front side of acrylic (first surface) versus the back side of acrylic (second surface).
PROPERTIES OF ACRYLIC
Before we delve into the differences between first surface and second surface acrylic, it's crucial to understand the nature of acrylic itself. Acrylic is a distinct material offered at MINOH, known for its transparency and durability. It is often referred to as plexiglass and can be used for outdoor applications, although we generally recommend indoor use. When exposed to the elements and sunlight, acrylic signs placed outside may experience reduced lifespan due to sun damage and other environmental factors.
One notable advantage of acrylic is its lightweight nature, weighing approximately half a pound per square foot. This characteristic makes it exceptionally easy to hang and handle. Additionally, standoffs can be acquired for acrylic signs, facilitating seamless installation and imparting a professional appearance. It's important to note that although acrylic is aesthetically appealing, it is prone to scratching. Therefore, caution should be exercised to preserve the pristine condition of the sign by avoiding contact with sharp objects.
In summary, acrylic is a clear and durable plexiglass material suitable for various applications. Its lightweight nature simplifies hanging, and the availability of standoffs enhances the installation process, delivering a polished result. However, caution should be exercised to protect acrylic signs from scratches, and for optimal lifespan, indoor usage is recommended over outdoor exposure.
Standoff on Acrylic Sign
USES OF ACRYLIC
Acrylic is a versatile material suitable for a wide range of sign applications, including lobby signage, directional signage, and architectural signage. It serves as an excellent alternative to traditional glass due to its enhanced safety features and affordability. One of the notable advantages of acrylic is its flexibility in shape customization, as it can be easily cut to meet specific design requirements. This makes it a popular choice for creating statement walls in office spaces or designing custom directional signage. At MINOH, we offer two cutting options: halo cut and contour cut. The halo cut involves cutting around the general shape of the design, while the contour cut allows for individual pieces of artwork to be cut out separately, enabling more intricate designs.
While acrylic is commonly used to display company logos or high-resolution photographs, it can also serve as an artistic and prominent display in lobbies or business entrances. The ink is directly applied to the surface of the acrylic, allowing us to print on either the front or the back of the material. Both options offer different solutions for signage, and the purpose of this blog post is to assist you in determining which option best suits your specific needs.
FRONT SIDE (FIRST SURFACE) ACRYLIC
When using first surface acrylic, the ink is applied directly to the front of the acrylic piece. This results in a matte finish for the sign. If you were to touch the face of the acrylic, you would be able to feel the ink on the surface. It's important to note that printing the acrylic using the first surface method is generally less expensive compared to using a second surface print. This is because second surface printing requires additional production resources.
First Surface Acrylic
Indeed, first surface printing on acrylic comes with its drawbacks. Since the image is printed on the front of the material, it loses its clear and transparent appearance. Instead, it becomes a matte image. This can affect the overall aesthetic and visibility of the design, especially if clarity and transparency are desired.
Additionally, because the ink is applied to the front surface of the acrylic, it becomes more susceptible to damage and scratching. The exposed ink layer is more vulnerable to abrasion from external factors, such as contact with sharp objects or frequent handling. This can potentially diminish the longevity and visual quality of the printed acrylic sign.
Considering these factors, it is essential to weigh the trade-offs between the matte finish and the increased risk of damage associated with first surface printing on acrylic.
Close up View of First Surface Printing.
BACK SIDE (SECOND SURFACE) ACRYLIC
With second surface acrylic printing, the ink is applied to the back of the acrylic instead of the front. This results in a different visual effect where you can look through the clear material and see the print, giving the overall appearance a glossy finish with added depth. Compared to first surface printing, second surface printing provides a unique and visually appealing look that is not achievable with the former.
Moreover, since the print is positioned on the back of the acrylic, it benefits from added protection against external elements and potential acts of vandalism. The clear acrylic layer acts as a shield, guarding the printed image from damage caused by environmental factors such as sun exposure, moisture, and physical contact. Due to this enhanced protection, second surface acrylic printing is often recommended for outdoor use where signs are subjected to more challenging conditions.
Considering the glossy finish, depth, and improved durability against elements and vandalism, opting for the second surface option is a favorable choice, particularly when using acrylic signs in outdoor settings.
Close up View of Second Surface Printing.
Although second surface printing on acrylic offers several advantages, it's important to be aware of its drawbacks as well. One limitation is that it takes longer to print compared to first surface printing, primarily due to the properties of the material. This additional production time can result in increased costs associated with the printing process.
Another consideration is that second surface acrylic prints may be prone to glare, particularly when exposed to sunlight. The glossy finish of the print can reflect light, making it challenging to see the design clearly under certain lighting conditions. This can potentially impact the visibility and legibility of the signage, especially in outdoor environments.
Additionally, the glossy surface of second surface acrylic is susceptible to showing fingerprints. Handling the sign or accidental contact can leave visible marks on the surface, which may require regular cleaning and maintenance to keep the print looking pristine.
When choosing second surface acrylic printing, it's important to weigh the trade-offs between the benefits and drawbacks. Factors such as printing time, cost, glare, and susceptibility to fingerprints should be considered based on the specific requirements and intended use of the signage.
By carefully considering these factors and weighing the pros and cons, you can make an informed decision on whether first surface or second surface acrylic printing will best suit your specific sign requirements.
