Suggestions clear or translucent acrylic w/ translucent vinyl?

Use the white acrylic. It will not block too much light. Also, if you don't make a double print, the ink will be too washed out when lit from behind.

 

You might consider a translucent film over vinyl as it is more typical for back-lit display and unnecessary to double print if the print process is handled appropriately.

 

Outdoor?

I’d use sign grade white polycarbonate. Acrylic gets brittle and can break/crack over time.

 

You should use clear plex or polycarbonate, otherwise you are getting two layers of white diffuser and it will make the sign dark. However, the best way to make a backlit panel is to have white plex with a clear vinyl graphic that is printed color white color. Signs 365 or most any wholesaler can help you with that.

 

Not my experience.

 

Most white translucent vinyl will add anywhere from 20% to 30% darkness to a white face, regardless of poly or acrylic. If you are doing the entire background, you hafta make the choice. Years ago, we made samples using clear and printing on it and various levels and manufacturers of white translucent. The results are all over the place. Better for us, just to flatbed print on white and put 1/8" clear in front of it.

 

I do white poly and clear transparent vinyl with double pass ink and laminated