White translucent???

[SummitSignsandmore]

Does it really make a differance??? I'm lettering some old discolored pannels. So I don't want to let the pannel shine thru.

The entire pannel is going to be blocked out in black with white lettering...

Can I just use a cast white?? instead of white translucent?

 

[Letterbox Mike]

Is the white going to light at night? If so, yes, you must use translucent white. Do not use regular white, it'll look terrible.

 

[SummitSignsandmore]

thats what I wanted to know. Thanks

 

[SummitSignsandmore]

Next question... Is black out film woth it??? Or can i use reg black (non-trans.)

 

[Letterbox Mike]

I'd either go with black blockout or translucent black. There are people that will say you can use regular opaque black but I disagree. Translucent vinyls transmit and disperse light differently than opaque vinyl. Opaque vinyl isn't 100% opaque, so some light may show through, but it'll be mottled looking. In my experience, opaque black vinyls can also take on a brown or purple tint when backlit. While it's usually faint and not always noticeable, I still believe you're better off doing it the right way and using appropriate translucent or light control films on a backlit sign.

That said, if it's a cheap-o sign or customer and perfection isn't near the top of the list, go with regular cast black if you have it around.

 

[Shovelhead]

HSBC Bank's signage has white tranny around the main letters and it's very obvious when compared to acrylic/polycarbonate.