Clear acrylic and clear vinyl can be printed on one side and viewed from the other, or printed on the back (reverse print) and viewed through the material. Opacity, layering order, and type direction affect readability and appearance.
Opacity and layering
Solid areas need enough ink (or white underbase) to block light and read clearly. Thin or translucent ink allows see-through and can look washed out. For reverse print, white or opaque underbase is usually printed first (nearest the viewer) so color sits on top.
Readability
Type and fine detail must be legible from the viewing side. Reverse printing means type is mirrored in the file so it reads correctly through the substrate. Wrong orientation causes reversed or unreadable text.
Design checklist for clear
• Decide viewing side and print side (face print vs reverse print).
• Use white/opaque underbase where opacity is needed.
• Mirror type and layout for reverse print so it reads correctly when viewed.
Common mistake
Sending a file built for face print when the job is reverse print, or forgetting to mirror type. The sign is unreadable or wrong. Confirm print direction and mirroring with the printer.