Are printing on a clear or translucent surface? If so, you may have looked at acrylic or the branded version ‘Perspex’. It’s ideal for displaying logos and other creative artworks, but due to the transparency, you’ll need to think about how you want your product printed. Here at Raccoon, we believe that a reverse print is usually the best way to go.

Read on to learn about reverse printing, why it’s so popular among designers, and why it often beats the traditional ‘face printing’ methods.

What is reverse printing?

When you print on an opaque material like paper or card, your artwork will be first surface printed – meaning it’s printed on the front of the material. This is known in the business as ‘face printing’. However, when you print on acrylic or another clear substrate, you can reverse print your design instead.

Reverse printing, also known as second surface printing, applies your art to the other side of the material. And because that material’s transparent, your design shows through to the front. With the right printing methods, the results will be just as sharp and vibrant, with precise colours to match your branding.

Still confused? A face printed sign will have the design printed on the front layer, but a reverse printed sign will have the design on the back, placed behind the transparency. Likewise, face printed window graphics are installed outdoors, but reverse prints are applied indoors.

Backing your reverse print in white

Print on acrylic won’t stand out unless you ‘back’ the design in solid white. That’s why most print companies will offer ‘spot white’ and ‘flood white’ backing options, which we’ve detailed below.

Spot White – Ask for spot white if you want certain areas to remain clear. For example, you can spot white an image of a moon and stars but keep the surrounding sky transparent. Great for logos, layered designs, and using the wall to complement your printed image.

Flood White – Choose this option to display the entire canvas, including the background, without any see-through areas. This achieves a similar look to face printing, but with most of the benefits of reverse printing. Perfect for making detailed displays and providing information.

Above: A reverse print with no white backing on the left, and flood white on the right.

What are the benefits of reverse printing?

Gorgeous results, built to last

With reverse printing, the ink will be protected behind the transparent layer. This defends against changing weather, UV exposure and everyday wear and tear. Sealed behind the acrylic, your design will potentially last longer than something face printed, especially when used outside. That’s why we often recommend this option when asked about acrylic printing.

A low-maintenance solution

Signage needs cleaning, otherwise it starts to look unsightly. But aggressive cleaning, especially when it comes to tough stains, can damage the item’s quality. A reverse or surface printed design can be cleaned as often as you like, and it won’t smear or lose its vibrant sheen. So, reverse printing helps to ensure you don’t damage the art while cleaning the product itself.

It’s easy to mount & display

Extra protection makes a reverse print even more versatile than you think! Display it in busy areas, place it outside to attract more customers, create a floating mount, or use a backlight to draw a crowd. No matter how it’s mounted, the inks will continue to ‘pop’ and you won’t have to worry so much about environmental issues.

A creative kind of advertising

A reverse printed sheet can be used to build unique displays where transparency is part of the design. By printing on the reverse, you can create a tiered effect to add depth, combine different thicknesses and textures, and choose a contoured shape to form the perfect image. Reverse print on acrylic for a high-end glossy look, ideal for modern offices and exhibitions.

You can do your part for the environment

Reverse or second surface printing can be done sustainably, but it depends on the printing methods and the type of material used – whether it’s a recyclable plastic or PVC-free film. Not everyone offers eco-friendly products as part of their range, but it’s worth looking into if you’re hoping to do your part, invest in the future, and impress modern consumers.

At Raccoon, we’re committed to green products and techniques, and we’ll be happy to discuss whether your product can be made in an eco-friendly way.

Ready to reverse print on acrylic?

Our experts will do it for you! Just visit our Perspex product page for an overview of what to expect, and to select your size, printing and cutting option, along with your preferred production time. You can then upload an artwork or jump right into our online designer tool.

Click below to customise your product and buy online!

Design & Order Your Acrylic Display