Backlit marque

[wombleboy]

I'm trying to figure out how to create a backlit marque. If I print the marque on paper and stick a flourescent tube behind it, it would have a dull glow, but that's not quite what I'm after. Ideally I'd like much brighter colors.

My first thought was to print on acrylic. The effect you get from shining light through tinted/colored acrylic is exactly what I'm after. I'm not sure how would this work out though?

An alternative might be to print on acetate film, but put a layer of acrylic behind this, and the light source behind that. Perhaps frosted acyril would give a nice effect. Does anyone have any experience with this?

[wombleboy]

Looks as if duratrans/duraclear might be what I'm after (typical, I've spent a week or so pondering this problem, then as soon as I ask for help, I find the answer ... maybe)

If anyone has any experience of using this stuff I'd be interested to here

[powerfunk]

I'm trying to figure out how to create a backlit marquee.

My simple solution is to get it printed on "light box vinyl." It's designed to be backlit, used for movie posters etc. I've used epingo.com in the past but I'm sure if you google "custom vinyl light box printing" you can find many similar printers. Then, slap the marquee against/between some plexi and you're good to go. (Tapplastics.com is the easiest site I've found for ordering custom-cut acrylic) 

Here's my custom UMK3 marquee, although my marquee light isn't working so you can't see the backlit effect.

[Lucian045]

There are many materials that are good for marquees.  Some are films that are printed directly onto the sheet then sandwiched between plexi, others are translucent vinyl that needs to be applied directly to the plexiglass.  I offer my customers a printed translucent material which is then applied to the plexi or lexan marquee.  Florescent light behind the plexi is all that is needed.  Colors are vibrant because the material is double printed.  If the material is not translucent, then your graphic will not light up.  If you have any interest in a printed marquee I'd be happy to give you a quote.  I am currently looking into flexible film for backlit marquees similar to mall displays and such but have not received the material yet to try.   I have a forum on hyperspin and I am trying to offer my services in this forum as well.  Pm or email.  http://www.hyperspin-fe.com/forum/showthread.php?14155-Decals-and-Printing-for-your-HyperSpin-Cabinet