Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Artwork => Topic started by: More_Beer on March 31, 2009, 06:01:54 pm

Title: What to print marquee on?
Post by: More_Beer on March 31, 2009, 06:01:54 pm
I need a marquee printed and I plan on getting it done at a print shop. Just wondering what is the best material to have them print it on when backlit. I have heard of one person using opaque vinyl, although they had it backlit, I thought opaque ment that no light will shine through. How does glossy photo paper go?

Reason I ask is that last time I went to the print shop, I was talked into having them print the image in reverse, and have it glued down onto my piece of perspex. Although the lady told me this is the best way if using a backlight, as they have done jukeboxs and mame marquees before, the image lost all of its colour and looked black and white basically.

Below is the image I will be using...

Cheers!

Title: Re: What to print marquee on?
Post by: Steve on March 31, 2009, 06:59:22 pm
I've had some printed on Fujifilm's FujiFlex and it worked great  :applaud:
Title: Re: What to print marquee on?
Post by: Hitek on March 31, 2009, 07:05:06 pm
I suggest mamemarquees.com. I had my latest CPO and marquee printed there and they look fantastic. They will also precut 2 pieces of plexi to fit your marquee for about $10 or so. FedEx Kinkos has a backlight material that works pretty well, but it will probably cost you more than getting it from MM, and without the plexi.
Title: Re: What to print marquee on?
Post by: Gonzo22 on April 01, 2009, 09:40:05 pm
Hitek, how long did it take from mamemarquees, with a custom print?
Title: Re: What to print marquee on?
Post by: BASS! on April 01, 2009, 11:24:35 pm
I need a marquee printed and I plan on getting it done at a print shop. Just wondering what is the best material to have them print it on when backlit. I have heard of one person using opaque vinyl, although they had it backlit, I thought opaque ment that no light will shine through. How does glossy photo paper go?

Reason I ask is that last time I went to the print shop, I was talked into having them print the image in reverse, and have it glued down onto my piece of perspex. Although the lady told me this is the best way if using a backlight, as they have done jukeboxs and mame marquees before, the image lost all of its colour and looked black and white basically.

Below is the image I will be using...

Cheers!



The best would be backprint uv polycarbonate. A 12x24 should run you about $50 at a local shop, depending on weather they have it in stock or not. *tip!* First find out the model of the printer your shop is using and if you want, you can always call up a company like www.lexjet.com and talk shop about different backprint polycarbs they have in stock. There are 2 main types of matereals that local shops use. One is solvent (highend) one is dye based (lower end, but better color gamut / lower uv life, meaning it will fade a little faster. Then ask them for a sample roll that you can bring to your shop to have them print on. You may be able to do a little barter, like, I'll give you the rest if you print it for free for me ;).
Title: Re: What to print marquee on?
Post by: Hitek on April 02, 2009, 03:04:29 am
Gonzo22, I ordered it on Feb 19th and the mailman delivered it on Feb 25th. I used USPS Priority Shipping (2-3 day) for $9.10. The CP was quite large too, 49"x22".
Same turn around for my marquee as well.