Marquee looks washed out

[SirPeale]

So I *finally* get my marquee today (only took the guy a month to get it right)

Peel it off the backing after spraying the plexi liberally with water.  Attempt to slide it around - it's not budging!  Luckily the water kept it from *sticking* to the plexi.  After several attempts, I got it mostly aligned.  I'm satisfied.

The vinyl curled really easily, and stuck to itself.  Next time I'll be more careful pulling it off to avoid curl; a tiny bit of the pigment pulled off, but it could easily not be noticed, as it kind of blends into the design.

So I get it applied to the plexi, and then I realize - the vinyl is *clear* What looked vibrant and beautiful is now see-through.

"Okay," I thought, "I'll just put the backing behind it to diffuse the light.  That'll work."

And work it did.  Two problems:

1) the backing has a grid on it, which shows thru when the light is on.  Will likely replace with paper

2) what once was vibrant looks washed out.  That's not good!

What can I do to avoid the washed out problem?  I know it's been addressed before, but search as I might with many different combinations of keywords, I could not find anything.

[Nannuu]

If you are using a clear vinyl you should apply it to a white lexan.  If you hit a local sign shop they usually have a few scraps lying around that us cab builders can use.  If you can't get a hold of any, I am heading to my parents in Utah for July 4th and I was planning on scavenging as much of it as I can get from their shop.  I'll get all that will fit in my suitcase anyway  .  I'd be happy to send you a piece, it might work.  Some of the prints using an inkjet printer will still look a little washed out even with a nice diffusing lexan though.

A note about applying adhesive vinyl.  If you want to use the water method it really helps if you add a drop of liquid dishwasher soap (like Dawn etc) to your water before application.  It will keep the vinyl from sticking and allow a lot of ease of adjustment.  Just make sure you liberally squeegie the vinyl to get all of the water out.  I know you've already applied it but for future reference...

[SirPeale]

Thanks, Nanuu.  Next time I'll use the white stuff.  I did put dish detergent in the water, but I guess I didn't use enough.  I was told a drop, but maybe a dalop instead?