Quoted from RTS:I think the transparent section can be done without cutting (I'm assuming we print onto a clear plastic. )
I made a color based selection of the four gray squares and then deleted them so no image would exist in their space, clear down to the checkered background layer.
My assumption is that a printed image will keep this area transparent and no cutting would be necessary.
The only remaining question is the opacity percentage. If it's printed fully opaque, it won't illuminate from behind. Do you create an alpha channel to fully block certain sections and allow light through certain parts, or is it all printed semi transparent with even illumination? [quoted image]
When I did the Surf Champ I had the translite printed on a transparent acetate and it was completely transparent.
Didn't work. I ended up printing on thick card stock and also you see the grain, I thought it looked pretty good.
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For Atlantis, I went with some white plastic material they use to make indoors marquees I think is what they told me. Again, happy with the results.
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I think the only way you'll get to not have to cut the holes is if you go with screen printing, but that will cost you a fortune. I recommend you go to a local print shop, tell them what you're doing and have a few different ideas printed out. Again, having done it twice, I would recommend something in the same vein as what I did with the Atlantis.
As for masking only certain areas, I didn't do it, but you would probably need to use a cameo vinyl cutter (or do it by hand) and stick it to the back of your printed translite.
I'm pretty sure that's what the guy who made my North Star translite did:
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