Illuminated graphic displays
Light behind a print behaves differently from light falling on it. Decide how your graphic will be lit first, because that choice sets the material and the artwork.
Three ways to light a graphic.
| Route | How it works | Print to use | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backlit box | Lamps or LEDs inside a unit shine through the print | Backlit film or acetate | Uneven lamps show through as bright patches |
| Spotlit from the front | Track or picture lights fall on the surface | Any matt or low-sheen print | Glare from a gloss surface; shadows from frames |
| Daylight through glass | The window does the work by day | Translucent film on the glass | Goes flat after dark unless the room is lit |
How to choose
Think first about when the display is seen. A pub or a cinema foyer does most of its trade after dark, so light from behind earns its place. A gallery wall is better served by good spotlighting, which is usually simpler to change and leaves you with a wider choice of print. If the graphic is mainly seen in daylight, a backlit unit may hardly show.
Then look at what is already on site. Replacing the face of an existing unit is a very different job from specifying a new one. See lightbox graphics for measuring an existing frame, and ask us if you need a unit as well as a graphic.
Designing for light
- Colours lift. Light behind a print makes colour look brighter and pale tones can wash out.
- Dark areas need density. A black that looks solid on the desk may turn grey once it is lit.
- Thin white type glows. Light spreads into fine reversed lettering and makes it look heavier, so leave more space between letters.
- Faces need care. Skin tones are the first thing to look wrong when a backlit graphic is out of balance.
Test on the real unit
Lamps differ in colour and brightness, so the only reliable check is a piece of the actual film in the actual box. Ask about a test strip for any image where colour matters. Look at it with the lights on and off, as many units spend half their day unlit.
Power and safety
New electrical work should be carried out by a qualified electrician, and anything added to a shop front may need permission from your landlord or local authority. Check those points before you print.
Backlit film prices
Backlit media and acetate share the same prices. Our guide to backlit displays explains the wider range.
| Size | Price |
|---|---|
| A2 | £26 |
| A1 | £39 |
| A0 | £65 |
| 30in x 20in | £33 |
| 40in x 30in | £59 |
| 60in x 40in | £99 |
Guide prices from our price list. They exclude VAT and delivery and assume print-ready artwork.
Print that comes alive with light.
Your questions.
Can I put an ordinary poster in a lightbox?
Usually not with good results. Standard paper blocks too much light and shows its fibres. Backlit film is made to spread light evenly.
Is backlit film the same as acetate?
They are different materials at the same price on our list. Tell us the unit and the look you want, and we will recommend one.
Should artwork be changed for a backlit print?
Often it should, particularly dark areas and fine type. Tell us it is for a lit display when you send your file.