Originally Posted by mndless In reality, the substrate is not critical, as long as it will allow light to pass through from bottom to top.
I haven't started the process of determining exact materials and coatings as of yet... unless that is critical to the process/machine I need to do this, I was going to research that next.... |
I suggest you start your research at a place that makes the substrates for signage. I have used various types of multilayer plastic sheet with a colored layer that is engraved through and a translucent layer behind. Some give an effect similar to what you describe while others are designed to be engraved fairly deep from the back side with the engraving then filled with a white pigment so the front side is a smooth untouched surface.
A problem you may encounter with doing your own coating is that many paints do not adhere well to polycarbonate plastic. When you engrave a painted surface you might find the paint chips along the engraved edge so you will have poor edge definition.