Turn a lightbox on before deciding whether its acrylic is “frosted enough.” The LED points, panel depth and printed artwork are part of the same visual test.
LIGHTING TEST / THREE VIEWS
“Frosted” describes a look, not a lighting result
Clear sheet preserves a sharp view. A textured or frosted surface softens it. A purpose-made diffusing grade scatters light through the material to reduce visible LED points. The distance from LEDs to panel and the spacing between LEDs still matter.
View remains distinct.
View is softened.
Light is spread more broadly.
A stronger diffuser may hide points but change the brightness reaching the viewer. A translucent color can also look different with the lights off. Those tradeoffs belong in the sample review.
ASSEMBLED SAMPLE
Test the full stack, twice
Place samples of the actual grade and thickness at the planned distance from the chosen LEDs. Add any graphic that will sit on the panel. Look straight on and from the expected viewing angle, with the lights both on and off.
Edge lighting is a separate arrangement: light enters through an edge and a suitable light-guiding sheet manages its path. A conventional frosted cover should not be specified as if it were an edge-lighting system.
