When profiling a transparent or semi-opaque material such as a backlit or clear film, you must use a colorimeter that is designed for transmissive measurements. These are usually denoted with a "T" within the model number. This is the only type of device that supports measurement reading though these materials. See Configuring Color Sampling Devices for more information.

One of the main variables is the light source in the final display and the quality of the light diffuser. Sometimes using the backing (if the material is adhesive back) will work with a reflective device. Another options would be to profile a cheap media (with a similar yellow or blue cast of the film) and use that ICC to print on the backlit while using the same cheap media as the diffuser in the final display. When profiling a clear materials such as glass, if it's thick you may want to use a UV filter to account for the light dispersal.

Note: It's important to always review your test swatches on a light box or final display to verify the results at each step.

Ink Restrictions

The best way to get good saturation and vibrant color is to limit the amount of light ink during Ink Restrictions. Because light inks are barely visible you can remove the amount of "liquid" on the media by choosing a lower percentage. This is also true with Yellow channel since then maximum saturation is not very noticeable by the human eye.

If you really don't want to use light inks, choose a CMYK ink configuration w/no light inks.

If you try to use a reflective device such as an i1, you may get good result in the mid-tones, but the shadow areas will display Posterization. This means that anywhere in the image where you have a transition, the color will shift quickly from light to dark. We do not recommend profiling using a white paper background behind the media or profiling on top of a light box, although you may want to test both the transmissive and reflective readings and compare the values.

Remember to review your test print on a light box or final display to verify the results.

Linearization

Set the N-factor to 5 for all channels to get the best mid-tone saturation. Build Linearization as normal.

Ink Limits

Set your Ink Limits as normal. Remember to review your test print on a light box or final display to verify the results.

ICC

Most of the profiles done in the ONYX lab use the Ultra Accuracy w/Linearization and default build option settings. You may want to change the Black Generation options as needed to get smoother grays or less peppering in the highlights.  See ICC Build Options for more information.