First Surface refers to the front, exterior viewing surface of a substrate. This can be anything from a glass window in a storefront to clear Polycarb for a backlit sign. The printer produces your graphic right reading directly on the first surface of your substrate, or on the vinyl to be applied to the substrate; when viewed from outside, the print is seen directly rather than through the substrate.

There may be differences in how first surface is used depending on the product you have chosen and the application of the product.

Second Surface refers to the interior surface of a substrate. Artwork with second surface application will be reverse-printed, or mirrored, so that it can be viewed correctly from the outside, through the substrate, once installed.

Products that utilize second surface application have the benefit of the clear substrate protecting the image from fading, chemicals and/or abrasion.