Engraving Acrylic - Paper on or Off?

[Allan Wright]

I'm interesting in getting a 'frosted' effect on top of colored transparent acrylic. When I engrave it should I remove the protective paper covering first?

Sorry for the noobie question. Up to now all acrylic engraving I've done has been deeper with color fill so I've left the paper on.

[Mike Null]

Allan

If you are engraving cast acrylic you will get a frosted look consistently. If you're using extruded then you'll have to experiment with your focus as a bit out of focus will deliver the result you want.
EDIT
I always leave the paper on as it reduces clean up.

[Larry Bratton]

Allan:
I remove the paper for rastering. I leave it on at least one side for vector cutting. I would think that leaving the paper on when raster engraving could affect the quality of your mark. You need to use cast acrylic for raster engraving if you want a frosted or white mark.

[Allan Wright]

Thanks both of you. I'll make sure to get some cast acrylic. I believe what I have now is extruded.