Quick Query re Number Plates

Now that all plate transfers and V5s in order - decided to order a rear plate for the Griff. "Should have gone to Fancyplates", so to speak but will come to that in a mo.
This will sound like a bit of a hoo haa over a simple plate but its got to be right.

Ordered a rear one from another online site (not sure whether I should/can mention it) - the quality seemingly not really up to scratch and its been a while since I last ordered some - and technology has no doubt moved on. The received a plate looked like it had been dot matrix printed, was semi translucent, the black font not the backing - and the backing had a crazy combo of the honeycomb 'plus' a gridded reflective pattern.

What seems to complicate the issue is this extra reflective pattern of squares overlaid onto the honeycomb - giving the whole plate an extra, for want of a better word - bling, and an extra level of complication - and not something which appeals to my taste. The 'reflection' in the sun is quite blinding (ie glistening, not just reflective) to say the least - and something that might obviously catch the attention of the law. A standard honeycomb would have been acceptable.

Additionally, it seems that the quality of the overall plate leaves much to be desired.

As stated, the text appears translucent, ie. what appears to be a dot matrix reverse printed font applied to the surface of the main acrylic sheet. This gives a very 'cheap' and flat appearance, giving a shadow effect (due to the thickness of the clear acrylic sheet). The translucent honeycomb film then applied to the rear. At the very least I would expect that the font lettering to be of a solid nature, particularly given the TVR backlit system.

From past experience of purchasing quality plates, the actual font is placed behind, ie onto the rear of the acrylic sheet, with the thickness of the sheet affording the protection to the lettering. In the format received, the slightest scratch would no doubt ruin the plate (ie it is a simple printed film applied to the surface).

So the question is, before I go returning the plate - are the fancyplates made the same? ie. the make up of this one was the translucent backing applied to the 3-4mm of clear acrylic, with a reverse printed number applied to the face of the sheet.

Thanks in advance

Good stuff Paul.
This was mine...
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...

As an update to this plate thread - I did not like the honeycombe vinyl so manufactured my own plates with the appropriate alternative material.