What do the terms "first surface" versus "second surface" mean in printing?

First surface and second surface describe which side of a clear material the ink sits on, relative to the person looking at it.

Term	Where the art sits
First surface	The side facing the viewing audience, closest to the viewer
Second surface	The side away from the viewer, so the art is seen through the clear material

• First surface reads bright and direct with nothing over the ink
• Second surface gives a protected, glossy look because the material shields the print