how much printing is acceptable
Depends on the statutes in one's state of residence, the degree to which one might be negatively impacted if someone or multiple someones happens to get bent over the concept. In TN, an open-carry state, it's perfectly lawful to be seen "printing" or carrying. The only real impact will be to you and yours, via such things as social impacts, loss of employment if the employer takes exception, etc.
I was hoping you experienced guys could lead me in the right direction as to how much the general public notices.
Everyone's different. As some have suggested, most don't really take notice of the color of a person's shirt, let alone seek an explanation of every bump and curve on a person's waistline. Sure, some "bumps" are simply out of place, angled/sharp/man-made looking (as a cell phone is, or a fanny pack might look under a shirt). But most people simply aren't going to see it, despite being in plain sight. In my experience, standing in a check-out line at a grocery or other shop is very different, as at that moment most people have every opportunity to look others up and down, check out what they're buying, etc. At those moments, I'd say the risk is highest.
Still, you never know. If your aim is 100% absolute concealment, you should consider dressing around the bulges, consider modifications to your wardrobe such that the cut, material, textures and patterns of your covering garments clearly make the bulges visually disappear. Some clothing can do that quite well, and it needn't be bulky/billowing clothing either. Break up the pattern and lines of those bulges, and surprisingly it'll eliminate the visibility from most folks who'd otherwise notice. But, have a form-fitting, flat-color shirt or top that binds as you move, and you're sure to create obvious bulges.
One option: golf shirts. They tend to be made with cuts that allow for the extreme movements around the waist that occurs with the golf swing. There tends to be more material around the waist, longer tails, as well as patterns/textures that can help break-up the visual lines of an otherwise bulging concealed "thing" on the waist. On you, you'll probably find certain patterns/textures and colors work better than others. Try out some. Ideally, have a couple people you know well give you their opinions, telling them you're carrying and asking them to identify exactly where. (Not scientific, but getting others to point it out can help.)