Acrylic is a popular choice for signage thanks to its clean appearance, range of colours and finishes, and ease of fabrication. From flat-cut lettering and reception signs to illuminated displays and retail signage, the right acrylic can help achieve both the desired visual result and practical performance.
With so many options available, choosing the right acrylic starts with understanding how the material will be used.
Consider the Type of Signage
The first step is to consider what you are making. Acrylic can be used across a wide range of signage applications, including:
- Flat-cut letters and logos
- Reception and wall signs
- Retail and point-of-sale displays
- Lightboxes
- Illuminated signage
- Directional and wayfinding signs
- Decorative panels and displays
The application will influence the colour, finish, thickness, and light transmission you need.
Choose the Right Colour and Opacity
Acrylic is available in a wide selection of colours, making it easy to match brand colours or create a particular visual effect.
For non-illuminated signage, opaque or solid-colour acrylic can provide a strong, consistent appearance. Translucent acrylic allows light to pass through the sheet and is commonly used for illuminated signs.
Clear acrylic can also be used where transparency is important, while frosted or specialty finishes can provide a more distinctive appearance.
When selecting a colour for illuminated signage, remember that the appearance of the acrylic can change once it is backlit. Testing a sample with the intended LED system can help achieve the desired result.
Select the Right Thickness
Acrylic is available in different thicknesses to suit different applications. The required thickness will depend on the size of the sign, how it will be mounted, and the level of rigidity required.
Thinner sheets may be suitable for smaller signs, lettering and display components, while thicker acrylic can provide additional rigidity for larger fabricated elements.
Considering the fabrication method and installation requirements before selecting the sheet thickness can help ensure the finished sign performs as intended.
Think About How the Acrylic Will Be Fabricated
One of the advantages of acrylic is its workability. Sheets can be cut, drilled, routed, polished, and fabricated into custom shapes, making them suitable for detailed signage and display work.
If the project involves intricate shapes, small lettering, or fabricated components, consider how the acrylic will be processed before choosing the material.
The desired edge finish can also influence the fabrication process. For example, polished edges can create a clean, high-quality appearance, particularly on clear or transparent acrylic.
Consider Lighting Requirements
For illuminated signage, acrylic selection becomes particularly important. The colour, opacity, and thickness of the sheet can all influence how light appears through the finished sign.
Translucent and opal acrylics are commonly used to diffuse light and create an even illuminated surface. The positioning and type of LEDs should also be considered alongside the acrylic to help minimise hotspots and achieve consistent illumination.
For projects with specific lighting requirements, testing the acrylic with the intended LED setup before production can help confirm the final appearance.
Indoor or Outdoor Use?
The intended environment should also be considered when selecting acrylic. Indoor signage can provide greater flexibility in material selection, while outdoor applications require consideration of factors such as exposure to weather, UV, and temperature changes.
Always check the manufacturer's technical information and recommended applications for the specific acrylic product being considered.
Choose Acrylic for Your Next Signage Project
With its broad range of colours, finishes, thicknesses and transparency options, acrylic gives signmakers and fabricators plenty of flexibility when creating custom signage.
By considering the application, colour, thickness, fabrication method and lighting requirements from the beginning, you can select an acrylic sheet that suits both the design and practical requirements of the project.
Explore the SAS acrylic range for signage, displays, retail applications and custom fabrication.
