How to Use Acrylic Signage

Acrylic Signs

Table of Contents
Introduction
What Are Acrylic Signs?
How to Customize Acrylic
Installing Acrylic Signs
Acrylic Uses
How to Care for Acrylic Signs

First impressions are key, so your public space should always look its best. One way to create a polished, professional, cohesive look is to welcome your clients, customers, or guests with eye-catching acrylic signs. Visually appealing, printed in full color with photographic quality, acrylic signs can be an economical and effective marketing tool for your business or conveying your custom message. Whether you’re promoting your brand, displaying a company logo, or distinguishing rooms or offices, acrylic signs are an excellent option.

What are Acrylic Signs?

Acrylic signs are made of a colorless, transparent, durable polymer material, formed into plastic sheets, that resembles the clarity of glass. Because of acrylic’s versatility, flexibility, strength, and lighter weight, it is often preferred to glass, which is naturally more fragile. Able to be printed with a full scale of colors, acrylic signs provide a clean, sophisticated look to virtually any space. Acrylic may also be referred to as Plexiglas^®, Lucite^®, Acrylite^®, Crylux^®, Perspex^®, or plastic glass, among others.

How is Acrylic Customized?

Made by printing directly onto its surface with UV ink, acrylic can be customized either on the front or back surface of the sign. Printing can include simple letters, numbers, or symbols, or use a full-color company logo or other image or photograph.

On standard surface acrylic signs, printing is done on the front side of the sign, producing a matte appearance. Because this printing rests on the front surface of the sign, it is more easily prone to scratches or other damage.

Second surface acrylic signs are printed from the back of the sign, creating a uniform, glossy finish. This printing method ensures a deeper sheen and protects the ink from being rubbed off or scratched.

The purpose of the sign will likely dictate the thickness of the acrylic. Signs typically range from 1/16 inch to as much as one inch or more.

Acrylic sign edges can be either standard or polished. Standard edges are machine cut, unpolished, and have a frosted appearance. Polished edges result in a smoother edge with a shiny finish.

Acrylic material also can be cut into three-dimensional logos, individual letters, numbers, or shapes, creating an eye-catching way of displaying a company logo or message.

Installing Acrylic Signs

Acrylic signs are best displayed when mounted on a clean, flat surface. Most often, custom acrylic signs include an option for pre-drilled holes and can be installed with traditional screws or aluminum or brushed nickel standoffs. Standoffs allow the sign to be displayed at a distance from the wall, creating a three-dimensional effect.

Other Uses for Acrylic Material

Acrylic can be heated to form a variety of useful and creative products, for example:

• Freestanding signs and cardholders
• Illuminated menu boards
• Retail and restaurant signs
• Name tags and name plates
• Informational signs
• Directional signs
• Room identification signs
• Exhibition signs

Caring for Your Acrylic Signs

Acrylic surfaces can scratch, chip, or shatter when not carefully handled. Acrylic signs should be installed with care in areas that are not exposed to direct heat or sunlight for extended periods of time. Acrylic signs are most suitable for extended indoor use or shorter-term outdoor use in covered areas.

To clean acrylic signs, use a clean, soft, damp cloth to gently wipe surface areas.

For more information on how to make custom signs work for your business, please see our related blog posts:

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• How Proper Signage Helps to Promote Safety, Health, and Wellness in Schools  – Part 2
• Making Temporary Signs Work for You