Acrylic signs

Different applications are used for small acrylic signs in Dundee’s Tay Psychology city centre office.

Commonly referred to as Perspex, acrylic is a hard plastic used extensively for signs and displays. Formed by either moulding liquid into sheets (cast acrylic) or pushing into shape (extruded acrylic), acrylic is a lightweight alternative to glass.

Acrylic signs are durable. They last indefinitely within interior environments but will require cleaning in exterior locations. Acrylic is tarnished easily and care is necessary to maintain the plastic’s glossy appearance. Cast acrylic sheets have more advantages than extruded, such as a wider choice of colours and higher scratch resistance. Cast acrylic can also be recycled.

Transparent acrylic signs appear to float off of the background. Text and images can be applied to transparent acrylic panels that create a shadow behind them. They’re available in a wide selection of opaque and semi-opaque colours. As well as options for illuminating with LEDs.

Acrylic sign fixings

Stand-off fixings provide depth to an acrylic panel. They add visual interest to the sign and help to make your message more noticeable.

Acrylic shapes and panels can be formed together to create standing displays. They’re ideal for point of sale and showing off products.

Sign size and finish

Acrylic sheet thicknesses range from 2-30mm. Tinted and frosted finishes are available, in addition to transparent acrylic sheets. As well as translucent and fluorescent colours, mirror and metallic finishes are available too.

Single sheet sizes range up to 3040mm by 2040mm, with larger panels butted together. Sheets can be routered, drilled, bent, heat formed, and engraved. Laser engraving transfers intricate details onto acrylic signs, as well as cutting in small shapes and sizes.

Illuminating flat cut acrylic signs

Acrylic sheets’ edge colour is an advantage over other substrates. Unlike aluminium composite (DiBond), acrylic sheets’ core is the same colour as the face.

Cast acrylic is preferred for polished edges. Especially for acrylic signs and letters where the edges are visible. Edges are polished to remove marks and mimic the optical clarity of glass. When paired with LEDs, the panel edges glow. Lighting can also illuminate certain types of face markings on the acrylic, such as engraving or etched areas.

Semi-opaque acrylic panels are used for the face of lightboxes. The lighting inside the box illuminates the sign’s face, enabling the sign to be read in dim-lit areas and in the dark. LEDs are the most common method of sign lighting, as well as the most cost effective.

For best results, shaped acrylic is routered on CNC machines. Cut out letters (referred to as flat-cut lettering) are suitable for exterior use and fixed to shopfronts. When paired with aluminium tray signs, acrylic lettering can also be illuminated. Either flush with the face of the sign or pushed through to show the polished, flat-cut edges.

3D acrylic signs

Acrylic lettering and shapes can also be three dimensional. Referred to as built-ups, 3D acrylic lettering is first made as flat cuts. Acrylic strips are bent and bonded to the edges of the flat cuts to make the letterforms protrude.

Fixings are inserted inside the letterforms to pair with plugs for installing onto surfaces. This method ensures no visible fixings for built-up letters.

Polycarbonate vs acrylic

Similar to acrylic, polycarbonate sheets have a much stronger impact resistance than glass.

Polycarbonate poses less risk than glass and is also lighter. It’s also more robust than acrylic.

Acrylic and polycarbonate can be drilled and hung from ceilings or canopies. Depending on size and space, panels can also stand upright with vertical bases. Or inside channel frames.

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How to clean acrylic signs

Particles of settled dust can mark the acrylics’ surface when wiping back and forth. As such, take care when cleaning with a soft microfibre cloth.

Avoid using cleaning agents such as glass cleaners and household polishes. Use plenty of water with a small amount of detergent. Rinse a sponge regularly and wash with clean water.

Do not use chemicals to clean acrylic as these are liable to haze and crack the surface. Plan a cleaning schedule for your exterior acrylic signs to maintain their brilliance longer.

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