As a professional sign company, we often get asked about the different substrates used in sign-making. A substrate is the base material of a sign. This article focuses on one substrate in particular – acrylic.
What is Acrylic?
Acrylic is a synthetic plastic made from polymers of methyl methacrylate. It’s a lightweight alternative to glass which is shatter-resistant and has a high degree of optical clarity. It’s also easy to fabricate, making it a popular choice for sign makers.
How is Acrylic Made?
There are two main types of acrylic: cast and extruded. Cast acrylic is made by pouring liquid methyl methacrylate into a mold and allowing it to cure. This process results in a sheet of material which is optically clear and has a higher molecular weight, making it more durable than extruded acrylic. Extruded acrylic is made by heating the methyl methacrylate polymers until they become malleable and forcing them through a die. This process creates a sheet of material less optically clear than cast acrylic but is easier to fabricate.
Benefits of Acrylic in Custom Sign Making
Acrylic is a popular sign-making choice because it can be cut, drilled, and machined into almost any shape. We print on acrylic with various methods, including screen printing, digital printing, and vinyl appliqué. Acrylic signs are durable and weather resistant, making them ideal for indoor and outdoor use. Due to this durability, they are also a cost-effective sign option when compared to other substrates and ideal for long term use.
Lastly, the customization options are nearly endless.
Types of Signs Made from Acrylic
- Channel letters are three-dimensional letters often used as storefront signs. They are lit from the front or back and available in various fonts and styles. The front panels which cover the lighting element is made from acrylic.
- Dimensional letters are three-dimensional letters designed to stand out from the surface they are mounted on. The entire letter can be made from acrylic or a combination of materials.
- Acrylic signs are flat signs made from a sheet of acrylic. They are printed on directly, or vinyl appliqués are applied to the surface.
- Menu boards are commonly used in restaurants and cafes to display the day’s specials or the entire menu. The panel with the items listed is typically acrylic.
At FASTSIGNS® of Mesa, AZ, we specialize in creating custom acrylic signs, vinyl signs, vehicle wraps, and more. We make recommendations based on the specific application and what the customer is looking for in terms of durability, price, weight, and timeframe. However, we understand not everyone is familiar with all the options available. That’s why we publish articles – to give customers and internet searchers the information they need to better understand which sign products and materials might be best for them.
If you have any questions about substrates or any other questions related to signs, give us a call, or visit our sign shop at 7415 E Southern Ave., Suite #104 in Mesa, AZ.
