Acrylic signage is an increasingly popular medium that is used across a multitude of professions. From event planning to business marketing and branding, laser cut acrylic signage is a sleek and versatile option for most any occasion. Despite its growing popularity, most people don’t realize all their options when it comes to acrylic so if you’re considering acrylic signage for any reason, you need to know the ins and outs.
Today we’ll break down what you need most to understand when it comes to acrylic signage. From how it’s used to how to maintain your items, and if it’s right for you. Keep reading with us for more information!
What is Acrylic Signage?
If you’re not well versed in the art of acrylic signage, don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Acrylic signage is made of a flexible polymer material that comes in a variety of styles and finishes. The most common of these styles are translucent, and thus you’ll see that these signs are often mistaken for glass due to their similar appearance. However, acrylic is a bit more durable and more lightweight than glass, though like glass, it also has the ability to be cut or printed on depending on the type and size of the signage needed.
There’s a lot of variations you can choose from when it comes to acrylic signage as it pertains to thickness, colors, finish, and levels of opacity. Don’t worry though, if it’s acrylic you need then we can help! Let's get into the various options you might see when working with acrylic.
Types of Acrylic Signage
At KK&S Designs we work with a variety of different acrylic types, but for today we’ll start with the most common types of acrylic styles you’ll see when working with us.
Clear vs Frosted Acrylic: The Classics of Acrylics
When it comes to acrylics, think of clear acrylic as your default setting. It’s the standard in the world of acrylics. Frosted acrylic, on the other hand, is considered a specialty variation of clear acrylic due to its finish. Where clear acrylic is completely transparent, frosted acrylic has the appearance of a clear acrylic that has been fogged up by humidity, much like frosted glass, hence the name. This provides some translucency while also providing a level of solidity and privacy to a design, whereas your standard clear acrylic might give the illusion of the content floating freely due to its total transparency.
IMAGES SHOWN IN GALLERY: 1) TWO SHEETS OF ACRYLIC, ONE CLEAR AND ONE FROSTED; 2) SAMPLE OF FROSTED ACRYLIC IN USE; 3) SAMPLE OF CLEAR ACRYLIC AS USED IN CLEAR 3D LAYERED ACRYLIC LOGO SIGNAGE.
Colored Acrylic: Options on Options
Everyone loves a good pop of color and we have a rainbow of color options at KK&S. While it’s possible to add color on a clear acrylic by painting through the back, choosing acrylic that is colored during the manufacturing of the sheet expands the styles and finishes available to you. The first thing to consider is transparency. The acrylic we work with comes in a range of these, from completely opaque to an appearance similar to stained glass. Once you’ve decided on a style, you should next consider the finish, the most common being matte or shiny. Between all these little touches, the options are numerous.
IMAGES SHOWN IN GALLERY: 1) SAMPLE OF CLEAR TO COLOR GRADIANT ACRYLIC AS USED IN CORNER & CURVES MENU; 2) SAMPLE OF OPAQUE COLORED ACRYLIC; 3) SAMPLE OF MATTE VS SHINY ACRYLIC AS USED IN OUR CECILY CAKE TOPPER; 4) CLOSE UP OF TRANSLUCENT COLORED ACRYLIC.
Mirrored Acrylic: A Little Something Extra
The final variety we’ll go over for the day, mirrored acrylics are one of our most popular options at KK&S Designs. Sleek and shiny, mirrored acrylic has a special finish that creates a reflective surface. It’s a great option that can be cut or etched to add a touch of elegance to any design.
IMAGES SHOWN IN GALLERY: 1) SAMPLE OF DIFFERENT PAINTED AND UNPAINTED MIRRORED ACRLYICS FROM OUR SEASONAL COLLECTION; 2) SAMPLE OF RELFECTIONS ON MIRRROED ACRYLIC AS SEEN ON OUR TAYLAR TABLE NUMBER.
So whether you plan to have your design etched, printed, or layered over acrylic, the acrylic you pick should compliment the content you intend to be displayed within.
Why Choose Acrylic Signage?
If you’re pondering whether or not to invest in acrylic signage - do it. Acrylic signage has so many amazing benefits, from its durability to its versatility and the many eye-catching finishes it comes in. As a business that works with acrylic we’ve been able to curate entire brand kits and event signage all using acrylic as our base. If you still aren’t convinced, then let’s get into some of the main reasons we speak so highly about acrylic signage at KK&S: customizability, longevity, and cost efficiency.
Acrylic signage has the ability to be transformed into virtually anything. Meaning, you’re able to let your creativity do its thing! It can be cut into pretty much any shape or size that you desire and we’re able to print or etch most any design onto it, making it uniquely yours. Acrylic is also a medium with longevity. It is both more durable than your standard glass, paper, and paper-adjacent mediums, while also more lightweight than glass or wood, making it easier to transport over its lifetime. With these attributes in mind, acrylic is a cost-effective medium that you won’t have to replace frequently and, with the proper care, can be maintained for years.
Caring for Acrylic Signage
While durable, you need to keep in mind that acrylic is a plastic when cleaning it. Although care will vary slightly between different finishes, the main thing to keep in mind when cleaning any type of acrylic signage is that you need to do it delicately.
Yes, acrylic is durable, however, you want to make sure you’re not doing anything that could potentially damage the sign. The best route to take when cleaning acrylic signage is to use fresh, lukewarm water. When cleaning, be sure to use a clean, soft, microfiber cloth. Acrylic doesn’t typically require a deep cleaning, so the use of soap is not necessary, however, if you do find yourself using soap be sure it is very little and very mild soap. Above all, never use household products to clean your acrylic signage. Things like glass cleaner or anything that has ammonia in it could severely damage the sign’s finish. For more in depth care, be on the lookout for a care card when you order from us and a linked page on our website resources that we have in the works.
Last Thoughts
If you know us, then you know that we live and breathe acrylic signage at KK&S. The majority of the signage we do is made of acrylic and the reason we’re obsessed is that we are equally obsessed in creating quality work for our clients. Acrylic signage gives us the liberty to create designs that elevate our clients’ events or business. If you’re interested in having an acrylic sign created specifically for you, be sure you check out the rest of our website! Be sure that if you do invest in acrylic signage that you are taking proper care of it. That way it will last you years and you’re not having to constantly replace it. As always, feel free to reach out with any questions.