The story Local Dentist's Acrylic Sign Mocks Hungover Patient at 8:30AM

The thing about acrylic signs is they're basically glass's responsible older sibling who went to therapy and got their shit together. Glass shatters when you look at it wrong, costs more than your monthly grocery budget, and makes you nervous every time someone walks past it.

Acrylic? Acrylic just hangs there, being reasonable, looking expensive while secretly costing less than your last disappointing dinner date. It's the material equivalent of that friend who shows up to parties in designer knockoffs but pulls it off so well nobody questions it.

Quick answer

Direct answer: Acrylic signs deliver the polished, premium look of glass at a fraction of the cost and weight—without shattering when someone looks at them wrong. Perfect for office lobbies, retail displays, wayfinding, and branded wall art.

Key takeaways

  • Acrylic and plexiglass are the same material—just different names for polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).
  • Choose Spot White for partial transparency; Flood White for full opacity and maximum color vibrancy.
  • Max single-sheet size is 96×48 inches; larger designs split into panels.

Specs & options

Specs

Material
Cast acrylic (PMMA / Plexiglass)
Thickness
1/8" or 1/4" (1/4" most common)
Print Resolution
Up to 1000 DPI
Print Method
UV direct-to-substrate
Max Sheet Size
96" × 48"
Lifespan
5–10 years (usage dependent)
Mounting
Stainless steel standoffs, screws, or adhesive

Options

  • Spot White finish: preserves transparency in selected areas.
  • Flood White finish: full white backing for complete opacity and maximum color vibrancy.
  • Custom shapes: contour-cut to the edge of your artwork; interior cutouts available.
  • "Install from Inside": printing on the backside, viewed through the material.
  • Standard drill holes: 0.25" holes placed 0.75" from corners.
  • Special cut option: custom hole sizes/locations set as cutlines in your file.

Need help preparing files? See Artwork Setup.

Good fit for

  • Office lobby signs: company names, logos, and directional information with polished looks.
  • Retail store displays: promote sales, branding, or product features matching modern aesthetics.
  • Medical and dental offices: front desk signage, suite numbers, and waiting area decor.
  • Real estate offices: property information, branding, and agent highlights.
  • Restaurants and cafes: menus, hours of operation, or branded artwork.
  • Event signage: sponsorship displays, event check-in signs, or corporate milestones.
  • Wall art and awards: commemorative plaques, company achievements, or artistic installations.
  • Salon and spa decor: branding and service menus without sacrificing visual appeal.

How it works

  1. 1) Configure + design

    Select size, corner style, shape, thickness, and standoffs. Use our web-based design tool on desktop or mobile to upload graphics, arrange elements, and add text.

  2. 2) Review + approve

    See live pricing as you configure. Submit your order and we'll confirm specs before production.

  3. 3) Print + fabricate

    UV inks print directly onto plexiglass at up to 1000 DPI—edge-to-edge, crisp, and vibrant. Ink bonds instantly, resisting fading, moisture, and everyday wear.

  4. 4) Ship nationwide

    Professional packaging prevents transit damage. Real-time shipping rates from UPS with no markup.

FAQ

What is Acrylic, and why is it good for signage?

Acrylic is a transparent cast polymer (polymethyl methacrylate) that's colorless, highly durable, and lighter than glass. Plexiglas® is the best-known brand name—acrylic and plexiglass are the same material.

What is the difference between Plexiglass and Acrylic?

Nothing—they reference the same material. Plexiglass is just Acrylic's popular brand name.

Can I choose the thickness?

Yes. Select between 1/8" and 1/4". The 1/4" thickness is most common.

What does "Install from Inside" mean?

Printing on the material's backside facing inward, so you view prints through the transparent material—like looking through a window.

I need my sign to be clear in some parts. What option do I select?

Select "Spot White." This applies white ink only behind visible design elements, leaving other areas transparent. For solid designs, choose "Flood White" for full white backing.

Can I drill holes in acrylic signs?

Yes—we handle this. Standard drill option places 0.25" holes 0.75" from corners. For custom hole sizes or locations, use the "special cut" option and set them as cutlines in your file.

What is the largest size before it gets split into panels?

Acrylic comes in 96×48" sheets. Anything exceeding these dimensions splits into multiple panels.

How long do acrylic signs last?

UV-cured ink combined with premium materials provides 5–10 years of lifespan depending on usage and conditions.

What are the ideal design file specs?

Vector files (.AI, .EPS, PDF) with outlined fonts and embedded images work best. For raster files (.JPG, .PNG), use minimum 300 DPI at full size. Keep critical elements at least 0.25" from edges.