Acrylic is the material that gives a sign its clean edge and even glow. We cut, polish, print and light acrylic in house, so we can match a thickness, a colour and a lighting effect to the look you want instead of working around a catalogue.
Acrylic types and thickness
- 3 mm — small indoor plates, door signs, name plates.
- 5 to 8 mm — letters, reception logos, office signage.
- 10 to 20 mm — edge lit panels where the light travels through the sheet.
- Clear, opal, frosted or coloured — the finish changes the whole effect.
Edge lit and backlit acrylic
Edge lit signs hide the LEDs in the base and let the light travel through the polished edge of the panel, so the face stays clean with no visible light source. Backlit panels use a diffuser and a printed face for even illumination across a large area.
- Edge lit — best for logos, numbers and slim reception signs.
- Backlit — best for large printed panels and menu boards.
- Both can be dimmed or switched on a timer.
Colours, frosted and clear finishes
- Opal white — the most even light, ideal behind printed graphics.
- Coloured translucent — saturated brand colours that still glow.
- Frosted — a softer, more premium look, popular in offices and clinics.
Indoor versus outdoor acrylic
Outdoors we specify UV resistant acrylic, a thicker panel and a fixing method that lets the sheet expand and contract without cracking. Standard indoor grade will discolour in strong sun, so it is worth specifying the correct sheet even when the price difference is small.
Mounting and standoffs
- Standoffs — polished or brushed metal spacers, the classic acrylic mount.
- Aluminium channel or Z-clip rails — for larger panels and a shadow gap.
- Concealed fixing — for a clean wall with no visible hardware.
Frequently asked questions
What thickness should I use?
3 mm for small indoor plates, 5 to 8 mm for letters and reception signs, and 10 mm or more for edge lit panels that carry light through the sheet.
Will acrylic yellow outdoors?
Standard acrylic can discolour in strong sun. For outdoor use we specify UV resistant sheet and a thicker panel.
Can you print a colour image on the acrylic?
Yes — UV printing for graphics and logos, with an optional frosted or translucent finish.
How does edge lit acrylic glow?
The LEDs sit hidden in the base and the light travels through the polished edge of the panel, so the face has no visible light source.
Do you take small orders?
Yes, 10 letters. Sign companies often order a single panel as a sample before a rollout.