How long does acrylic signage take to install?

Simple acrylic signs, such as small 3D letters or basic wall logos, can often be installed on the same day they’re produced. Larger interior installs—especially multi-component reception logos—typically take 1–3 hours on site, depending on the number of pieces, wall condition, and alignment requirements. Exterior acrylic signage or large lettering sets take longer. Installers may need access equipment, surface preparation, or multiple templates, and it’s common for these installs to take half a day to a full day. For complex commercial fit-outs, multi-area installs, or high-level shopfront work, installation can span multiple days, especially when weather conditions or access requirements come into play. Production time is separate. Most acrylic signage requires 3–7 days for cutting, painting, and finishing, depending on workload and complexity.

Is acrylic suitable for outdoor signage?

Yes, cast acrylic performs well outdoors when installed with the correct adhesives or mechanical fixings. It is UV-resistant, maintains colour over time, and does not corrode or fade. For exterior shopfronts, acrylic is commonly used for raised logos or dimensional lettering installed over ACM panels or cladding. Large exterior panels, however, should be ACM, not acrylic.

Does acrylic yellow or become brittle over time?

High-quality cast acrylic is designed to resist yellowing, even in sunlight. Cheaper extruded acrylic can discolour faster, which is why cast acrylic is the industry standard for signage. Indoors, yellowing is almost nonexistent. Outdoors, longevity will depend on exposure and maintenance, but cast acrylic typically remains clear and stable for many years.

What thickness should I choose for my sign?

• 3 mm: small interior signs or simple shapes • 4.5–6 mm: the most common thickness for 3D letters and reception walls • 10 mm: premium feature walls, deep shadows, or illuminated logos • Layered builds: used when logos require multiple colours or dimensional depth Your installer will recommend thickness based on visibility, mounting method, and the style of your branding.

Can acrylic signage be illuminated?

Yes. Thicker acrylic (especially 10 mm) is ideal for back-lighting, halo lighting, or internal glow effects. Acrylic diffuses LED light smoothly, which makes it ideal for illuminated logos, edge-lit panels, and premium retail signage.

Do you offer after-hours installation?

Yes. After-hours installation is available for businesses that need minimal disruption to trading hours. This is commonly requested for retail stores, offices, and shopfronts where daytime access is limited.

Do you design acrylic signage?

Yes. We can design signage to match your brand guidelines and provide recommendations on thickness, construction, layering, colour matching, and installation method. Files can also be created for multi-site consistency, as done with the MTF projects.

What areas of Auckland do you service?

We service the entire Auckland region, including North Shore, West Auckland, Central Auckland, East Auckland, South Auckland, and surrounding suburbs. Installations outside Auckland can also be arranged depending on the project.

How do I clean and maintain acrylic signage?

Acrylic signage is low-maintenance. Use a soft cloth with mild soap and water—avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or dry wiping, as these can cause micro-scratches over time. Proper cleaning helps maintain clarity and gloss.

How long does acrylic signage take to install?

Simple acrylic signs, such as small 3D letters or basic wall logos, can often be installed on the same day they’re produced. Larger interior installs typically take 1–3 hours on site. Exterior acrylic signage or large lettering sets can take half a day to a full day, and complex fit-outs or multi-area projects may span multiple days. Production time is usually 3–7 days depending on complexity and workload.

Is acrylic suitable for outdoor signage?

Yes. Cast acrylic performs well outdoors when installed with the correct adhesives or mechanical fixings. It is UV-resistant, maintains colour over time, and does not corrode. For exterior shopfronts, acrylic is commonly used for raised logos or dimensional lettering on ACM panels or cladding, while ACM is generally used for the large background panels.

Does acrylic yellow or become brittle over time?

High-quality cast acrylic is designed to resist yellowing, even in sunlight. Cheaper extruded acrylic can discolour faster, which is why cast acrylic is the standard for commercial signage. Indoors, yellowing is rarely an issue. Outdoors, lifespan depends on exposure and maintenance, but cast acrylic typically remains clear and stable for many years when installed correctly.

What thickness should I choose for my acrylic sign?

For small interior signs or simple shapes, 3 mm acrylic is usually enough. For most 3D letters and reception logos, 4.5–6 mm is the most common choice and offers a good balance of strength and visual depth. For feature walls, larger 3D letters or illuminated logos, 10 mm acrylic is often used to create maximum depth, stronger shadows and better light diffusion.

Can acrylic signage be illuminated?

Yes. Thicker acrylic, such as 10 mm or layered builds, is ideal for back-lighting, halo lighting and internal glow effects. Acrylic diffuses LED light smoothly, which makes it well-suited to illuminated logos, edge-lit panels and premium retail or commercial signage where night-time visibility is important.

Do you offer after-hours installation for acrylic signage?

Yes. After-hours installation can be arranged for businesses that need minimal disruption to trading hours. This is common for retail stores, offices and shopfronts where daytime access is limited or where interior work needs to be completed outside business hours.

Do you design acrylic signage?

Yes. We can design acrylic signage to match your brand guidelines and recommend thickness, construction style, layering, colours and installation methods. Designs can also be set up for multi-site use so that different branches or locations receive consistent acrylic signage.

What areas of Auckland do you service for acrylic signage?

We service the wider Auckland region, including North Shore, West Auckland, Central Auckland, East Auckland and South Auckland. Installations outside Auckland may also be possible depending on the scope and timing of the project.

How do I clean and maintain acrylic signage?

Acrylic signage is low-maintenance. Clean it using a soft cloth with mild soap and water, then gently wipe dry. Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners or dry wiping, as these can cause micro-scratches over time. Proper cleaning helps maintain clarity and gloss for longer.

Acrylic Signage in New Zealand: Materials, Uses & Best Applications

What Is Acrylic Signage?

Acrylic signage is one of the most popular premium materials used for business signs in New Zealand. It offers a clean, glass-like appearance, excellent durability, and strong colour consistency, making it ideal for reception areas, feature walls, shopfronts, and 3D lettering. Acrylic is valued for being both visually striking and highly versatile — it performs well indoors and can be used outdoors when installed correctly.

Acrylic signs are made from solid plastic sheets formed from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). These sheets come in a wide range of colours, thicknesses, and finishes, allowing businesses to achieve branding that is sharp, modern, and premium looking. Because acrylic can be laser-cut, router-cut, painted, layered, or mounted using standoffs, it is one of the most customisable signage materials available in the New Zealand market.

What Acrylic Is Made Of

Acrylic signage uses rigid PMMA plastic sheets, most commonly cast acrylic. Cast acrylic is produced by pouring liquid acrylic into moulds and allowing it to harden into a perfectly flat, optically clear sheet.

Key characteristics of cast acrylic include:

Excellent clarity and a premium, glass-like look
Strong UV resistance
Consistent colour throughout the sheet
Smooth, clean edges when cut
Reliable performance indoors and outdoors
Available in clear, coloured, black, white, frosted, and opal sheets

This combination of clarity, durability, and versatility is why acrylic is widely used for 3D letters, logo builds, reception signs, and illuminated signage.

Cast vs Extruded Acrylic

There are two main types of acrylic used in signage: cast acrylic and extruded acrylic. They look similar at a glance, but they perform very differently.

Cast Acrylic

Higher optical clarity
More rigid and durable
Better colour accuracy
Cuts extremely cleanly (important for 3D letters)
Ideal for indoor and outdoor signage
Wider range of colours and thicknesses
Slightly more expensive, but superior quality

Extruded Acrylic

Slightly softer and more flexible
Can melt or distort during laser cutting
Less premium appearance
More prone to surface imperfections
Suitable mainly for basic indoor panels
Used only for budget-driven applications

In New Zealand commercial signage, cast acrylic is the standard for any quality project. Extruded acrylic is rarely recommended unless the goal is to keep the budget as low as possible for a simple indoor sign.

Why Acrylic Is Popular for NZ Business Signage

Acrylic is widely used across New Zealand because it delivers a premium, modern look while remaining durable, versatile, and highly customisable. It suits both indoor and outdoor applications, and works especially well for businesses wanting sharp, professional branding that stands out.

Compared to other signage materials, acrylic offers a crisp, glass-like finish without the fragility or weight of real glass. It can be cut into detailed shapes, layered to create dimension, or combined with lighting for illuminated signs. These qualities make it one of the most effective options for reception areas, feature walls, exterior shopfront logos, and 3D lettering.

Because acrylic performs well in NZ’s varied weather conditions and holds colour accurately over time, it is consistently chosen for long-term branding across retail, commercial, and corporate environments.

A Premium, Glass-Like Appearance

Acrylic provides a polished, high-end look that works particularly well for businesses aiming for a modern and professional aesthetic. Its smooth surface, clean edges, and strong colour vibrancy make it ideal for:

3D lettering
reception logos
wall-mounted feature signs
illuminated signage

When installed correctly, acrylic looks sophisticated and draws attention without feeling overly reflective or distracting.

High Durability in Indoor and Outdoor Conditions

Acrylic offers excellent durability in both interior and exterior environments. Key qualities include:

UV resistance suitable for Auckland’s coastal climate
long-term clarity without yellowing
strong resistance to cracking and warping
low maintenance requirements

While ACM is still the better choice for very large outdoor panels, acrylic holds up extremely well for exterior logos, 3D lettering, and shopfront branding when mounted securely.

Versatility Across Multiple Sign Types

Acrylic is one of the most adaptable materials in signage. It can be:

laser or router cut
painted or sprayed
layered to create 3D depth
used with standoffs
incorporated into lightboxes
combined with vinyl or print graphics

Because of this versatility, acrylic works equally well for bold retail signage, refined reception walls, or illuminated logo features. It bridges the gap between aesthetics and practicality, which is why it remains one of the most recommended materials for NZ businesses.

How Acrylic Signage Is Made

Acrylic signage is produced through a combination of precision cutting, finishing, layering, and mounting techniques. The process allows for extremely clean edges, accurate brand shapes, and a premium appearance. How the acrylic is cut, shaped, finished, and installed will affect both the final look and the overall cost of the project.

Because acrylic is available in multiple thicknesses and finishes, the production process can be tailored to match the level of detail and visual impact required — from simple flat-cut lettering to complex layered or illuminated feature signs.

Cutting Methods — Laser Cut vs Router Cut

Acrylic is typically cut using one of two methods:

Laser Cutting

Creates very crisp, smooth edges
Gives a polished, glossy edge finish
Ideal for detailed shapes, curves, and precise branding
Commonly used for reception logos and 3D letters

Router Cutting

Better for thicker acrylic or large shapes
Allows bevels or more complex cuts if needed
Produces clean edges but not as glossy as laser cutting
Often used for exterior logos or larger components

Laser cutting is the preferred method for most premium signage because of the finish it produces, while router cutting is used where strength or thickness requires it.

Painting, Finishing and Edge Polishing

Acrylic can be finished in several ways depending on the desired style:

Painted on the back to create solid colour logos
Face-sprayed for a matte or satin finish
Left clear or frosted for light diffusion
Polished edges for a glass-like effect
Vinyl-applied for branding or lettering accents

Painted acrylic is extremely popular for reception walls and 3D logos, as it provides accurate colour matching for brand guidelines. Edge polishing is especially valuable when the sides of the letters or shapes will be visible.

Layering, Standoffs and Dimensional Builds

Acrylic can be layered to add depth and visual impact. Examples include:

stacked layers for multicolour logos
acrylic backed with a coloured panel
raised elements for additional dimension
panel-mounted acrylic using standoffs
floating logos mounted slightly off the wall

Layered acrylic is a great way to create a premium look without the weight or cost of metal alternatives.

Mounting and Installation Considerations

Installation methods depend on the design and location. Common options include:

VHB tape combined with silicone adhesive
mechanical fixings for larger pieces
stencil templates for perfect alignment
screw caps or concealed mounts
standoffs for panel mounting

For exterior installations, additional consideration is given to:

wind load
thermal expansion
secure mounting to brick, concrete, or cladding

Good installation is essential for long-term performance — especially outdoors.

Thickness Options and When They Matter

Acrylic is available in several thicknesses, and the correct choice depends on the look you want to achieve, the mounting method, and whether the sign is being used indoors or outdoors. Thicker acrylic generally creates more visual impact, but it also weighs more and may require different installation hardware. Choosing the right thickness helps ensure the sign looks balanced, performs well long-term, and fits the overall style of the space.

3mm Acrylic

3mm acrylic is the thinnest option commonly used in signage. It is lightweight, cost-effective, and suitable for simple applications.

Best uses include:

small indoor wall plates
minimal lettering or icons
simple panel-mounted logos
low-profile interior signs

Because it is thin, 3mm acrylic is not ideal for exterior 3D lettering or any design that requires noticeable depth or layering.

4.5mm to 6mm Acrylic

This thickness range is the most popular for commercial signage and is the standard choice for most 3D acrylic lettering.

Why it’s commonly used:

strong visual presence
good rigidity
compatible with both laser and router cutting
suitable for indoor and outdoor use
works well for layered logos
ideal depth for wall-mounted branding

For most businesses wanting premium 3D letters or a clean reception logo, 4.5mm–6mm acrylic offers the perfect balance of appearance and durability.

10mm Acrylic

10mm acrylic is a premium option used when you want maximum depth, bold shadows, or a truly high-end look. The increased thickness makes the signage appear more substantial and professional, especially in reception areas, feature walls, or retail environments.

Where 10mm acrylic becomes especially powerful is in illuminated or glowing designs. Thicker acrylic allows for:

internal LED installation
edge-lit or halo-lit effects
smooth light diffusion through the material
glowing outlines or illuminated centres
brighter and more uniform lighting compared to thin acrylic

This thickness is ideal for premium illuminated logos or internal lighting features where the acrylic itself becomes part of the light source.

Typical uses include:

large 3D letters
feature wall branding
illuminated logos
signage viewed from long distances
high-end commercial interiors

Because 10mm acrylic is heavier, installation often requires a combination of VHB, silicone adhesive, and sometimes concealed mechanical fixings to maintain long-term stability.

Acrylic vs Other Common Signage Materials

While acrylic is one of the most premium and versatile materials used in NZ signage, it isn’t always the right choice for every situation. Below is a practical comparison of acrylic against other commonly used signage materials. These brief explanations make it easier to understand where each material fits and why your signage company may recommend one over another.

Acrylic vs ACM Panels

ACM (Aluminium Composite Material) is a rigid panel made from two thin aluminium layers bonded to a lightweight core. It is commonly used for shopfronts, exterior panels, and large flat signage.

Acrylic and ACM often appear in similar contexts, but they serve very different purposes.

Acrylic

Best for 3D letters, logos, and feature pieces
Glass-like appearance
Strong depth and detail
Excellent for interior branding and premium shopfront logos

ACM

Best for large flat panels and exterior façades
Extremely durable outdoors
Lightweight and rigid
Ideal for shopfront panels, plinth signs, and outdoor branding

Acrylic is the right choice when you want dimension and visual impact.
ACM is the better choice when you need coverage, scale, or weather-resistant panels.

Acrylic vs PVC / Forex / Paylite

PVC (also called Forex or Paylite) is a lightweight foamed-plastic sheet commonly used for indoor signs, temporary displays, or budget-friendly panel work. It is softer and more flexible than acrylic and generally used where cost efficiency matters more than premium appearance.

Acrylic

Premium, glass-like appearance
Rigid and long-lasting
Ideal for 3D letters and logos
Excellent for reception and feature wall branding

PVC / Forex / Paylite

Lightweight and low cost
Best for temporary or budget signs
Limited thickness and colour options
Less premium finish

PVC/Paylite is a good choice for interior informational signage or short-term displays, while acrylic remains the better option for branding, logos, and anything where quality and appearance matter.

Acrylic vs Polycarbonate

Polycarbonate is a high-impact, virtually unbreakable plastic used in environments where durability and safety are more important than appearance.

Acrylic

Clearer and more visually appealing
Better for branding
Smooth edges and cleaner finish
Ideal for reception signs and 3D lettering

Polycarbonate

Extremely impact-resistant
Used in vandal-prone or industrial environments
Usually chosen for function over aesthetics
Not suitable for premium branding

Choose acrylic for clarity and appearance.
Choose polycarbonate when high-impact resistance matters more than looks.

Acrylic vs Timber or MDF

Timber and MDF are wood-based materials often used for rustic, warm, or textured interior signage, particularly in cafes, bars, or character-focused retail spaces.

Acrylic

Clean, modern, premium style
Wide colour and finish options
Smooth lines and precise details
Works well with lighting and layering

Timber/MDF

Warm, textured aesthetic
Best for rustic or industrial designs
Less precise for fine details
Needs sealing to prevent moisture damage

Both materials create very different visual styles.
Acrylic suits modern brands; timber and MDF suit character-driven spaces.

Where Acrylic Performs Best

Acrylic is one of the most versatile and visually impressive materials used in NZ signage. It works extremely well for any application where depth, clarity, or a premium finish is important. Because it can be cut with precision, painted accurately, layered, or even illuminated from within, acrylic is suitable for both interior and exterior branding when used in the right way.

Below are the scenarios where acrylic consistently performs best and delivers the strongest visual impact.

3D Acrylic Letters (Interior and Exterior)

3D acrylic lettering is one of the most common uses for this material. The rigid structure, smooth surface, and clean cutting edges make acrylic perfect for sharp, detailed letterforms that look professional from any viewing distance.

Acrylic letters can be used both indoors and outdoors. Indoors, they provide a refined, premium look for reception areas and feature walls. Outdoors, they offer excellent long-term performance when securely mounted, often combined with paint or vinyl to match brand colours precisely.

Reception and Lobby Signs

Acrylic is widely used for reception branding because of its clean, modern, and professional look. It works well for:

layered logo builds
painted logos
floating panel-mounted signs
dimensional wall features

The clarity of acrylic, combined with its ability to be painted or polished, makes it one of the best materials for creating a strong first impression when customers walk into a space. Acrylic reception signs are frequently installed in offices that also use frosting on nearby glass partitions for privacy and light control.

Retail and Shopfront Branding

Acrylic performs well on retail shopfronts when used for logos, lettering, or smaller feature components. While ACM is still the preferred material for large background panels, acrylic excels at creating dimensional elements that sit on top of those panels.

Examples include:

raised shopfront logos
acrylic lettering applied to ACM panels
floating acrylic panels with standoffs
premium logo details around entryways

Illuminated and Halo-Lit Logos

Acrylic is one of the best materials for illuminated signage because of its ability to diffuse light evenly. Thicker acrylic (such as 10mm or layered builds) can house or channel LED lighting, creating:

internal glow effects
halo lighting behind letters
edge-lit glowing outlines
smooth, even light diffusion

This is an ideal material for premium retail and commercial environments where night-time visibility and visual impact are important.

Feature Walls and Interior Panels

Acrylic is often used for interior feature walls because it creates a clean, sophisticated finish. When mounted using standoffs or layered on contrasting materials, it adds depth and professional polish to corporate offices, retail stores, and reception areas.

Uses include:

logo feature walls
layered corporate identity displays
coloured acrylic panel backers
raised icons or branding patterns

When Acrylic Is Not the Best Choice

Acrylic is a premium and highly versatile material, but it isn’t suited to every signage application. In some situations, other materials such as ACM, polycarbonate, or metal will perform better, last longer, or offer better value.

Understanding these limitations helps businesses make informed decisions and ensures that the right material is chosen for the environment and purpose.

Very Large Exterior Panels (ACM Performs Better)

Acrylic is excellent for logos, lettering, and feature components, but it’s not ideal for large exterior panels or full shopfront backgrounds. Large acrylic sheets are heavier, more expensive, and more prone to expansion and contraction with temperature changes.

ACM is the better choice for:

full shopfront panels
multi-panel façades
plinth and stacker signs
large exterior backers
high-exposure environments

Acrylic should be used on top of ACM in these cases, not as the main panel material.

H3: High-Impact or Vandal-Prone Areas

Although acrylic is durable, it is still a rigid plastic and can crack or chip when exposed to heavy impact. For areas where signs are likely to be bumped, struck, or vandalised, polycarbonate or metal is usually the more practical option.

Examples of unsuitable environments for acrylic include:

factory floors
public walkways with heavy foot traffic
schools or sports facilities
locations prone to vandalism or accidental impact

In these cases, polycarbonate or aluminium signage offers significantly better resistance.

Budget-Sensitive Projects

Acrylic is considered a premium signage material. It costs more to purchase, cut, paint, and finish compared to budget alternatives like PVC/Paylite or aluminium composite material.

Acrylic may not be the right choice when:

the sign is temporary
multiple units are required on a tight budget
the brand does not require a premium finish
the design is very large and cost becomes a factor

For these scenarios, ACM or PVC-based solutions will often achieve the required outcome at a lower cost.

How Much Does Acrylic Signage Cost in NZ?

The cost of acrylic signage in New Zealand varies depending on the thickness of the material, the level of detail required, the finishing process, and the installation method. Acrylic is considered a premium signage material, so pricing generally sits above PVC/Paylite and standard flat-panel ACM, but below full metal fabrication or complex illuminated builds.

Because acrylic signage is almost always custom-made, there is no universal price per unit. Instead, the final cost is shaped by material choice, production time, and the complexity of the installation.

The sections below outline the main factors that influence pricing in NZ.

H3: Material Cost Factors

Several aspects of the acrylic sheet itself affect the price:

Thickness – thicker acrylic (such as 10mm) costs more due to increased material volume
Colour and finish – clear, coloured, frosted, or opal sheets all have different base costs
Cast vs extruded acrylic – cast acrylic is the premium option and used for quality signage
Brand colour matching – painted backs or face-sprayed finishes add cost
Light diffusion requirements – illuminated acrylic components typically require higher-grade material

Material choice alone can cause noticeable price differences between seemingly similar signs.

Production Cost Factors

Acrylic often requires more production work than simpler materials. Costs may include:

laser cutting or router cutting
edge polishing or flame-finishing
painting or spraying to match brand colours
layering multiple acrylic components
vinyl application for lettering or accents
templates for accurate installation

The more dimensional or detailed the design, the more production time and finishing steps are required.

Installation Cost Factors

Installation pricing varies depending on:

the mounting surface (plasterboard, concrete, ACM, tile, etc.)
height and access requirements
whether mechanical fixings or standoffs are needed
the size and weight of the acrylic components
the level of precision required to align a multi-part logo
interior vs exterior installation conditions

Outdoor acrylic lettering typically requires more preparation and stronger adhesives or fixings than indoor signage.

If you want general pricing expectations across NZ signage types, or want to understand where acrylic sits relative to other materials, see our Business Signage Cost Guide for full ranges and examples

Real Examples From Our Auckland Projects

Acrylic signage has become a key material in several of our commercial rebrands, particularly for clients wanting a clean, modern, and dimensional look. Below are two real Auckland examples that show how acrylic performs in both reception areas and commercial interiors.

MTF Kumeū – Multi-Layered 3D Acrylic Brand Wall

The MTF Kumeū rebrand included a full acrylic feature wall installation using a combination of 6 mm and 10 mm cast acrylic. These layers were laser-cut, painted to match MTF’s brand colours, and installed using a precision template to ensure perfect alignment.

This location also included additional acrylic components in shared areas such as the stairwell, where the dimensional lettering adds visibility and a strong visual identity throughout the interior. The thicker acrylic creates deep shadows and high contrast, which works extremely well in high-traffic spaces.

This project is a strong example of how acrylic can create a polished, modern look that elevates an entire workspace.

MTF Henderson – Acrylic Reception Branding and Interior Elements

MTF Henderson uses the same multi-layered acrylic construction as MTF Kumeū, creating a consistent brand presence across both branches. The reception wall features layered acrylic logo components with a smooth, high-gloss finish, giving the space a premium and professional look.

The acrylic elements pair cleanly with the surrounding frosting and interior branding, providing depth and clarity without overwhelming smaller rooms. This project demonstrates how acrylic signage can adapt to different building layouts while maintaining a high-end visual style.

How to Choose the Right Acrylic Setup for Your Project

Choosing the right acrylic signage setup depends on where the sign will be installed, the level of visual impact you want, and how the branding needs to perform over time. Because acrylic can be cut, layered, painted, or even illuminated, it offers a wide range of options for different business types and environments.

Below are the key considerations that will help you decide what thickness, finish, and construction style is best for your project.

Brand Style and Desired Visual Impact

Acrylic is ideal for businesses wanting a clean, modern, and premium look. Thicker acrylic (such as 10 mm) creates deeper shadows and a stronger 3D effect, while thinner acrylic provides a sleek, low-profile appearance. Layering multiple colours or components can also help recreate complex logos with accuracy.

Brands that use bold colours or geometric logos tend to benefit most from acrylic’s precision and sharpness.

Environment and Installation Location

Where the sign is installed plays a major role in determining the right acrylic setup.

Interior walls: almost any acrylic thickness works, depending on style
Reception and feature walls: thicker, layered acrylic gives the strongest presence
Exterior locations: require secure mounting and weather-resistant adhesives
High-sunlight areas: cast acrylic performs better than extruded acrylic
Hard-to-reach areas: may require mechanical fixings or templates

Exterior installations often benefit from slightly thicker acrylic for strength and improved visibility.

Viewing Distance and Readability

If customers will see the sign from several metres away, thicker acrylic or larger letter heights may be required to maintain clarity. For close-up environments like reception desks or hallways, thinner acrylic or smaller layering is usually more than enough.

Viewing distance is especially important when choosing:

letter height
thickness
layer depth
colour contrast

The right combination ensures the sign stands out from any angle.

Budget and Complexity

Acrylic offers a premium finish but comes with higher production costs than PVC or simple vinyl work. Factors that influence price include:

number of layers
thickness of acrylic
painting and colour matching
template creation
installation complexity
lighting integration if required

A good rule of thumb: use acrylic where the visual impact matters most, and use ACM or PVC for simple structural or background elements.

Longevity and Maintenance

Acrylic lasts for many years when installed correctly. For businesses planning long-term branding, it is often a better investment than cheaper materials. It also holds its colour and clarity well, especially in controlled indoor environments.

Recent Acrylic Projects

JP Auto Center Fascia Lettering Upgrade

MTF Kumeu Complete Signage Fit-Out

MTF Kumeu 3D Acrylic Logo Feature Wall

If you’re budgeting for a full signage project, our Signage Cost Guide covers building signage, vehicle wraps, interior branding and more.

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Get a Quote for Your Project

Every signage project is different, and the best way to get an accurate price is to talk through the materials, size, and installation requirements of your specific site or vehicle. Whether you need exterior signage, interior branding, or a full vehicle wrap, we can help you choose the right approach for your budget and your goals.

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