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Acrylic vs ACM Signage: Which Material Is Better for Your Business?
 

Choosing the right signage material matters — not just for appearance, but for durability, long-term cost, and how well your brand stands out in NZ’s weather.


Two of the most common options are acrylic and ACM (aluminium composite panel), but they behave very differently.

This guide is written for NZ conditions and real project scenarios so you can make a confident, informed choice.

What Are the Core Differences Between Acrylic and ACM?

 

Acrylic and ACM are both popular signage materials in New Zealand, but they’re built very differently and perform differently depending on where they’re used.


Here’s the simplest way to understand them:

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Acrylic (Brief Overview)

Acrylic is a solid plastic sheet known for its glossy finish, clean edges, and premium, glass-like look.


It’s commonly used for 3D lettering, reception signs, feature walls, logo shapes, and any signage needing depth or a polished finish.

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If you want a premium look, acrylic usually delivers it.

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(For the full deep dive, see the Acrylic Signage Guide.)

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ACM (Brief Overview)

ACM (aluminium composite material) is a flat, rigid panel made from two thin aluminium sheets bonded to a stable core.
It’s extremely durable outdoors and ideal for fascias, shopfronts, exterior walls, and large signage backers.

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If you need something strong, weatherproof, and cost-effective, ACM is usually the answer.

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(For more detail, see the ACM Signage Guide.)

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The Key Difference in One Sentence

Acrylic is a premium, dimensional material used for letters and logos.


ACM is a durable, flat panel used for exterior surfaces and large signage.

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This difference guides most of the decision-making throughout the rest of the comparison.

Appearance and Style - Which Looks Better?

 

Acrylic and ACM create very different visual effects.


Your choice here often determines whether your signage ends up looking premium and dimensional, or clean and commercial.

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Acrylic: Glossy, Dimensional, Premium

Acrylic is known for its glass-like finish and the way it catches light.


It instantly gives a sign a higher-end look because:

  • the surface is naturally glossy

  • edges polish beautifully

  • you can create 3D lettering and logo shapes

  • it adds depth and shadow

  • colours appear bold and crisp

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This makes acrylic ideal for:

  • reception signage

  • feature walls

  • premium exterior logos

  • halo-lit or illuminated letters

  • anything needing a polished “luxury” aesthetic

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Acrylic signage looks like it belongs in a modern showroom or corporate office.

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ACM: Matte, Flat, Clean and Professional

ACM has a flat, smooth panel appearance.


It doesn’t create depth like acrylic, but it creates a stable, professional surface, especially at large sizes.

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Benefits include:

  • very clean lines across large areas

  • minimal reflection

  • seamless multi-panel fascias

  • excellent colour reproduction when printed

  • a consistent, architectural look

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ACM is perfect for:

  • shopfront fascias

  • large exterior panels

  • construction signage

  • large printed branding

  • outdoor walls and long-term exterior branding

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It’s a more practical, commercial look compared to acrylic’s premium style.

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Which Looks Better?

It depends entirely on your brand:

  • Choose acrylic if you want signage that feels premium, polished, dimensional, or modern.

  • Choose ACM if you want signage that feels clean, minimalist, architectural, or large-scale.

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Strength and Durability in NZ Conditions

 

New Zealand’s climate varies widely — from coastal salt air to intense UV, heavy rain, and high humidity.
Acrylic and ACM handle these conditions differently, so choosing the right material is important for long-term performance.

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Acrylic: Strong Indoors, Reliable Outdoors With Proper Mounting

Acrylic is very durable, especially when used indoors or under shelter.
It performs well outdoors too, but with some considerations:

Strengths:

  • UV-resistant (won’t yellow under normal NZ sunlight)

  • Maintains its glossy finish for years

  • Thick acrylic (10–20mm) is extremely rigid

  • Great for exterior logos and dimensional lettering

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Considerations:

  • Thin acrylic (3–5mm) can flex in strong wind

  • Large acrylic pieces can warp if not mounted correctly

  • Edges can chip if installed in high-impact areas

  • Not ideal for very large surfaces exposed to full weather

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For 3D lettering, reception signs, illuminated logos, premium exterior logos, acrylic performs exceptionally.

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ACM: Built Specifically for Harsh NZ Weather

ACM is one of the most weather-resistant signage materials available.
It’s designed to handle full exposure, including:

  • heavy rain

  • coastal salt spray

  • intense UV

  • wind loading

  • temperature changes

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Strengths:

  • Won’t warp or swell

  • Very stable across large exterior surfaces

  • Ideal for shopfront fascias and multi-panel walls

  • Lightweight but extremely rigid

  • Long lifespan outdoors with minimal maintenance

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This makes ACM one of the best choices for exterior building signage in New Zealand conditions.

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Which Material Lasts Longer?

  • Acrylic lasts a very long time indoors and performs well outdoors when used in letters and logo shapes.

  • ACM lasts longer and more reliably outdoors when used for large signage panels or full fascias.

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Thickness, Weight and Installation Differences

 

Acrylic and ACM can look similar from a distance, but they handle very differently during fabrication and installation.
This section breaks down how each material behaves when cut, mounted, or installed on-site.

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Acrylic: Thickness Options and Weight

Acrylic is available in a wide range of thicknesses, which directly affects the look and structural strength.

Common thicknesses:

  • 3mm – budget interior panels or layered detailing

  • 6mm – standard indoor logos or small exterior elements

  • 10mm – premium 3D lettering, feature signage

  • 20mm – chunky dimensional logos, illuminated acrylic builds

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How thickness affects performance:

  • Thicker acrylic = more rigid and premium-looking

  • Thinner acrylic can flex, especially outdoors

  • 10mm+ acrylic holds up well in most NZ conditions

  • Heavier pieces require proper standoff mounts or adhesive points

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Weight:
Acrylic is heavier than ACM in small pieces, but still manageable for installers.
It’s not ideal for very large, continuous surfaces.

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ACM: Lightweight Panels for Large Areas

ACM comes in standard panel thicknesses, usually:

  • 3mm (industry standard)

  • 4mm (extra rigidity for large installations)

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Even at 4mm, ACM is extremely lightweight because of its aluminium composite structure.

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Benefits of ACM thickness:

  • Maintains rigidity across large areas

  • Doesn’t warp like thin plastics

  • Ideal for large shopfronts where acrylic would be too heavy or fragile

  • Easy to mount to buildings, fences, gates, and walls

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Weight:
ACM is lighter per square metre than acrylic, which makes it perfect for large façades.

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Installation: Which Is Easier (and More Cost-Efficient)?

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Acrylic Installation

Acrylic is usually installed using:

  • standoffs

  • VHB tape with silicone

  • pin-mounting

  • template-drilled installation

  • layered mounting for 3D builds

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It requires more precision and time because the finish needs to look perfect.
3D elements also require careful spacing and levelling.

ACM Installation

ACM installation is generally faster because it behaves like a panel:

  • fixed to walls or façades

  • often installed in large sheets

  • screws are hidden with coloured caps or behind-facia returns

  • panels can be joined seamlessly

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Large ACM installations often take less time and labour than an equivalent acrylic signage job.

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Which Is Easier to Install?

  • Acrylic is more labour-intensive, especially for 3D lettering.

  • ACM is faster and easier for large exterior surfaces.

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For most shopfronts, ACM will be the more practical install.
For premium logos and interior branding, acrylic is the better choice.

Cost Comparison: Which Material Costs More in NZ?

 

Acrylic and ACM differ significantly in raw material cost, fabrication time, and installation complexity.
Here’s how they compare in real NZ conditions. But for a full comparsion heres the full Business Signage Cost guide

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Acrylic Costs: Premium Material, Premium Finish

Acrylic is a more expensive material than ACM — and this alone influences overall project price.

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To give you a clear sense of the difference without locking into exact dollar values:

A single acrylic sheet can cost around 2.5× to 6× the price of an equivalent ACM panel
(depending on thickness, colour, and whether it’s cast or extruded).

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This higher base cost is then combined with labour-intensive fabrication, which includes:

  • laser cutting or CNC routing

  • polishing edges

  • layering or bonding pieces

  • applying standoffs or hardware

  • creating dimensional builds

  • incorporating LED or halo lighting when needed

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Because of this, acrylic often sits in the mid to high investment tier — especially for premium branding.

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ACM Costs: Cost-Effective and Scalable

ACM is one of the most economical signage materials available in NZ.


Its advantages come from:

  • affordable raw panel cost

  • fast printing or vinyl application

  • large coverage per sheet

  • efficient installation times

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ACM stays cost-effective even on large projects, such as:

  • multi-panel fascia signage

  • wide shopfronts

  • commercial exterior walls

  • construction and outdoor signage

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Costs rise only when specialised fabrication is required (edge wrapping, unique shapes, access equipment).

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Fabrication Time and Labour Differences

Acrylic:

  • laser cut or CNC routed

  • edges may require polishing

  • letters need accurate templating

  • deeper pieces need secure standoffs

  • illuminated builds require electrical work

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→ Higher labour cost

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ACM:

  • CNC cut cleanly and quickly

  • prints or vinyl apply efficiently

  • minimal edge finishing

  • panels install fast

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→ Lower labour cost

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Which Material Costs More Overall?

  • Acrylic is generally more expensive due to higher raw material cost and labour time.

  • ACM is usually the most cost-effective option for large exterior signage or broad coverage.

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If your priority is premium appearance, acrylic is worth the investment.
If your priority is coverage, durability and value, ACM typically wins.

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Best Uses for Acrylic vs Best Uses for ACM

 

Acrylic and ACM are both strong signage materials, but they shine in different scenarios.
This section breaks down where each material performs at its best so you can choose with confidence.

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When Acrylic Is the Better Choice

Acrylic is ideal when your priority is presentation, depth, and a premium look.
Its glossy finish and dimensional ability make it perfect for signage that needs to stand out visually.

 

Best uses for acrylic:

  • 3D acrylic lettering
    Perfect for interior feature walls, reception areas, and premium shopfront branding.

  • Reception logos and interior branding
    Looks high-end and shows depth that flat panels can’t achieve.

  • Premium shopfront logos
    Works extremely well when paired with an ACM backer panel.

  • Illuminated or halo-lit logos
    Acrylic diffuses LED light beautifully, especially at 10mm+ thicknesses.

  • Layered or multi-material logo builds
    Gives you crisp edges and vibrant colours.

  • Small to medium outdoor logos
    Durable and classy when mounted correctly.

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Choose acrylic when design impact and brand perception matter most.

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When ACM Is the Better Choice

ACM is the top choice for large exterior surfaces, durability, and budget-conscious commercial signage.
It’s built for NZ weather and handles fascias and outdoor walls better than almost any other material.

 

Best uses for ACM:

  • Shopfront fascia panels
    Smooth, durable, and ideal for large coverage.

  • Exterior building signage
    Handles UV, rain, wind and coastal conditions extremely well.

  • Large format printed signs
    Perfect for construction sites, commercial buildings, and long-term outdoor display.

  • Panel backers for logos or acrylic letters
    Creates a strong, stable base for premium elements.

  • Multi-panel layouts
    Allows you to cover wide areas without warping.

  • Cost-effective signage projects
    High visual impact at lower cost per square metre.

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Choose ACM when you need reliability, coverage, or value.

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When You Might Use Both Together

Some of the strongest signage results come from combining both materials:

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Acrylic letters on an ACM backer panel

This is extremely common in NZ shopfronts because:

  • ACM provides a rigid, weatherproof surface

  • Acrylic provides the premium dimensional look

  • The combination looks clean, high-end, and long-lasting

  • It balances cost, durability, and appearance

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Acrylic logo + ACM fascia

Great for shops, offices, and trades wanting a premium look without paying for a full acrylic build.

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Layered interior branding

ACM backer + acrylic lettering gives a clean, structured aesthetic.

This hybrid approach is one of the most cost-effective ways to elevate a brand.

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Real NZ Examples (Acrylic vs ACM in Practice)

 

Seeing the materials in real Auckland projects makes it much easier to understand when acrylic or ACM is the right choice.
Here are a few examples from businesses we’ve worked with.

Acrylic Example — MTF KumeÅ«

MTF KumeÅ«’s interior brand wall uses multi-layered acrylic lettering, cut with precision and mounted with depth to create shadows and visual impact.


The result is a premium, high-contrast feature piece that elevates the entire reception area.

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Additional acrylic elements were installed in the stairwell and shared spaces, creating consistent branding across the site.

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See more of this project here

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Acrylic Example — MTF Henderson

MTF Henderson uses the same acrylic construction approach, producing a high-end reception logo with layered shapes and clean edges.


The polished acrylic pairs perfectly with their frosting and interior branding.

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This is a strong example of acrylic being used for modern indoor branding.

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More on this project here

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ACM Example — Fabric Digital

Fabric Digital’s exterior signage uses ACM panels to create a durable and seamless shopfront fascia.


The panels allow for clean edge alignment, smooth vinyl coverage, and long-lasting exterior performance.

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This showcases ACM’s strength for large outdoor surfaces.

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Further info on the job here

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ACM Example — JP Auto Centre

JP Auto’s exterior sign uses ACM as the primary surface, providing a strong base for printed graphics and ensuring the sign stays rigid and weather-resistant.

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This demonstrates how ACM handles long-term exterior exposure.

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Full Breakdown of JP Auto here

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Combined Materials Example — Acrylic Letters on ACM

Many NZ shopfronts use a combination approach:
acrylic lettering mounted onto an ACM backer panel.

This method gives you:

  • the premium look of acrylic

  • the weatherproof reliability of ACM

  • a cost-effective upgrade compared to full acrylic builds

This hybrid method is one of the most popular choices for modern storefronts.

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Pros and Cons of Each Material

 

Every signage material has strengths and trade-offs.
This section gives you a clear, simplified comparison so you can quickly understand what acrylic and ACM each bring to a project.

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Acrylic — Pros

  • Premium appearance with glossy, glass-like finish

  • Allows for 3D lettering and multi-layer logos

  • Perfect for reception areas and interior branding

  • Strong colour vibrancy with clean laser-polished edges

  • Works with illumination, including halo-lit and push-through builds

  • Thicker options (10–20mm) provide depth and rigidity

  • Great for premium shopfront logos when paired with an ACM backer

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Acrylic — Cons

  • More expensive than ACM (2.5× to 6× higher sheet cost)

  • More labour-intensive to fabricate and install

  • Thin acrylic can flex outdoors in strong wind

  • Edges can chip if impacted

  • Not suitable for very large exterior panels

  • Needs proper mounting to avoid warping in full weather

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ACM — Pros

  • Exceptionally durable outdoors in NZ conditions

  • Highly cost-effective for large signage

  • Lightweight and rigid even in big panels

  • Fast fabrication and installation

  • Perfect for shopfront fascias and exterior walls

  • Takes print and vinyl extremely well

  • Doesn’t warp or swell in sun or rain

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ACM — Cons

  • Flat appearance — no dimensional effect

  • Not suitable for 3D lettering

  • Doesn’t provide a premium aesthetic on its own

  • Edge finishing can show screws unless designed well

  • Not usually used for high-end interior logos

  • Limited thickness options (generally 3–4mm)

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In Simple Terms

  • Choose acrylic for premium, dimensional, design-led signage.

  • Choose ACM for durable, large-scale exterior signage.

  • Choose both when you want a premium acrylic logo mounted on a cost-effective, weatherproof ACM backer.

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Which Material Should You Choose? (Decision Guidance)

 

Acrylic and ACM aren’t competitors — they simply solve different problems.
This section gives you a quick, practical way to choose the right material for your specific signage needs.

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For Shopfronts (Exterior Fascias)

Choose ACM if:

  • you need large exterior coverage

  • the building has a wide fascia or multi-panel layout

  • you want maximum durability in full weather

  • the budget needs to stay efficient

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Choose Acrylic if:

  • you're adding a premium logo on top of an ACM panel

  • you want dimensional lettering that stands out

  • you’re aiming for a high-end appearance

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Most common solution:
→ ACM fascia with acrylic letters mounted on top.

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For Interior Branding (Reception, Offices, Feature Walls)

Choose Acrylic if:

  • you want a premium, professional look

  • clean, glossy edges matter

  • you want visible depth or layered shapes

  • the wall is a focal point (reception, meeting room, showroom)

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Choose ACM if:

  • you want a flat printed sign

  • you need a rigid backer for vinyl graphics

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Most interior branding favours acrylic because of its polished, dimensional appearance.

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For 3D Logos and Dimensional Lettering

Always choose Acrylic.
ACM cannot produce true 3D depth.

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Acrylic allows for:

  • 3D lettering

  • layered elements

  • polished edges

  • illuminated builds

  • deep shadows

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This makes acrylic the standard for premium branding.

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For Large Exterior Signs and Long-Term Outdoors

Choose ACM.


It is designed specifically for:

  • full weather exposure

  • harsh NZ UV

  • rain, wind and moisture

  • longevity on commercial buildings

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Acrylic can work outdoors in smaller pieces, but ACM is more reliable for large-scale signage.

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For Illuminated or Halo-Lit Signage

Choose Acrylic for the illuminated components.
It diffuses LED lighting evenly and gives you smooth edges and consistent glow.

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Often paired with:
→ ACM backers for wiring access and structure.

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For Budget-Conscious Projects

Choose ACM (or a hybrid solution).

Reasons:

  • lower material cost

  • faster fabrication

  • easier installation

  • excellent outdoor performance

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If you still want a premium look without the premium price:
→ ACM panel + acrylic lettering is the best value combination.

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If You’re Still Unsure

When in doubt, use this simple guide:

  • Want the sign to look premium? → Acrylic

  • Want the sign to be large or exterior? → ACM

  • Want both? → ACM backer + Acrylic letters

  • Need 3D? → Acrylic

  • Need durability outdoors? → ACM

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This decision tree covers 95% of NZ signage projects.

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Still not sure?

Get Help from Industry experts today, and move forward with your Project. With Years of experience providing stunning work all over Auckland, Signage Works are the partner for you

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