Acrylic vs Aluminum Signs

Choosing between acrylic vs aluminum signs is one of the first steps to getting your message on display. These are two of our best-selling custom signs here at Printmoz, so you really can’t go wrong either way. It depends on:

• Placement
• Design preferences
• Budget
• Use case

We’ll compare and contrast acrylic vs metal signs for you below to help make it an easy decision. Or, you can simply connect with our customer service team at Printmoz today for personalized support. We’ll point you in the right direction and even help bring your sign vision to life through our intuitive design process!

Key Takeaways

• Custom acrylic signs are the better fit for interior branding, retail displays, and lobby signage.
• Custom aluminum signs are great for outdoor use, property identification, directional signs, or any application exposed to weather.
• Both materials can be printed on with full-color UV inks and cut into custom shapes.
• Aluminum signs are durable and affordable; acrylic signs are more upscale.
• Printmoz is the #1 place to get custom signs made at any scale.

Acrylic vs Aluminum Signs Comparison Chart

Benefits of Acrylic Signs

We recommend acrylic signs anytime first impressions matter and the sign will live indoors. The material itself is clear plexiglass, which is what separates acrylic signage from every other rigid substrate.

You’re able to print with a spot white backing to keep some areas transparent, while your design itself pops against a solid white layer. Or, you can flood the entire panel with white for full opacity. Either way, you’re getting a polished, premium-looking sign.

Acrylic signage is shatter-resistant and scratch-resistant. UV inks are printed right onto the plexiglass (1,000 DPI) to bring out a super sharp, vivid display from edge to edge. You can customize your sign in different shapes, too.

It’s easy to add drill holes for standoff mounting to make it seem as if the sign is floating. This is the method of choice in corporate lobbies, medical offices, and upscale retail settings. We also see acrylic signage chosen frequently for hotels, coworking spaces, and much, much more.

Benefits of Aluminum Signs

The appeal of aluminum signage is durability. The material is built to survive anywhere you put it, including outdoors. It’s rustproof, obviously won’t rot, and is chemically resistant. You don’t have to stress about rain, sun, wind, freezing temperatures, or anything else degrading it.

This is why aluminum signs are the go-to for street signs, parking signs, property identification, or really any use case that demands the sign stands the test of time.

You have options with aluminum signage, too. Our standard aluminum signs come in a 0.032” gauge. That’s fine for most municipal and real estate signage. But some applications call for something that doesn’t flex at all. Our Dibond signs (aluminum composite with a solid plastic core) are available in ⅛” and ¼” thicknesses. We also have brushed aluminum signs that have a different level of elegance to them for indoor placement. They’re really unique.

These signs are also more affordable (starting prices, that is) than acrylic. So not only are they durable and versatile, but they’re cost effective. You can install them with drill holes, adhesive backing, or by inserting them into sign channels or posts.

In-Depth Comparison of Acrylic vs Metal Signs

Only you can decide which side of the acrylic vs aluminum signs debate most closely aligns with your needs. One isn’t necessarily “better” than the other across the board. We’ll take a closer look at the two choices side-by-side below to leave you feeling confident in your next steps.

Aesthetics and Design

The biggest distinction between acrylic and metal signage is how it looks.

Acrylic is refined. You can make it look like it’s literally floating on the wall when mounted with stainless steel standoffs. The transparent material creates this sort of visual depth that you just won’t get with other materials.

On the other hand, aluminum looks rugged and simple. It’s maybe a little less sophisticated - that is, standard aluminum. Brushed aluminum is very upscale. But your average aluminum sign is typically a means to an end (property identification, directional signage, parking signage, etc.) rather than something you use for branding.

That’s the thing about aluminum signage, though - it’s incredibly versatile.

Indoor vs Outdoor Usage

Acrylic signs aren’t meant to be used outdoors at all. They’re perfect for indoor settings. They can also work outdoors in covered areas, like a patio, but even then, weather will take a toll on the material.

In contrast, aluminum works best outdoors - but brushed aluminum varieties can bring a sense of professionalism to any indoor space, too. That material is as durable as it gets in the signage game, which is why it’s the obvious fit for parking lots, on the side of a building, and anywhere else that rain, sun, and other elements could pose a threat.

Cost Considerations

Aluminum signs are more economical upfront. Our standard aluminum signs start at $29.95, whereas our standard acrylic signs start at $60.76.

But things change depending on the specific type of aluminum signage you’re interested in. Our brushed aluminum signs start around $40. Even then, though, you’re getting better bang for your buck with an aluminum sign.

You just have to remember that cost doesn’t tell you everything. If the goal of the sign is to align with your branding indoors, acrylic is usually worth the investment.

Installation Methods

You might already have a vision for mounting your sign - and if so, that will help you narrow it down between acrylic vs aluminum signs, too.

We think acrylic signs look best mounted with stainless steel standoffs to create that unmistakable floating effect. However, you can use adhesive strips or pre-drilled holes as well.

Aluminum signs are more flexible. You can drill holes and mount the sign via screws, or use adhesive backing on flat surfaces. You can also insert the sign using post-mounted channels. Or install the sign on H-stakes in your yard. The possibilities go on and on!

Which is Right For You?

We think the choice between acrylic vs aluminum signs is pretty straightforward.

• Go with aluminum if you’re planning on installing the sign outdoors. Or, use brushed aluminum for upscale indoor displays at a lower price. Great for property management, construction sites, parking enforcement, directional signage, and municipal applications
• Choose acrylic for sophisticated interior signage in lobbies, reception areas, conference rooms, retail displays, medical offices, and restaurants.

They both have their place. But although you came here to learn about aluminum vs acrylic signage, these are actually just two of the options you should be aware of.

How Do Other Materials Compare?

As the #1 choice for custom signs online, we’d be remiss if we didn’t mention some of the other options you have access to here at Printmoz.

For example, PVC signs work really well for indoor signage and short-term outdoor use at a lower price than both acrylic and aluminum. Coroplast signs are the standard for temporary yard signs, political campaigns, and event signage because they’re so cost-effective. Foam board signage is the obvious fit for trade show displays or any indoor presentation.

There’s a material for every use case, and it really just comes down to what the sign is going to communicate and where it’ll live. When in doubt, reach out for a personalized recommendation!

Let Our Experts Recommend the Right Signage!

We’ve made custom signage for over 50,000 businesses since 2004. Every sign we make comes out of our US-based production facility with state-of-the-art grand format equipment and premium-grade UV inks for vivid detail and unparalleled clarity.

Your sign is backed by our 100% satisfaction guarantee, too. We reprint it free within 24-48 hours if it doesn’t meet your expectations. You also gain access to our world-class customer service team from A to Z, so you can take all the stress out of sign customization and printing.

Don’t settle for less than the best. Whether you end up going with acrylic vs aluminum signs, take the next step with Printmoz and see firsthand why we’re one of the top Vistaprint alternatives in the industry.

Frequently asked questions

How long do acrylic signs last?

They can last decades indoors, but will quickly degrade if left outdoors in harsh conditions.

What is the best metal for outdoor signs?

Aluminum is the industry-standard because it’s so perfectly balanced - lightweight, professional, affordable, and versatile. Dibond is a sturdier version of aluminum if you need the most rigid substrate possible.

What material is best for outdoor signs overall?

Aluminum for long-term usage. It has exceptional durability, weather resistance, and cost-effectiveness. Coroplast and PVC are fine options for temporary outdoor displays, though.

Which is more affordable upfront?

Aluminum. It starts at just $29.95 compared to $60+ for acrylic. Even upscale Dibond or brushed aluminum signage is more affordable than acrylic.

Which is the better long-term value?

It all depends on the application. Acrylic signage can be the more professional pick in many cases, so it could be worth paying a premium for your indoor displays.

Are acrylic or aluminum signs more versatile?

Aluminum is more versatile in terms of mounting methods and applications. You can use it indoors or outdoors and install it in more ways.

What’s the typical turnaround time for custom signs from Printmoz?

We can start printing your order the same day if you place it before 7 AM PST. Production/shipping timelines will depend on your order size and our current workload, though. Ask us for a personalized quote on delivery so we can get on the same page.