Acrylic Sheets
Acrylic Sheets
Our printed acrylic sheets are a rigid, robust plastic material that is versatile, lightweight and durable.
Acrylic, also known as Perspex, is a rigid and durable plastic sheet valued for its clarity and smooth surface. Its transparent nature allows graphics to be printed directly onto the material, making it a popular choice for signage and display applications where a clean, professional finish is required.
Printing is most commonly applied to the reverse of the acrylic. This technique protects the printed image behind the sheet, enhances colour depth and creates a glass-like appearance when viewed from the front. Reverse printing also helps improve durability, particularly in higher-contact environments.
Printed acrylic panels are typically installed using chrome or aluminium stand-off fixings, which hold the panel slightly away from the wall to create depth and visual separation. This fixing method is widely used for internal signage, branded displays and feature panels where presentation and finish are important.
Useful Applications:
Printed acrylic sheets are often regarded as a premium printing material and come at a higher cost than other substrates. It is popular in high-end retail for counter display units as well as great for displaying reverse printed artworks, giving a high gloss finish.
Material Specifcations
MATERIAL DESCRIPTION
Our printed acrylic sheets are a solid sheet material often supplied in clear. The sizes available for acrylic sheet printing are the following thicknesses –
1mm / 2mm / 3mm / 5mm / 8mm / 10mm
SHEET SIZE OPTIONS
Max sheet size – 3200 x 2000mm
DATASHEET
Single-Sided Printing
Acrylic sheets are typically printed on the face of the material using large format UV printing. UV-cured inks provide durable results with sharp detail and consistent colour, suitable for both internal and external applications.Double-Sided Printing
Acrylic can be printed on both sides with identical or different artwork. Accurate registration is achieved using controlled production processes, making double-sided prints suitable for hanging signs, glazing applications and freestanding displays.Spot White Printing
Spot white ink can be applied beneath selected areas of colour to improve opacity and colour strength. This is particularly useful when printing onto coloured or translucent acrylic, helping maintain colour consistency and visual clarity.Spot White on Clear Acrylic
When printing onto clear acrylic, white ink is often used either as a design element or as an underlay beneath CMYK colours. This allows white areas to be included in the artwork and helps colours appear more solid rather than transparent.White Flood Backing
A full flood coat of white ink can be applied behind a printed design to create the appearance of a solid white background. This technique is commonly used for reverse printing, where the graphic is viewed through the acrylic.Backlit Printing
For illuminated applications such as lightboxes, acrylic can be printed in backlit mode. This increases ink density to ensure colours remain balanced and legible when light passes through the material from behind.Matt Lamination
Matt lamination provides surface protection while delivering a flat, non-reflective finish. It reduces glare under artificial or natural lighting, making it suitable for environments where readability is important. Available on printed panels up to 1600mm wide.Gloss Lamination
Gloss lamination adds a smooth, high-gloss finish that enhances colour depth and contrast while protecting the printed surface. This option is commonly specified where visual impact and colour vibrancy are a priority. Available on prints up to 1600mm wide.Dry-Wipe Lamination
Dry-wipe lamination converts printed panels into writable surfaces compatible with standard dry-wipe markers. Available in both matt and gloss finishes, this option is often used for planning boards, information displays and reusable signage. Suitable for prints up to 1600mm wide.Anti-Graffiti Lamination
Anti-graffiti lamination applies a protective gloss layer that allows pen, paint and spray marks to be cleaned from the surface without damaging the print beneath. This is commonly specified for public-facing or high-contact environments.Anti-Slip Lamination
Anti-slip lamination is designed for graphics intended for floor use, providing additional grip underfoot. Options are available for both internal and external applications, with performance and lifespan typically ranging from 3 to 12 months depending on environment and foot traffic.UV Protection Lamination
UV protection lamination helps reduce the effects of sunlight exposure when printed panels are used externally. It can slow colour degradation and extend the usable life of the print, particularly in bright or south-facing locations.Crystal Protection Lamination
Crystal protection lamination adds a durable physical coating to the printed surface, creating a lightly textured matt finish. This increases resistance to scuffing and surface marking and is often chosen where prints are subject to regular handling.Square Cutting
Acrylic can be supplied cut to square or rectangular panel sizes within the maximum sheet dimensions. For consistent accuracy and clean edges, panels are cut using precision, computer-controlled cutting tables.Simple Shapes
Basic shaped panels including radius corners, circles, triangles and standard geometric forms can be produced with a high level of accuracy and a smooth, consistent finish, suitable for signage, displays and wall-mounted graphics.Complex Shapes
More complex profiles can be produced using CNC cutting equipment capable of router and knife cutting. This allows detailed shapes, internal cut-outs and repeatable accuracy across multiple panels.Polished Edges
For acrylic sheets up to 5mm thick, diamond edge polishing is available to produce a smooth, clear, high-gloss finish. This is commonly specified where exposed edges form part of the final visual appearance.Plotter Cutting
Printed vinyl graphics can be plotter cut to shape using camera-guided cutting systems. This is typically used for lettering, logos and shaped graphics for vehicles, walls and glazing. Plotter cut graphics are supplied with application tape to support accurate installation.V-Cutting
Acrylic can be V-cut from the reverse to allow folding up to 45 degrees. This technique is often used to create folded panels, freestanding displays and clean, seamless angles without visible joins.CAD Cutting
CAD-driven cutting allows acrylic panels to be produced to precise digital designs, including complex shapes, internal details, creases and V-cuts where required. This enables acrylic to be formed into items such as folded display units, shaped signage, point-of-sale components and bespoke fabricated panels.Double-Sided Adhesive
By applying adhesive to the reverse, rigid and flexible printed materials can be supplied as self-adhesive graphics. A range of adhesive options is available, including removable, permanent and repositionable, allowing suitability to be matched to surface type and intended lifespan.Vinyl Application
Plotter-cut vinyl can be applied to the face of printed panels to introduce colours or finishes not achievable through CMYK printing alone. This includes metallics, solid colour vinyls and specialist finishes, commonly used for logos, lettering and highlight elements.Spot UV Varnish
Spot UV varnish can be applied to selected areas of a design to introduce contrast through matt or gloss finishes. This technique is often used to highlight logos, text or key visual elements and add depth to flat printed graphics.Strut Fixing
Struts can be applied to the reverse of printed panels to create freestanding displays. Options range from small rudder struts for lightweight panels to larger box struts for bigger formats. A metal strut option is also available where increased durability is required.Velcro Fixing
Hook and loop Velcro can be applied to the reverse of printed panels to allow easy fixing to walls or surfaces, with the option for removal and replacement. This method is commonly specified for exhibition graphics and temporary internal displays.Magnetic Tape
Magnetic tape can be applied to the perimeter or rear of printed panels, allowing graphics to be mounted onto metal surfaces. This is frequently used for retail displays, exhibitions and environments where graphics need to be changed regularly.Packing in Sets
We offer a collation and packing service for projects with multiple designs, quantities or delivery locations. This is particularly useful for point-of-sale campaigns and multi-site rollouts, helping ensure each location receives the correct items ready for use.Experience
With over 40 years’ experience in large format print, we support projects of all sizes across commercial, retail and construction environments. Our team understands not just how materials print, but how they behave once installed, helping ensure the right substrate is specified for the surface, environment and intended lifespan.Support
Specifying bespoke printed materials can feel complex, particularly when applications vary by site. We guide clients through the process, offering practical advice on material choice, artwork preparation and production considerations. Where required, site surveys and installation support can be arranged to ensure the final result performs as expected.Quality
All printing is produced in-house, giving us full control over colour, finish and consistency throughout production. We use modern UV printing technology suited to rigid and flexible substrates, ensuring clean detail and reliable results. Installation, where required, is carried out by experienced professionals familiar with commercial and site-based environments.
Frequently asked questions
What is printed Acrylic sheets used for?
Printed acrylic sheets are commonly used for signage, display panels, retail branding, lightboxes and decorative applications where a clean, high-quality finish is required. Acrylic offers excellent clarity and a smooth surface, making it well suited to environments where presentation and durability are important. Reverse printing is often used to create a glass-like appearance while protecting the printed surface behind the acrylic, making it suitable for both internal use and selected external applications.
Can Acrylic Perspex be used outdoors?
Yes. It’s weather-resistant and UV-stable, making it suitable for indoor and outdoor signage. It won’t warp, cloud, or fade easily. For even stronger exterior durability, consider Dibond ACM.
How is Acrylic Perspex installed?
It can be stand-off mounted, wall-fixed, or hung using pre-drilled holes. Stand-off fixings are popular for creating a premium floating effect. For professional installation, see our Print Installation Service.
Are there alternatives to Acrylic Perspex?
Yes. Depending on the application, materials such as Foamex (PVC foam sheet) or Stadur foam board may be suitable alternatives for printed signage and display panels. These materials are lighter and more cost-effective than acrylic but are not transparent and do not offer the same visual depth or clarity. They are typically used where a solid, opaque panel is required rather than a clear or glass-like finish. Our team can advise on the most appropriate material based on appearance, environment and budget.
Contact Info
If you need us...
Our office is open from 8am to 6pm, Monday to Friday. We endeavour to offer assistance and support whenever we can! If you prefer, you can also contact us via email or our live chat system.