Signage
Acrylic and Forex boards for signs and displays: how to choose
Both are flat, printable and easy to cut. They behave very differently once they are on a wall, in a shop or outdoors.
Two materials, two jobs
Acrylic is a rigid, clear or coloured sheet with a polished edge. It looks premium, carries light well and cuts cleanly, which is why it is used for reception signs, awards, name plates and lit lettering. It is heavier and costs more than foam board.
Forex (PVC foam board) is light, smooth and takes print well. It suits temporary and mid-life signs, mounted prints, display panels and printed cubes. It scratches more easily and is not intended for the premium finish acrylic gives.
How to choose
- Reception, award or a sign people read close up: acrylic.
- Large lightweight panels, short-term displays, mounting prints: Forex.
- Outdoor use: say so, because material, thickness and fixing change.
Thickness and fixing
Thickness affects stiffness, weight and edge appearance. Standoffs, adhesive tape, hanging rails and stands each suit different surfaces. Tell us the wall or surface and how the item will be fixed, and the thickness can be matched to it.
Printing and cutting
Both materials can be printed directly or covered with printed vinyl, and cut to shape by laser or router. Acrylic can also be engraved. Send vector artwork for shaped cuts and state whether the edge should be polished.
What to send with your request
Material preference, size and thickness, where it goes, artwork, quantity, how it will be fixed and the date. See Signage or request a quote.