The Acrylic Printing Process: From Design to Display
Your step-by-step guide to creating high-impact acrylic signage
Acrylic signage is one of the most stylish and modern ways to display your brand, whether in a retail setting, office space, trade show, or restaurant. But what goes on behind the scenes to transform a plain acrylic sheet into a polished, professional piece?
In this post, we’ll walk you through the entire acrylic printing process—from the moment your design is finalized to the finished product proudly displayed on your wall.
🧠 Step 1: Design & Planning
Every great acrylic print starts with a strong design. Whether you provide your own artwork or work with a graphic designer, this step is where vision meets strategy.
✅ What we focus on:
High-resolution logos and graphics
Choosing the right dimensions and layout
Selecting colors that contrast well with the acrylic background
Font choices for readability and brand tone
Pro tip: Decide early on whether your artwork will be printed on the front (first surface) or back (second surface) of the acrylic—it affects the final look and durability.
🪞 Step 2: Material Selection
Not all acrylic is created equal. Depending on your project, you can choose from:
Clear acrylic – Sleek and transparent; great for modern branding
Frosted acrylic – Softens the look and diffuses light
Colored or mirrored acrylic – Adds visual interest or brand-specific accents
Thick vs. thin sheets – Impacts visual depth and perceived quality
We’ll help you choose the right thickness, size, and finish based on your design and where the sign will be displayed.
🖨️ Step 3: Printing Process
Time for the magic to happen! There are a few methods for printing on acrylic, but the most common is UV flatbed printing.
What is UV Printing?
UV printing uses ultraviolet light to cure (dry) ink as it's printed directly onto the acrylic. It produces vibrant, durable prints with excellent detail.
Advantages:
Instant curing = fast turnaround
Full-color CMYK or white ink options
Adheres smoothly to flat or slightly textured surfaces
Scratch- and fade-resistant
Depending on the look you want, we can also reverse print on the back of clear acrylic for a more glass-like finish.
🧼 Step 4: Cutting & Finishing
Once the image is printed, we move on to fabrication.
🔹 Laser Cutting or CNC Routing – Shapes the acrylic with clean, smooth edges
🔹 Edge Polishing – Adds a glassy finish for a high-end look
🔹 Drilling or Hardware Prep – If you need standoffs or mounts, we’ll prep the holes for easy installation
Optional: For signs used outdoors or in high-touch areas, we can apply a protective coating to increase durability.
🧱 Step 5: Mounting & Display
The final step: getting your sign up and looking perfect.
We offer several installation options:
Standoff mounts for a floating effect
Adhesive backing for a clean, frameless look
Framing or hanging hardware for more mobility
Not sure what works best for your space? We’ll guide you through it or provide turnkey installation support.
🎯 Final Thoughts
From concept to installation, the acrylic printing process is all about precision, creativity, and craftsmanship. Whether you’re branding a storefront or refreshing your office interior, custom acrylic prints are a timeless way to showcase your message.
📩 Ready to turn your idea into a stunning acrylic display?
Let’s bring your design to life with quality materials, expert printing, and a fast turnaround.
Request a quote or stop by our shop to see samples in person!
