When you are choosing between corrugated plastic signs and acrylic signs, both have their own strengths for various purposes. This decision will influence factors such as price, durability, aesthetics, weight, and installation process. In this article, we will be discussing how the two types of signs differ from each other in terms of their qualities and uses.
1. What Are Corrugated Plastic Signs?
Corrugated plastic signs are made of fluted polypropylene (PP), a thin yet sturdy material. They can be used as real estate signs, construction signs, event signs, parking signs, direction signs, retail signs, and promotional signs. For cheap and easy-to-print, transport, cut, and install signs, corrugated PP might be just what you are looking for.
2. What Are Acrylic Signs?
Acrylic signs are made out of acrylic, which is otherwise known as PMMA and is a rigid and solid material that has a smooth surface. If you need your signage to be professional and have a high-end look, then acrylic might be perfect for you. Some of the uses of acrylic signs include office signage, retail signage, corporate signage, menu boards, and backlit signs.
3. Corrugated Plastic Signs vs. Acrylic Signs: Key Differences
Here are some key differences to consider:
l Weight
PP corrugated signs weigh less, so they are easier to transport, move around, install, and keep. You may be able to save on transportation costs as well when ordering lots of signs at once.
Acrylic signs weigh more than PP corrugated signs, so you may need to be more careful when handling and installing them, especially when they are larger in size.
l Cost
Corrugated PP signs are relatively more economical, which makes them a better option for short-term signage purposes. If you require any form of temporary signage, such as promotional, events, real estate, or directionals, then you can save on upfront and replacement expenses.
Acrylic Signs are relatively expensive initially but will offer you better cost effectiveness when used for long term purposes due to their durability and quality.
l Aesthetic
PP corrugated signs have an aesthetically practical and neat look, they are ideal when you require a signage that is both clear and attractive but not premium.
Acrylic signs are more premium in their aesthetics; they can therefore be used when your signage needs to make an impact on your brand or business.
l Surface
PP corrugated signs have a fluted texture, which results in a distinctive textured pattern. These signs would be perfect for your practical and promotional purposes.
Acrylic signs have very smooth surfaces, making them possible for you to obtain elegant looks.
l Rigidity
PP corrugated signs have excellent rigidity properties relative to their lightweight nature, allowing you to handle them easily without compromising on their rigidity.
Acrylic signs have excellent rigidness due to the solid nature of the sheets they are made up of. You can use them if you require something more rigid.
l Water resistance
PP corrugated signs have high moisture resistance capabilities; therefore, you may use them outdoors when it is likely that they will be exposed to moisture.
Acrylic signs also have very high moisture resistance capability; therefore, you may use them outdoors or indoors when it is necessary to have moisture resistance.
l Printability
PP corrugated signs are ideally suited for sign printing in bulk, so you will be able to produce different kinds of custom signs, such as promotional, directional, and real estate signs.
Acrylic signs have excellent printability and a smooth surface that enables you to create graphics that look professional.
l Handling
PP Corrugated Signs are very portable and easy to handle since they are light in weight. It means that you will be able to carry and store larger amounts of these signs without difficulties.
Acrylic Signs are not as easy to handle as PP Corrugated Signs. They are heavier and more solid. It may require extra care when you are transporting, installing, and storing them.
l Applications
PP corrugated signs are popularly used for temporary and economical applications such as real estate, constructions, events, promotions, parking, and directionals. They are recommended if you want an affordable solution.
Acrylic signs are popularly used for premium and permanent uses such as corporate signs, retailing, offices, architecture signs, and interior branding. You can opt for acrylic when looks matter more.
In Summary:
| Feature | Corrugated Plastic Signs | Acrylic Signs |
| Material | Fluted polypropylene(PP) | Solid acrylic (PMMA) |
| Weight | Lightweight | More heavy |
| Cost | Generally cost-effective | Generally expensive |
| Aesthetic | Pleasing, practical | Pleasing, premium |
| Surface | Structured/fluted | Smooth |
| Rigidity | Good for its weight | High |
| Water resistance | Very good | Very good |
| Printability | Well suited for large volume signs | Excellent for premium |
| Handling | More portable | More difficult |
| Applications | Temporary and cost-oriented signs | Premium and permanent signs |
4. How to Choose Between Corrugated Plastic Signs Vs. Acrylic Signs?
First, determine the reason for which your sign will be used.
Go for corrugated plastic sign when you:
- Need an economical option
- Have a requirement for lightweight signs
- Need large quantities produced
- Want to transport and install your signs easily
- Need temporary or semi-permanent signs
- Need outdoor signs for promotion or directions
Go for acrylic sign when you:
- Need a high-class look,visually appealing look for corporate or retail signage
- Need a rigid sign
- Need transparency
- Need a polished look
The longevity of your sign should also be taken into consideration. Temporary promotion and corporate signs have different needs.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.Which material is more suited for interior branding purposes?
For interior branding purposes, acrylic usually works better than corrugated plastic. You can use it for your logo, reception branding and wall signs.
For outdoor advertising purposes, corrugated plastic is more suitable.
Q2.Which material is better for a sign that will be viewed from a distance?
Corrugated plastic is a good material if you are going to view your signs from a distance. You can create large colorful graphics at a low cost. This makes it good for outdoors advertising. Acrylic is a better material if you will be viewing your signs up close.
Q3.Which signs are easier to store?
Corrugated plastic signs are easy to store since they are lightweight and easy to carry around. If you need to store a lot of signs in your warehouse, the fact that they are lightweight may be an advantage for you.
Q4.Which material is better for signs with complex graphics?
Both material can do well with complex graphics. Corrugated plastic works great for economical printing in bulk, whereas acrylic can give you the nicer finish due to its smoothness. It really depends on your budget.
Q5.Which material is better for signs that need frequent design changes?
Corrugated plastic might be a good solution if you regularly redesign your signs. It is inexpensive enough for you to change graphics on a regular basis without having to spend too much money on each sign.
6. Conclusion
When deciding between corrugated plastic signs or acrylic signs, it all comes down to your budget, application, aesthetics, strength, and volume. Corrugated PP is a cost-effective option for signage, while acrylic is a premium, rigid signage material. It all depends on what you are looking for. More details about corrugated pp signs are available at Purepack.
