Acrylic vs. PETG
Designing custom signs and not sure where to begin? Our online printing services offer a wide variety of materials to make your own signs. Two you’re likely to be familiar with are acrylic and PETG.
Whether you have your own design or are following our sign printing templates, find out what the differences are between these two materials before placing your order.
Digital Acrylic
In the online printing world, acrylic is Optix DA or digitally-treated clear extruded acrylic material. Digital acrylic looks identical to standard acrylic with the exception that it has an optically clear, digital coating that allows UV ink to adhere to its surface.
Features
- Clear material
- Offers optimal clarity
- Glass-like aesthetic
- Rigid, not pliable
- More scratch-resistant than PETG
- Weather-resistant
- For indoor or outdoor signage
- Our Clear Acrylic Signs are available as one-sided printing with second surface
- Showcases glass-like appearance and depth of acrylic
- When printed with UV ink, is fade-resistant, durable and long-lasting
- Compatible with spot white or a flood of white ink
- Makes your artwork color “pop”
- Can be CNC or laser cut to any size and shape
Applications
- Office, business/retail and home signage or decor
- Fixtures and point of purchase displays for retail stores
- Exhibits and trade show displays
- Our Clear Acrylic Signs are hang-ready for logos, branding and directional signage
- Finishing options include drill holes and aluminum standoff hardware
Tips & Tricks
- Print with white ink to ensure the color of your art “pops” off the clear material
- Acrylic can easily scratch, chip or shatter – handle with diligent care
- To clean a custom acrylic sign, wipe it with a damp, non-abrasive cloth
- Store acrylic wrapped in a soft, non-abrasive fabric and do not place other objects on top of it
PETG
PETG stands for polyethylene terephthalate glycol. In other words, PETG is a clear thermoplastic material that’s available in a variety of thicknesses. PETG is more durable than acrylic but scratches more easily and does not require a digital coating for UV printing.
Features
- Five times stronger than acrylic
- Lightweight and weather-resistant
- For indoor and outdoor signage
- Our Clear Signs are available as one-sided printing with second surface
- When printed with UV ink, is fade-resistant, durable and long-lasting
- Showcases depth of the clear material and protects the artwork
- Compatible with spot white or a flood of white ink
- Makes your artwork color “pop”
- Great for high-traffic areas
- Can hang from the wall or ceiling
- Can be cut with CNC or laser to any size and shape
Applications
- Fabrication of fixture displays
- Storefront window signage
- Point of purchase display liners and inserts
- Printed graphics or clear non-printed liners
Tips & Tricks
- Print with white ink to ensure the color of your art “pops” off the clear material
- PETG can bend due to thermoforming characteristics
- Clean with a non-abrasive, damp cloth
- Store in a cool, dry place
Smartpress is your online printer for custom signage of all kinds. Start designing today!
