{"id":27566,"date":"2020-10-29T13:54:16","date_gmt":"2020-10-29T13:54:16","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/suprefreshprod.wpengine.com\/\/?page_id=27566"},"modified":"2026-09-23T15:00:56","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T20:00:56","slug":"acrylic-vs-petg","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/smartpress.com\/support\/stocks-substrates\/acrylic-vs-petg","title":{"rendered":"Acrylic vs. PETG"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Acrylic and PETG are both clear materials used for indoor and outdoor signage. Acrylic offers optimal clarity and a rigid, glass-like appearance, while PETG is more durable, lightweight and flexible. The best choice depends on the look, durability and application you need for your sign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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\u2019re likely to be familiar with are acrylic and PETG.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you have your own design or are following our sign printing templates<\/a>, compare the features and applications of these two materials below to help choose the right option for your project before placing your order<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Acrylic vs. PETG: What\u2019s the Difference?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Acrylic is a rigid, clear material known for its optimal clarity and glass-like aesthetic. PETG is a clear thermoplastic that is lightweight, weather-resistant and more durable than acrylic but scratches more easily. Both materials are suitable for indoor and outdoor signage and can be printed with UV ink and white ink.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feature<\/strong><\/td>Acrylic<\/strong><\/td>PETG<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Appearance<\/strong><\/td>Glass-like aesthetic with optimal clarity<\/td>Clear material with visible depth<\/td><\/tr>
Durability<\/strong><\/td>Rigid and weather-resistant<\/td>More durable than acrylic and weather-resistant<\/td><\/tr>
Scratch-resistance<\/strong><\/td>More scratch-resistant than PETG<\/td>Scratches more easily than acrylic<\/td><\/tr>
Flexibility<\/strong><\/td>Rigid, not pliable<\/td>Can bend due to thermoforming characteristics<\/td><\/tr>
UV printing<\/strong><\/td>Requires digital coating<\/td>Does not require a digital coating<\/td><\/tr>
White ink<\/strong><\/td>Compatible with spot white or flood white ink<\/td>Compatible with spot white or flood white ink<\/td><\/tr>
Custom shapes<\/strong><\/td>CNC or laser cut<\/td>CNC or laser cut<\/td><\/tr>
Ideal applications<\/strong><\/td>Signage, displays, decor and trade shows<\/td>High-traffic areas, fixtures, storefronts and displays<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Choose acrylic when you want optimal clarity, a rigid material and a glass-like appearance. Choose PETG when durability, lightweight construction or high-traffic use are more important.<\/p>\n\n\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

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Digital Acrylic<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"An<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Acrylic Features<\/h3>\n\n\n\n