What Are the Different Finishes Available for Acrylic Signs?
When you’re ordering a custom acrylic sign, choosing the size, shape, and text isn’t enough. One of the most important decisions you’ll make is the finish. It changes how the sign looks, how it feels, how it reflects light—and how your brand is perceived.
So, what are the different finishes available for acrylic signs?
This guide breaks down the top 10 finishes, explains how they affect durability and style, and helps you choose the one that fits your brand, lighting, and installation environment.
Why the Finish of Your Acrylic Sign Actually Matters
- Light reflection and readability
- Visibility in photos or under lighting
- Scratch and fingerprint resistance
- Perception of quality and professionalism
The wrong finish can make a high-end sign look cheap. The right one makes a $200 acrylic piece look like a $1,000 glass installation.
1. Gloss Finish (Standard and High Gloss)
The most common option, a gloss acrylic finish has a smooth, glass-like surface. It looks modern and crisp, and it reflects light for a shiny, polished effect.
Best for:
- Corporate logos
- Retail wall signage
- Backlit displays
Tradeoff:
High gloss surfaces show fingerprints and glare under direct light. Great for clean spaces, but may not suit gritty or high-touch areas.
2. Matte Finish
Matte acrylic signs reduce glare and reflection. They’re ideal for signs placed near windows or strong lighting, especially where readability is a priority.
Benefits:
- No glare, easy to read
- Less visible fingerprints
- Subtle and refined presentation
3. Frosted Acrylic
Frosted acrylic has a semi-translucent surface that diffuses light. It’s commonly used for privacy panels, directional signs, and minimalist branding displays.
Why people choose it:
- Provides light diffusion and privacy
- Scratch-resistant and low-maintenance
- Clean, modern finish
4. Brushed Metal Laminate
This is clear or frosted acrylic with a brushed metallic vinyl or laminate applied to the surface. It looks like steel or aluminum but weighs much less.
Ideal for:
- Financial and legal firms
- Modern office logos
- Architectural branding
5. Painted Acrylic
For brand color matching, acrylic can be painted either on the front face or second surface. It offers precise control of color and opacity, especially for 3D letters and logo signs.
Use cases:
- Dimensional wall signs
- Color-coded systems or departments
- Interior branding walls
6. Wood Laminate Finish
Using faux wood grain vinyl, this finish offers a warm, rustic look without the weight of real wood. Great for wellness brands, natural food markets, or creative spaces.
Pros:
- Unique appearance
- Pairs well with plants and natural decor
7. Mirror Acrylic
Available in silver, gold, and rose gold tones, mirror acrylic signs are bold and glamorous. Perfect for event backdrops, boutique shops, and social media-friendly installs.
Things to note:
- Highly reflective and decorative
- Scratches more easily than other finishes
8. Stock Colored Acrylic
Some acrylic comes in stock colors—red, black, white, blue, etc. These sheets don’t require painting and are perfect for simple cut letters, layered signs, and budget-friendly installs.
When to choose it:
- Simple logos or cut text
- Signs viewed from a distance
- Budget projects with strong impact
9. Printed Vinyl Face
This technique applies a printed vinyl overlay to the acrylic surface. It’s useful for complex graphics, gradients, or when working with short-turnaround signage installs.
Benefits:
- Bright color reproduction
- Easy to replace graphics without a new sign
10. Reverse-Printed Second Surface
Designs are printed on the back of a clear acrylic sheet, then viewed through the front. This protects the print while adding depth and a glass-like effect.
Commonly used for:
- Reception signs
- Hallway logos
- ADA-compliant markers with braille
Quick Finish Selection Guide
| Finish Type | Best Use | Visual Style |
|---|---|---|
| Gloss | Retail signs, bold logos | Bright, shiny, modern |
| Matte | Lighting-heavy areas | Soft, professional |
| Frosted | Privacy panels, subtle signs | Diffuse, clean |
| Metal laminate | Law offices, finance | Premium, industrial |
| Mirror | Events, boutique shops | Reflective, flashy |
FAQ: Acrylic Sign Finishes
Q: Can I use gloss acrylic signs in direct sunlight?
A: Yes, but UV exposure can cause slight yellowing over time. Consider adding a UV laminate or using UV-stable materials.
Q: What finish is best for high-touch areas?
A: Frosted or matte acrylic—these resist fingerprints and scratches better than gloss or mirror finishes.
Q: Can signs be ADA-compliant with any finish?
A: ADA signs often use matte or non-glare finishes for readability. For legal requirements, visit ADA.gov.
Q: Do brushed metal and wood laminate finishes feel real?
A: They look convincing but are smooth to the touch. They offer visual impact without extra weight.
Q: Can you combine finishes in one sign?
A: Absolutely. We layer gloss faces with frosted backers, combine metal vinyl with second-surface prints, and more.
Q: Which finish is most popular for office reception signs?
A: Gloss, frosted, and reverse-printed acrylic are the most requested finishes for corporate settings.
Get a Custom Acrylic Sign With the Right Finish
At Titans of Print, we fabricate acrylic signs in every finish: gloss, matte, frosted, metallic, woodgrain, mirror, and more. Whether you’re updating one wall or branding your entire interior, we’ll help you find the right combination of finishes, hardware, and impact.
Call us at 305-395-7379 or use the form below to request a quote. We’ll guide you through the process and recommend the best finishes for your lighting, wall material, and brand tone.