Customers always want to know what our most popular indoor and outdoor sign materials are. Aluminum and Acrylic signs combined account for about 40% of our sales. While the two  have many things in common, they also have some important differences that can help you figure out which (if either) will fit your needs best.

What do aluminum and acrylic signs have in common?

Most significantly, both aluminum and acrylic are extremely versatile. Either can be used indoors or outdoors, though aluminum typically used more often outside while acrylic is often found indoors.

Both are very lightweight and durable, which explains their popularity. In fact, aluminum is among the most durable sign materials available, making it great for your real estate sign.

Since aluminum and acrylic are both lightweight and thin, they are easy to install. Acrylic mounts easily to the wall.

Both materials are also waterproof – an important element for outdoor signs.

But that's really everything they have in common.  So while aluminum and acrylic share some vital elements, their differences are many.

What are the differences between aluminum and acrylic?

Let's look at aluminum first.  The first important thing to know about this sign material is that it is a metal sign material.  Other specific attributes of this material include:

• often usedr for real estate signs
• Very strong
• Flawlessly smooth finish
• Rustproof
• Cost effective (but more expensive than acrylic)
• Won't deteriorate
• Rigid yet flexible
• Great for double sided signage
• Lasts decades inside and up to eight years outdoors

Now for Acrylic. This is a plastic sign material, and is also:

• Clear acrylic signs are available and extremely popular in office buildings, etc.
• High gloss surface gives a professional look
• Polished gold and silver standoffs used to mount acrylic signs look very high-end
• Pigments on acrylic hold color well
• Inexpensive
• Perfect for lighted sign displays
• For one-sided signs only
• Lasts indefinitely indoors

Obviously, they are best used for different reasons despite their similarities.

When should I use aluminum and when should I use acrylic?

Aluminum is the most popular outdoor sign material we offer. It is most often used for signs that provide directions or instructions, such as traffic signs and yard signs. Real estate signs are one of the most popular uses for aluminum.  (You can learn how to design an effective real estate sign here.)

Acrylic is used very often in corporate interiors and hotel lobbies. It's glossy, contemporary appearance makes acrylic ideal for professional uses and branding. You'll often see acrylic name plate signs on office doors, for example.

If you need any help choosing the ideal signage material for your needs, contact our sign experts anytime between 9am and 9pm seven days a week.