Acrylic, PVC or Aluminum Letters: Which Unlit Letters to Offer

Short answer: PVC is the budget choice, best for indoor signs. Acrylic gives a glossy, colorful finish for indoors and sheltered spots. Aluminum is the most durable and premium, and the one to choose for outdoor signs that need to last.

Unlit dimensional letters are often the first sign a new business buys, for a reception wall or a shop front. Here is how the three common materials compare.

PVC

Lightweight foam PVC sheet, cut and painted.

• Look: matte and painted, in any color.
• Good: light, easy to install and the lowest cost. A thick PVC letter gives a lot of depth for the money.
• Watch out: it can dent, and in strong sun the color can fade and the letters can warp over time. Best kept indoors.
• Fits: offices, reception walls, events, retail interiors and temporary signs.

Acrylic

Solid cast or extruded acrylic sheet.

• Look: glossy, with clean, crisp edges. Comes in many solid colors, and clear and mirror finishes.
• Good: looks more finished than PVC and keeps its shine.
• Watch out: it can scratch, and it can crack if it is fixed too tightly.
• Fits: salons, studios, shops and offices that want a polished look.

Aluminum

Cut from solid aluminum sheet, or built up from aluminum.

• Look: brushed metal or painted. Reads as solid and permanent.
• Good: strong, weather resistant and doesn't rust, so it suits outdoor signs.
• Watch out: the highest price of the three, and heavier to ship and fix.
• Fits: outdoor building signs, corporate offices, restaurants and anything meant to last for years.

A quick guide

Rates and outdoor suitability vary with the supplier and the thickness, so set your own guidance for each.

Offer only what you make

There's no need to offer every material. Many shops start with two. In Sign Designer you choose which sign types appear, and set a rate per square foot for each material, so customers only see the range you actually make and the right price for it.