Designing your custom die-cut acrylic signs
Von Sticker Mule am gepostet
Sticker Mule has been selling acrylic signs since 2023. One of the most common questions we've heard from customers is, when are we going to start selling custom cut signs?
As with all new products we introduce at Sticker Mule, we don't launch new products until we're sure we can deliver the highest quality. For the last two years, we've been testing raw materials, buying (and building) advanced laser cutting machinery, and training the best manufacturing talent in the industry.
We're happy to announce that we're finally ready.
While our traditional acrylic signs are the perfect choice for many applications such as business signage, event signage, product displays, and menu boards, there are times when a custom cut sign can help you stand out from everyone else.
Why choose die-cut acrylic signs?
Die-cut acrylic signs provide a polished, professional appearance with a clear finish and vibrant colors. They’re water-resistant, lightweight, and durable, making them an excellent choice for indoor branding, directional signage, or eye-catching home decor. While they’re not suited for long-term outdoor exposure, they offer premium quality for various indoor applications.
Here’s why they stand out:
Branding
A custom-cut acrylic sign of your company’s logo, mascot, or other brand elements can help imprint your brand into the heads of your customers in ways that bring out more personality and uniqueness than traditional rectangular signs.
Custom shapes
Custom shapes bring an entirely new dimension to your designs. They allow for more creativity, relevance, and a touch of whimsy and familiarity to your brand or message.
Attention-grabbing
Uniquely shaped signs naturally draw more attention than standard rectangular or square options. In busy environments like trade shows, craft fairs, or retail spaces, these signs stand out and stop your potential customers in their tracks.
Or, if appropriate, to get your customers where they need to be...fast.
Professional looking
Cleanly cut edges and high-quality craftsmanship give die-cut acrylic signs a refined and professional look that enhances the perceived value of your product or service.
Durability
Unlike signs made from paper stock or lower-quality plastics, die-cut acrylic signs are built to last, ensuring your investment continues to look great over time.
We've done our part to ensure you receive the highest quality die-cut acrylic signs available. Now, it's up to you to create designs that stand out and fully leverage this medium.
A guide to designing custom cut acrylic signs
We've prepared this detailed guide for you or your designer to help you make the most of your sign.
If you're not a designer, don't worry. Just submit your design and in the proofing process our experts will help make sure your sign meets all of these criteria.
Make your artwork shine
Your artwork is at the heart of your sign. To ensure it looks its best, keep these things in mind in your design:
Resolution matters: Aim for a resolution of 300 PPI. This ensures sharp, clear images without pixelation.
Color accuracy
- Submit files in CMYK or RGB to match your original design.
Black guidelines
- Use rich black to achieve deep, uniform tones.
Text and lines
- Stick to a minimum font size of 6 pt and line width of 0.5 pt for clarity. If you’re using white lines, go for at least 1 pt width to ensure visibility.
Planning the perfect layout
Borders
- Keep borders at least 0.03125" thick to avoid cuts affecting the design. We recommend a 1" border (or 90% of the ordered size) for the best aesthetic balance.
Bleed
- Full bleed is not possible, so ensure your design doesn’t extend past the edges.
Safe zones
- If you’re adding drill holes for mounting, leave at least 1.19" of space from the edge of your design to prevent overlap.
Customization options
Spacer holes
- Want to mount your sign? You can optionally include between two to four spacer holes with a standard diameter of 0.315". These ensure secure mounting and a clean look.
Inner cuts
- Add a unique cut-out within your sign for a distinctive design. Just ensure it's large enough (minimum size: 0.25") and maintain material stability by leaving at least 0.125" between the cut and the edge.
White ink
- This is printed behind your artwork to enhance opacity and make your colors pop. It’s a subtle touch that elevates the final look.
Material highlights
Clear finish
- The acrylic itself has a sleek, reflective surface, while the printed ink offers a matte contrast for visual appeal.
Durability
- Although water-resistant, it’s best to keep these signs indoors for maximum longevity.
Thickness and assembly
- The 0.118" acrylic thickness ensures sturdiness. Stainless steel spacers and screws (provided with your order) make wall-mounting a breeze, offering a professional floating effect.
Order flexibility
Whether you need a single sign or a large batch for a corporate event, there’s a solution for you:
Sizes
- Choose from 4" x 4" for small plaques to 48" x 48" for large displays.
Quantities
- Order as few as one or as many as 1,000 signs.
Why these specs matter to you
Understanding these specifications ensures you get exactly what you want:
Professional quality
- The right resolution, color settings, and white ink application make your design look polished and vibrant.
Customization
- Spacer holes, inner cuts, and border sizes let you tailor the sign to your specific needs.
Durability and presentation
- The combination of high-quality acrylic and precise laser cutting gives you a product that stands out.
Get started on your design today
Whether you’re looking to brand your business or create a personalized gift, die-cut acrylic signs are an excellent choice. By following these specifications and guidelines, you’ll ensure a flawless final product that’s both functional and visually striking.
Get started on your design today; we can't wait to see what you come up with!