The material acrylic is a petroleum-based thermoplastic that offers extreme clarity and a relatively scratch-resistant surface (as opposed to some other plastics). Because it is so affordable and easy to mold, it makes for an ideal material for clear displays. It is often used for shelving, racks to hold paper materials (business cards, pamphlets, magazines, etc.), and even large display cases, as well as custom pieces designed to perfectly fit your retail space.
When you hear the term “acrylic” you might think of acrylic fingernails, but we’re talking about the clear plates used as a lightweight alternative to glass in picture frames. You should know that the benefits of this material extend to your retail location. Here are just a few reasons to consider acrylic displays.
Attractive Presentation
Acrylic displays are one of the best ways to show off your products for a number of reasons. First and foremost, the clear material offers an unimpeded view of your products. Glass is also good for this purpose, but glass can tend to appear green at the edges, whereas acrylic is clear through and through.
In addition, acrylic is incredibly strong, which means it can support a variety of products, even some that are relatively heavy. It’s also quite durable and often provides for greater longevity than alternatives like veneered or varnished wood displays, for example.
Low Cost
Of all the materials and features from which you can choose when it comes to retail displays, acrylic is among the least expensive options. Additionally, the durable and long-lasting quality means you’ll save money on replacements over the years, as well. Furthermore, flexible acrylic is easy to mold to your specifications, which means you can create and replicate custom products without the same exorbitant cost that could come with customized display in other materials.
Lightweight
Acrylic is significantly lighter than displays in glass, metal, and wood, which makes it easier to move and handle, increasing versatility. You can easily rearrange floor displays if you want. You can place smaller acrylic displays on countertops without worrying about damage. You can even hang them on the wall.
Easy to Clean and Maintain
One of the few drawbacks to using acrylic displays is that the surface could become scratched, even by harsh cleansers. The good news is, you can easily clean acrylic with nothing more than a soft cloth and water in most cases, or a mild, non-abrasive solvent (avoid ammonia, acetone, etc.). If acrylic is scratched, you may be able to buff it out with car wax or other buffing products.
In addition, you won’t have many of the problems with acrylic that could occur with other types of displays. Glass cases offer equal transparency, but have some drawbacks. Glass is breakable, it’s considerably heavier than acrylic, and it doesn’t tend to offer the UV-resistant properties commonly found with acrylic. Wooden and metal displays can also be heavier than acrylic. Wood could rot over time. Metal could rust. You won’t have any of these problems with acrylic displays.
If you are interested in acrylic products for your store, shop our website, Specialty Store Services, for all your retail store needs. If you have a question that you would like answered immediately, you can Live Chat, or phone us at 800-999-0771.