When an illuminated business sign needs a fresh look, replacing the entire sign may not always be necessary. In many cases, replacing the sign face can update the appearance while allowing the existing sign cabinet to remain in place.
SignWorks recently completed a LEXAN sign face update for East Bay Community Vet Clinic in Hayward, CA. This project is a good example of how a new sign face can refresh an existing illuminated sign while providing an opportunity to consider which material is best: LEXAN or acrylic.
Both materials are widely used for commercial signs, but each offers different benefits.
What Is LEXAN?
LEXAN is a type of polycarbonate material known for its strength and impact resistance. It is often a good choice for exterior signs that may be exposed to accidental contact or other physical damage.
LEXAN is a good option for:
- Ground-level signs
- Exterior illuminated signs
- Busy commercial locations
- Large sign faces
- Areas where impact resistance is important
- Signs that may be difficult or expensive to replace
One of the main benefits of LEXAN is its ability to handle impact better than acrylic. Its flexibility allows it to withstand impacts that could cause other plastic materials to crack.
What Is Acrylic?
Acrylic is another popular material for illuminated sign faces. It is known for its excellent clarity, smooth appearance, and ability to display colors well.
Acrylic offers several advantages:
- Excellent clarity
- Clean, polished appearance
- Good color presentation
- Rigid construction
- Many color options
- Cost-effective performance
Acrylic can be an excellent choice when a sign is installed in a protected location where impact is not a major concern.
LEXAN vs. Acrylic: Which Should You Choose?
There is no single material that is right for every sign. The best choice depends on the location, size, design, exposure, lighting, and budget.
LEXAN may be the better choice when:
- Durability is important
- The sign is at ground level
- The public has easy access to the sign
- Accidental impact is possible
- Added strength is needed
Acrylic may be the better choice when:
- The sign is protected
- Impact is unlikely
- Excellent clarity is a priority
- A rigid face is preferred
- Budget is an important consideration
The goal is not simply to choose the strongest or least expensive material. It is to choose the material that best fits the sign and its location.
East Bay Community Vet Clinic Sign Face Update
For East Bay Community Vet Clinic in Hayward, SignWorks recently completed a new LEXAN sign face update.
Rather than replacing the complete illuminated sign, the project focused on the sign face. This allowed the existing sign cabinet to remain in use while giving the exterior signage a refreshed appearance.
For a veterinary clinic, clear and professional exterior identification is important. Clients need to easily recognize the business as they approach the property.
The new LEXAN face provides an updated appearance while taking advantage of the material’s durability. The project also demonstrates how commercial sign face replacement can be a practical alternative to replacing an entire illuminated sign.
SignWorks Experience With LEXAN
The East Bay Community Vet Clinic project is one of several SignWorks projects involving LEXAN sign faces and illuminated sign updates.
Livermore Pet Hospital — Livermore, CA
SignWorks created new LEXAN faces for an existing illuminated sign at Livermore Pet Hospital.
The existing cabinet was still usable, so replacing the faces provided a way to update the sign without replacing the entire structure. Because the sign was located at ground level, impact resistance was an important consideration.
The Holiday — Livermore, CA
SignWorks produced a 12-foot by 3-foot LEXAN replacement face for an existing illuminated cabinet at The Holiday in Livermore.
The project allowed a new tenant to update its exterior identification while continuing to use the existing sign cabinet.
Another Cafe — San Francisco, CA
SignWorks fabricated new LEXAN faces for a double-sided illuminated sign at Another Cafe in San Francisco.
The existing cabinet was retained, while the new faces provided updated branding and graphics. This project is another example of how replacing sign faces can provide an alternative to building an entirely new illuminated sign.
SignWorks Also Works With Acrylic
Although LEXAN is known for its durability, acrylic remains an important material for commercial signage.
SignWorks uses acrylic when it is a better fit for the application. Its clarity, appearance, rigidity, and cost can make it a good choice for signs in protected locations.
When selecting between LEXAN and acrylic, SignWorks considers the complete sign application rather than recommending the same material for every project.
Refresh Your Existing Illuminated Sign
The East Bay Community Vet Clinic project shows that businesses do not always need a completely new sign to achieve a fresh appearance.
A new LEXAN or acrylic sign face can update an existing illuminated sign while allowing the cabinet to remain in service when appropriate.
SignWorks provides custom sign face replacement, illuminated signs, LEXAN sign faces, acrylic sign faces, and commercial signage for businesses, property managers, developers, and organizations throughout the Bay Area.
If your existing illuminated sign needs an update, choosing the right sign face material can make a major difference in both appearance and long-term performance.