Coloured acrylic is acrylic sheet in many different colours – from translucent and opal to fluorescent. It is used for signs, displays, decorative panels, luminaires and design solutions. In this guide you get an overview of types, applications and fabrication – so you can choose the right coloured acrylic for your project.
Why should I choose coloured acrylic?
Coloured acrylic is acrylic sheet in many different colours that can be used for both functional and decorative purposes – in both domestic and commercial environments. Coloured acrylic lets you integrate colour and design into projects without using paint or extra finish, while keeping acrylic's well-known properties such as low weight, durability and easy fabrication. Coloured acrylic can be used both outdoors and indoors, and only your imagination sets the limit for what you can create with it.
See our range of coloured acrylic here
What is coloured acrylic?
Coloured acrylic is made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) – the same material as clear acrylic and PLEXIGLASS® – but with colour added during production, so the colour runs through the full thickness of the sheet. This means the colour is uniform and is preserved, even if the sheet is fabricated or cut to size. Cut edges have the same colour as the surface – no visible transitions. Coloured acrylic comes in many shades, from opal and solid-colour to fluorescent colours, and can be cut exactly to your measurements.
Why choose coloured acrylic? Pros and cons
Advantages:
- Visually striking material that adds colour and expression without extra treatment
- Available in many colours and shades – decoration, interiors and visual elements
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use with good UV stability
- Can be cut, drilled and formed like standard acrylic without losing colour effect
- Lightweight and impact-resistant compared with glass – easier installation and handling
- Colour through the full sheet – scratches and cuts do not reveal a different material
Disadvantages:
- Like other acrylic materials, the surface can be prone to scratching
- Not the same strength as UV-protected polycarbonate in harsh outdoor environments
- Some fluorescent colours can lose intensity under prolonged sunlight exposure
Types of coloured acrylic and their uses
Coloured acrylic comes in several variants, each offering different design options and effects.
Solid-colour acrylic
These sheets have the colour running through the whole material and are used for decorative panels, room dividers, accent walls and furniture parts where the colour should be visible on both the surface and the edges. Available in everything from classic colours to modern shades.
See solid-colour acrylic
Translucent coloured acrylic
Translucent colours let light through, but with a colour effect. They are often used in signs and illuminated advertising, light-diffusion panels, designer luminaires and pendants, and lighting design in restaurants and shops.
See translucent coloured acrylic
Fluorescent coloured acrylic
Fluorescent acrylic gives strong, neon-like colours that stand out markedly. Typically used for design projects and art installations, signs and warnings, exhibition areas and trade-show stands, and fashion items and accessories.
See fluorescent coloured acrylic
Opal and semi-translucent coloured acrylic
Opal coloured sheets give diffused coloured light without direct visibility. Suitable for partition walls, luminaires and lighting where you want colour without total transparency.
See opal coloured acrylic
How do you choose the right coloured acrylic?
Project purpose:
- Decoration and interiors: solid-colour or opal acrylic
- Lighting and signs: translucent acrylic
- Visual impact: fluorescent acrylic
- Branding and trade shows: matched brand colour
Light and transparency:
- Colour with light transmission: choose translucent
- Full colour effect without transparency: choose opal or solid-colour
- Colour with soft light: choose semi-translucent
Placement:
- Coloured acrylic works well both indoors and outdoors
- For prolonged outdoor exposure: check the UV stability of the specific colour
- Fluorescent colours: best indoors or in sheltered environments
Design and aesthetics:
- Coloured acrylic contributes to visual identity, decoration and branding
- Retail spaces, trade-show stands, home interiors, offices
How to fabricate and install coloured acrylic
Coloured acrylic is fabricated like ordinary acrylic without losing the colour effect on edges or surface.
Cutting
Use a fine-toothed saw intended for plastic to achieve clean edges. Hold the material firmly and use moderate speed to avoid chipping and melting. Cut edges have the same colour as the surface.
Drilling
Use sharp drill bits intended for plastic. Start at low speed to avoid cracks. Always pre-drill holes at least 1.5 x the sheet thickness from the edge.
Forming
Coloured acrylic can be formed by heat treatment (150–160°C) into curved or custom solutions. Dry the sheet at 80°C for several hours before thermoforming to avoid bubbles.
Installation
Fix the cut panel to a support with:
- Special acrylic adhesive (gives a seamless, virtually invisible result)
- Acid-free silicone (good for mounting on walls)
- Double-sided tape (lighter installations)
- Fittings or screws (larger panels – always pre-drill)
Typical uses of coloured acrylic
Coloured acrylic is typically used for:
- Decorative wall panels and room dividers
- Signs and display solutions in shops and at trade shows
- Designer luminaires and light-diffusion panels
- Furniture parts, shelves and design objects
- Branding and logos (laser-cut)
- Art installations and exhibitions
- Home interiors – coloured panels, rooflights, doors
- Creative projects, hobby work and DIY solutions
- Restaurant and bar interiors
- Trade-show stands and POS displays
Coloured acrylic vs painting – why choose coloured sheets?
Many people consider painting clear acrylic instead of choosing coloured acrylic. Here are the differences:
Durability:
- Coloured acrylic: the colour cannot be scratched off or fade
- Painted acrylic: paint can flake and fade over time
Cut edges:
- Coloured acrylic: edges have the same colour as the surface
- Painted acrylic: cut edges reveal the clear acrylic
Fabrication:
- Coloured acrylic: can be sawn, drilled and formed without problems
- Painted acrylic: fabrication requires extra care to avoid damaging the paint
Maintenance:
- Coloured acrylic: cleaned like ordinary acrylic
- Painted acrylic: more prone to scratching on the paint layer
Frequently asked questions
Here are answers to the most common questions about coloured acrylic.
Is coloured acrylic weather-resistant?
Yes. Coloured acrylic is suitable for both indoor and outdoor use, and standard colours retain their colour for many years outdoors. For longer outdoor exposure, it is recommended to check the UV stability of the specific colour – especially for fluorescent variants.
Can coloured acrylic be cut to measure?
Yes. We offer coloured acrylic cut to your measurements (cut-to-size), so you get exactly the size and shape you need.
What colours does coloured acrylic come in?
Coloured acrylic comes in a wide palette: classic colours (red, blue, green, yellow, black, white), opal and translucent shades, fluorescent colours (neon pink, neon green, neon yellow, neon orange) and various bronze and tinted variants.
Can coloured acrylic be used outdoors?
Yes. Acrylic is naturally UV-resistant and coloured acrylic retains its colour for many years outdoors. Choose standard solid-colour variants for the best outdoor UV stability.
What is the difference between coloured acrylic and coloured polycarbonate?
Both are available in coloured variants. Coloured acrylic has better light transmission (92%) and is more scratch-resistant – suitable for decoration. Coloured polycarbonate is more impact-resistant – suitable for functional solutions with a risk of impact.
Can coloured acrylic be laser-cut?
Yes. Coloured acrylic is ideal for laser cutting, because the edges get a virtually polished finish straight from the laser. It is used a great deal for signs, logos and decorative shapes.
See our range of coloured acrylic
See all coloured acrylic sheets here
See clear acrylic
See original PLEXIGLASS® sheets
See hobby sheets for creative projects
Unsure which coloured acrylic to choose? We are happy to advise – call +44 1408 910380 or write to sales@hm-plastic-shop.co.uk.
