Home » BLOG » Acrylic vs Polycarbonate Sheets: Which Is Better for Outdoor and Indoor Use?
Acrylic vs Polycarbonate Sheets: Which Is Better for Outdoor and Indoor Use?
NMT
September 5, 2025
148
When architects, builders, and designers look for a glass alternative, two materials dominate the search results: acrylic sheets (PMMA) and polycarbonate sheets (PC). Both are transparent plastics widely used in outdoor signage, skylights, greenhouse panels, security glazing, and indoor displays.
Choosing between acrylic vs polycarbonate sheets is not just about price. Each material has unique properties that affect clarity, impact strength, UV stability, fabrication, and long-term cost. In this detailed guide, we compare acrylic sheets and polycarbonate sheets for outdoor and indoor applications, help you understand which is better for your next project.
1、What Are Acrylic (PMMA) Sheets?
Acrylic sheet, also known as PMMA sheet, is a lightweight, rigid, and crystal-clear thermoplastic often used as a glass substitute. It offers:
—High optical clarity (up to 92% light transmission)
—Excellent UV resistance for outdoor use
—Easy cutting, drilling, and polishing for custom fabrication
—Available in multiple colors, textures, and thicknesses
Typical outdoor acrylic sheet applications include billboards, illuminated signs, architectural glazing, and skylights. Indoor acrylic sheets are used for furniture, partitions, retail displays, and protective screens.
2、What Are Polycarbonate (PC) Sheets?
Polycarbonate sheet is a high-impact, tough thermoplastic. Although slightly less clear than acrylic, it is almost unbreakable and has excellent heat resistance. It offers:
—Impact strength 200x greater than glass
—High temperature tolerance (up to 120°C)
—Lightweight but very tough
—Available with UV-protective coatings for outdoor durability
Common outdoor polycarbonate sheet applications include greenhouse panels, machine guards, protective barriers, and security glazing. Indoor polycarbonate sheets are found in transportation, safety covers, and industrial equipment.
3、Durability and Impact Resistance
—Acrylic sheets: More impact-resistant than glass but can crack under very strong impact. Best for decorative or moderate-impact environments such as indoor displays, signage, and partitions.
—Polycarbonate sheets: Exceptionally tough and nearly unbreakable. Ideal for high-impact outdoor areas like safety glazing, stadium barriers, and machine guards.
✅ Verdict: For impact-critical installations, polycarbonate wins. For decorative clarity, acrylic is sufficient.
4、UV Resistance and Weatherability
—Acrylic: Naturally UV-stable and maintains clarity without yellowing. Perfect for long-term outdoor exposure such as billboards, canopies, and skylights.
—Polycarbonate: Without a UV coating, polycarbonate can yellow or become brittle under prolonged sun exposure. However, modern UV-coated polycarbonate sheets offer excellent weather resistance for greenhouses, roofing, and outdoor barriers.
✅ Verdict: For long-term outdoor clarity, acrylic is naturally stable. For high-impact outdoor uses, polycarbonate with UV coating is the better choice.
5、Temperature and Heat Resistance
—Acrylic sheets: Handle normal temperatures but soften at ~80°C. Best for climates with moderate heat.
—Polycarbonate sheets: Withstand higher temperatures up to ~120°C without deformation. Suitable for hot climates, industrial areas, and outdoor roofing.
6、Ease of Fabrication and Aesthetics
—Acrylic: Easier to cut, drill, and polish. Produces glossy edges and comes in many colors and textures. Great for custom indoor displays, retail fixtures, and decorative panels.
—Polycarbonate: Can be cold-bent without cracking but scratches more easily. Often supplied with protective films or anti-scratch coatings.
✅ Verdict: For design-focused indoor projects, acrylic offers superior aesthetics. For functional safety components, polycarbonate is more robust.
7、Weight and Handling
Both acrylic and polycarbonate are much lighter than glass (less than half the weight). This makes them easier to transport, install, and support with lighter structures.
8、Cost Comparison
—Acrylic sheet: Typically less expensive than polycarbonate. A cost-effective solution for large areas like indoor partitions and outdoor signage.
—Polycarbonate sheet: More expensive upfront but often necessary for security glazing, safety shields, and impact-prone areas.
✅ Verdict: Acrylic is more budget-friendly for decorative and moderate-use applications. Polycarbonate justifies its cost for safety-critical projects.
9、Typical Applications at a Glance
Application
Acrylic Sheet (PMMA)
Polycarbonate Sheet (PC)
Outdoor signage & advertising
✔️ Excellent
✔️ Good with UV coating
Skylights & architectural panels
✔️ Excellent
✔️ Good with UV coating
Indoor partitions & furniture
✔️ Excellent
✔️ Suitable but more expensive
Security glazing / safety shields
❌ May crack
✔️ Best choice
Greenhouse panels & roofing
✔️ Good
✔️ Excellent with UV protection
Machine guards / industrial use
❌ Limited impact resistance
✔️ Ideal
Acrylic Sheet (PMMA)
Polycarbonate Sheet (PC)
10、Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Acrylic Sheet (PMMA) if:
—You want maximum optical clarity and UV stability for outdoor signage.
—Your application is mainly decorative or indoor.
—Budget is important.
Choose Polycarbonate Sheet (PC) if:
—You need extreme impact resistance and higher heat tolerance.
—The installation is safety-critical or in a high-traffic area.
—You’re willing to invest in UV-coated grades for outdoor use.
Acrylic Sheet (PMMA)Polycarbonate Sheet (PC)
Both acrylic (PMMA) sheets and polycarbonate (PC) sheets are excellent glass alternatives for indoor and outdoor projects.
—Acrylic sheets excel in clarity, UV stability, and cost-effectiveness, making them perfect for signage, displays, and architectural glazing.
—Polycarbonate sheets stand out for impact resistance, heat tolerance, and safety-critical applications, especially when UV-coated for outdoor use.
👉 Our factory supplies high-quality acrylic and polycarbonate sheets in various thicknesses, colors, and custom sizes. We offer bulk orders, OEM services, and expert advice to help you select the right material for your project. Contact us today for competitive pricing and fast delivery worldwide.
