Materials & Sizes FAQ

Choosing the right material is one of the most important decisions when creating craft projects, signage, personalised gifts and display products.

At Craft Shapes Direct we supply a wide range of acrylic and MDF materials, including clear acrylic, gloss acrylic, frosted acrylic, matte acrylic, pastel acrylic colours, standard MDF, moisture resistant MDF and white-faced MDF for sublimation projects.

Our acrylic range includes thicknesses from 1mm to 10mm, while our MDF products are available in multiple thicknesses depending on the application. We also work with CNC-machined moisture resistant MDF for larger freestanding displays and can source additional laser-compatible materials such as plywood for bespoke projects.

This guide answers the most common questions about materials, finishes, colours and thicknesses to help you choose the right option for your project.

 

Everything you need to know about Materials & sizes

What materials do you offer?

We supply a range of acrylic and MDF materials suitable for crafting, signage, personalised products and display applications.

What acrylic thicknesses are available?

Our acrylic range includes thicknesses from 1mm to 10mm depending on the product and intended application. These materials are regularly used in our Custom Acrylic Shapes Made to Order service, allowing us to manufacture bespoke acrylic products in a variety of sizes, colours and finishes.

What is the most popular acrylic thickness?

3mm acrylic is our most popular option as it offers an excellent balance of strength, durability and versatility.

When should I choose 1mm acrylic?

1mm acrylic is often used where a lightweight material is required and where flexibility is beneficial.

When should I choose 10mm acrylic?

10mm acrylic is ideal for premium freestanding products, display pieces and applications requiring additional strength and depth.

What acrylic finishes do you offer?

Our acrylic range includes clear, gloss, frosted, matte and mirror finishes.

What is clear acrylic?

Clear acrylic is transparent and provides a modern glass-like appearance while remaining lighter and more durable than glass.

What is frosted acrylic?

Frosted acrylic is a translucent material with a smooth matt finish that allows light to pass through while reducing visibility. Its premium appearance makes it a popular choice for office signs, reception signage, privacy screens, salon branding and business displays. Frosted acrylic combines a professional look with excellent durability, making it suitable for both decorative and commercial applications. See our Custom Acrylic Signs service for examples of frosted acrylic signage manufactured to order.

What is matte acrylic?

Matte acrylic has a smooth non-gloss finish that provides a contemporary look and reduces fingerprints.

What is gloss acrylic?

Gloss acrylic has a vibrant polished appearance that enhances colour and creates a professional finish.

What colours are available?

We stock a wide range of colours including neutral tones, bold colours, pastels and mirror finishes.

Which acrylic colours are popular for weddings?

Pastel colours such as Sage Green and Dusky Pink have become particularly popular for wedding signage, table styling and event décor.

What is mirror acrylic?

Mirror acrylic features a reflective surface and is available in several colour options depending on availability.

What MDF materials do you offer?

We supply standard MDF, white-faced MDF and moisture resistant MDF depending on the project requirements.

What is standard MDF?

Standard MDF is a versatile engineered wood product widely used for paintable blanks, craft shapes and decorative projects.

What is white-faced MDF?

White-faced MDF features a smooth white surface and is popular for sublimation projects and personalised products.

What is moisture resistant MDF?

Moisture resistant MDF offers improved stability and is commonly used for larger display products and freestanding items.

What MDF do you use for freestanding displays?

Many of our larger freestanding products are produced from CNC-machined 18mm moisture resistant MDF.

Is your MDF suitable for crafting?

Yes. Our MDF products are specifically selected for crafting, decorating and personalised applications.

Does your MDF meet recognised standards?

Our MDF is sourced from reputable suppliers and includes boards manufactured to recognised standards such as E1 and CARB2 compliance.

What material is best for personalised gifts?

Both acrylic and MDF are popular choices depending on the desired appearance and finish.

What material is best for signage?

Acrylic is one of the most popular materials for modern signage due to its durability, professional appearance and wide range of colours and finishes. It is commonly used for custom acrylic letters, names and logo signs for businesses, events and displays.

How do I choose the right material?

The right material depends on how your finished product will be used. We consider factors such as durability, appearance, thickness, machining requirements and budget to recommend the best option. For bespoke acrylic products, prototypes and production runs, explore our Acrylic Fabrication & Small Batch Manufacturing service.

Can you source other laser-compatible materials?

Yes. Depending on project requirements we may be able to source additional laser-compatible materials such as plywood and other sheet materials.

Can you advise which material is best for my project?

Absolutely. If you’re unsure which material to choose, our team can recommend the most suitable option based on your application, budget and production requirements. We regularly work with acrylic, MDF, bamboo and other laser-cut materials.

View our Custom Laser Cutting Services.

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Why Choose Craft Shapes Direct?

Acrylic, MDF and bamboo blanks cut in-house in our Nottinghamshire workshop.

Most orders are dispatched within 1–3 working days with tracked UK delivery available.

Custom shapes, logos, signage and production runs manufactured to your requirements.

Clear, frosted, gloss and mirror acrylic available in a wide range of colours.

Supplying schools, sign makers, event stylists, Etsy sellers and small businesses.

Thousands of orders completed for crafters, makers and businesses across the UK.