Clear acrylic gets most of the attention, but colour can produce some of the most striking results. A smoky grey panel that softens glare, a bronze tint that adds warmth to a room divider, a vivid red that glows when backlit in a sign. Choosing a tinted acrylic sheet opens a world of design possibilities, but it also introduces a new technical question. How much light will actually pass through? The answer lies in light transmission ratings, and understanding them helps you choose a colour that looks right and performs as intended.
Colour in acrylic is not a coating. Pigments and dyes are blended into the material itself during manufacturing, so the tint runs through the entire thickness of the sheet. That means it will not peel or wear away, and it behaves consistently whether the sheet is cut, routed or polished.
What Light Transmission Means for a Tinted Acrylic Sheet
Light transmission is the percentage of visible light that passes through a material. Clear acrylic transmits most visible light, which is why it looks so bright and glass like. When colour is added, some of that light is absorbed or scattered, and the transmission figure drops. A light grey tint might allow a large portion of light through, while a dark smoke may transmit only a small fraction.
Manufacturers publish these figures for each colour and thickness, and they are invaluable when planning a project. A higher number means a brighter, more see through result. A lower number means more privacy, glare reduction or colour saturation. Our page about clear acrylic or Plexiglass covers the baseline properties of the material before tint is added.
Transparent, Translucent and Opaque Explained
Coloured acrylic generally falls into three families. Transparent tints, such as grey, bronze and many vivid colours, let you see clearly through the sheet while changing the colour of the view and reducing brightness. They are popular for sunglasses style screens, decorative partitions, display covers and furniture accents.
Translucent sheets transmit light but diffuse it, so shapes behind them become soft and indistinct. White translucent acrylic is a favourite for illuminated signs and light boxes, because it spreads light evenly across the face and hides the light source behind it. Opaque acrylic transmits no light at all, offering solid colour for lettering, panels and decorative elements. Many signs combine all three, and our products include clear and coloured acrylic, polycarbonate and signage substrates.
How Thickness and Lighting Change the Result
Thickness affects transmission. A thicker sheet of the same tint absorbs more light and appears darker and richer in colour. This is important when matching panels of different thicknesses in a single project, since the colours may not look identical. It is always wise to view samples at the actual thickness you plan to use.
Lighting plays an equally important role. A tinted panel can look very different in daylight, under warm interior lighting or when backlit with LEDs. Translucent signage materials are designed to look uniform when lit from behind, while transparent tints come alive when light passes through them from a window or fixture. Considering where and how the piece will be lit is part of selecting the right colour, a topic we explore in our guide to selecting plastic materials.
Choosing the Right Colour for Your Project
Start with the purpose. If the goal is privacy, choose a darker tint or a translucent sheet. If it is glare control, a moderate grey or bronze often strikes the right balance. If it is illumination, white translucent or a light transmitting colour designed for signage will give the most even glow. If it is pure decoration, let the design lead and test samples under real lighting conditions.
Fabrication works the same way with tinted material as with clear. Laser cutting leaves clean, glossy edges on many colours, and CNC routing handles thicker panels and complex shapes. From our Brampton facility, we help clients across the GTA choose and fabricate the perfect tinted acrylic sheet for signage, interiors and displays. Reach out through our contact page to discuss colours and samples.
Visit Acrylics By Design
Whether your project calls for expert guidance or a fully custom piece, the team at Acrylics By Design will help you choose the right material, thickness and finish for the result you have in mind.
- Address: 20 Wilkinson Road, Units 16/17/18, Brampton, Ontario L6T 5B2, Canada
- Hours: Monday to Thursday 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Friday 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday closed
- Phone: Sales (905) 453-0314 | General (905) 453-0310
- Email: acrylicsbydesign@bellnet.ca
Request a quote today and find the perfect colour and tint for your next acrylic project.