5 Common Myths About Acrylic Awards—Debunked

At Glassical Designs, we’ve spent the better half of the last decade designing and producing high-end acrylic awards that elevate corporate recognition programs for some of the world’s top companies. Yet despite its sophistication and versatility, acrylic is still one of the most misunderstood materials in the recognition industry.

In this article, we’re debunking five of the most common myths about acrylic—and showing why it’s one of the most compelling materials for modern corporate awards.

Myth 1: Acrylic has less optical clarity than crystal.

False.
High-quality acrylic often surpasses crystal in clarity. With distortion-free transparency and precision-cut design, acrylic awards offer a crisp, refined look ideal for professional settings. When designed intentionally, acrylic creates visual depth and a modern feel that stands out—on stage and on camera.

Myth 2: Acrylic can yellow over time if exposed to light.

Partially True.
Lower-grade acrylics can discolor with prolonged UV exposure. But at Glassical Designs, we exclusively use UV-stable, high-quality acrylic that retains its clarity over time—even under bright lights or in long-term displays. This is the same type of acrylic used in museums and fine art framing for its durability and longevity.

Myth 3: Acrylic awards don’t photograph as well as crystal awards.

False.
Modern acrylic awards are highly photogenic—especially when paired with bold design elements like color-fusion and polished edges. Acrylic reflects light beautifully and captures detail cleanly, making it ideal for marketing photos, internal newsletters, and social media.

Myth 4: Acrylic isn’t commonly used in corporate recognition.

False.
Acrylic is widely used by leading corporations across industries—from finance to transportation to technology. Its flexibility for branding, color, and shape makes it a favorite for modern custom recognition awards. Whether it’s a leadership milestone, a service anniversary, or a safety recognition program, acrylic allows companies to honor achievement with impact and elegance.

Myth 5: Acrylic can be polished for smooth edges and a glass-like finish.

True.
Acrylic surfaces are already polished during production, resulting in a smooth, glossy finish. At Glassical Designs, we enhance every design by polishing the edges—giving the award a clean, refined silhouette that mirrors the luxury of glass or crystal. The result? A sophisticated piece worthy of your top performers.

Why Acrylic Awards Are Ideal for Corporate Recognition

Choosing the right material for your awards isn’t just a design decision—it’s a message. Acrylic offers unmatched clarity, precision, and versatility in a lightweight, durable form. It’s also more cost-effective to ship and faster to produce, making it a reliable option for events of any scale.

At Glassical Designs, we’ve been trusted with corporate recognition awards for over 40 years—and for the better half of the last decade, we’ve honed our expertise in modern acrylic recognition pieces to help companies celebrate their teams with ease and excellence.

Want to learn more about our company and values? Visit the Our History page to see what sets us apart.

Looking for custom-designed acrylic awards that elevate your next recognition event? Connect with our team to get started.