Clear awards come in three materials that look similar in a photograph and behave very differently in real life: acrylic, glass and crystal. They differ in weight, how they break, how they take color, and how they feel in the hand, and each is the right answer for some awards.
A note on where we stand: MX Trophies builds in acrylic, wood and metal. We do not make glass or crystal awards, so this comparison includes the cases where one of those is the better choice.
What each material is
- Acrylic is a clear plastic (polymethyl methacrylate, or PMMA). It is sold under brand names including Plexiglas, Lucite and Perspex.
- Glass in awards usually means clear soda-lime glass, the same family as window glass, often in a thicker, polished form.
- Crystal is glass made for maximum clarity and sparkle. Traditional lead crystal contains lead oxide; much of what is sold as award crystal today is lead-free optical glass, often labeled K9.
Plexiglass vs acrylic: they are the same thing
“Plexiglass” is a brand name, Plexiglas, that became a generic word for acrylic sheet, the way people say “Kleenex” for tissues. If a supplier quotes plexiglass and another quotes acrylic, they are quoting the same material.
The material that is genuinely different is polycarbonate (sold as Lexan, among others). It is tougher still, but less clear and easier to scratch, which is why it is used for safety glazing rather than awards.
Side-by-side comparison
| Acrylic | Glass | Crystal | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | About half the weight of glass | Heavy | Heaviest (lead crystal especially) |
| If dropped | Resists shattering; may chip or crack | Breaks, often into sharp pieces | Breaks, often into sharp pieces |
| Clarity | Very clear, no green tint at the edges | Clear; thick edges often look green | Clearest, with the most sparkle |
| Scratches | Scratches more easily; can be polished | Resists scratching | Resists scratching |
| Shapes | Laser cut to almost any outline | Limited to shapes that can be cut or molded | Limited; usually stock shapes |
| Full-color logos | Excellent, including printing behind the face | Possible | Possible, but usually etched |
| Shipping | Low risk | Higher risk and heavier to ship | Highest risk |
| Outdoor events | Well suited | Risky | Risky |
When acrylic is the better choice
- The shape matters. A logo outline, a number plate, a state map or a car silhouette can only be cut cleanly in acrylic.
- The artwork is in color. Sponsor logos and photos print sharply on acrylic, and printing on the back of the sheet protects the color behind the clear face.
- Awards will be handled, shipped or used outdoors. Race podiums, youth events and anything handed over in a field or a pit lane.
- You need a lot of them. Acrylic is usually the most economical way to give a large field awards that still look custom.
- Layers and depth. Stacked, colored layers give a 3D effect glass cannot easily match.
See acrylic plaque awards for the formats we make, and how to choose custom trophies for how acrylic compares with cup-and-figure trophies.
When glass or crystal is the better choice
Glass and crystal are worth the extra weight and care in a few situations, and it is better to know them before ordering:
- An executive or lifetime achievement piece where heft in the hand is part of the message, and the award will never leave an office.
- 3D images inside the block. Subsurface laser engraving, which marks the inside of a crystal cube, is a glass and crystal technique.
- A single-tone, etched design where you want the frosted-on-clear look and do not need color.
For those, a glass or crystal specialist is the right supplier. For everything shaped, colorful, outdoor or high volume, acrylic usually wins.
Caring for acrylic awards
- Dust with a soft microfiber cloth. Paper towels can leave fine scratches.
- Clean with mild soap and water. Avoid ammonia-based glass cleaners and solvents, which can cloud or craze acrylic.
- Light surface scratches can often be polished out with a plastic polish.
For the wider material decision, including wood and metal, see acrylic vs metal vs wood awards.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is plexiglass the same as acrylic?
Yes. Plexiglas is a brand name for acrylic sheet that became a generic word. Plexiglass and acrylic are the same material; polycarbonate is the one that is different.
Which is better for awards, acrylic or glass?
Acrylic is lighter, resists shattering, can be cut to any shape and takes full-color printing well, so it suits most event awards. Glass and crystal suit heavy executive desk pieces and 3D internal engraving.
Does acrylic look cheap compared with crystal?
Not when it is well made. Thick, polished acrylic with clean edges and layered or printed artwork reads as a premium award. Crystal feels heavier in the hand, which is its main difference.
Is acrylic stronger than glass?
Acrylic is far more resistant to shattering than glass. It scratches more easily, but light scratches can usually be polished out.
Does MX Trophies make crystal awards?
No. We build in acrylic, wood and metal. If a crystal or glass award is right for your presentation, a crystal specialist is the better choice.
Going with acrylic?
If acrylic fits your event, send your artwork and quantities and we will design it and send a proof before anything is produced.
See acrylic awards
