Pan Face Sign
A molded panel with a raised return edge instead of a flat sheet, built for storefronts, channel letters and cabinet signs that need to hold their shape outdoors. Manufactured in-house by Highmark.
What Makes a Sign Face a Pan Face
A pan face sign is molded with a raised return edge, it resembles a shallow baking pan rather than a flat sheet of plastic, and that shape is what gives it structural strength.
The molded lip acts as internal reinforcement, which is what keeps a pan face sign from bowing or warping the way a flat face sign eventually does when it’s exposed to Florida heat and sun day after day.
Polycarbonate vs. Acrylic
| Feature | Polycarbonate (Lexan) | Acrylic (Plexiglass) |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Resistance | Extremely high, won’t shatter | Moderate, more brittle |
| UV Resistance | High, with coating | Excellent |
| Clarity | High | Superior |
| Best Application | Outdoor pan face signs | Interior displays |
Polycarbonate offers impact resistance roughly 250 times greater than standard glass and won’t shatter when struck by wind-blown debris or hail, a real consideration for storm-prone Florida installs. It also retains flexibility in cold temperatures while resisting deformation in heat.
How Pan Face Signs Are Made
Vacuum-formed construction starts by heating heavy-duty plastic sheet, then using vacuum pressure to mold the material over a custom-tooled template, the process that produces the pan’s signature raised edge. Embossed detailing can be added for a three-dimensional effect; the raised elements double as extra reinforcement against bowing.
Customization
Shape
Rectangular, round or custom oval silhouettes.
Edge Style
Crisp 90-degree corners or softened rounded edges.
Mounting
Flush-mount installation for a clean, integrated look.
Illumination
Designed to work with internal LED lighting for channel letters and cabinets.
Pricing
A standard acrylic face sign typically runs $200 to $2,000 depending on size, with custom features like embossing or larger dimensions pushing costs toward the higher end.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a pan face sign?
What is the difference between a pan face sign and a flat face sign?
How much does an acrylic sign face cost?
Ready to Talk Through Your Sign Faces?
Frequently asked questions.
What is a pan face sign?
A pan face sign is a sign panel molded with a raised edge, or return, so it resembles a shallow pan rather than a flat sheet of plastic. That molded edge adds real structural strength and a professional, dimensional look to a storefront sign.
What is the difference between a pan face sign and a flat face sign?
The molded edge is the difference. A pan face sign’s raised lip resists warping and bowing over time, while a flat face sign has no reinforcement built into its edges and is more prone to bowing as it ages outdoors.
How much does an acrylic sign face cost?
A standard acrylic face sign typically runs $200 to $2,000 depending on size. Custom features like embossing or larger dimensions push the price toward the higher end of that range.
Ready to Talk Through Your Sign Faces?
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