When selecting frosted or matte acrylic sheets, the surface finish plays a major role in how the material performs. DP9, P95, and Satin Ice acrylic are three finishes that are often confused because they can look similar at first glance—but they are engineered for very different purposes.
Understanding how each finish handles fingerprints, visibility, glare, and light can help you choose the right acrylic the first time and avoid costly mistakes in fabrication or installation.
What Is DP9 Acrylic?
DP9 acrylic is a dual-sided matte acrylic designed to reduce fingerprints and glare on both faces of the sheet.
Unlike standard matte acrylics, DP9 has a consistent finish on both sides, which makes it useful when the material is viewed from multiple angles or when both faces are exposed.
When does DP9 make sense?
DP9 is a good choice when:
- Both sides of the sheet will be visible
- The surface will be touched frequently
- Glare reduction matters
- A uniform matte appearance is preferred
DP9 is commonly used for retail display panels, partitions, and signage where surface durability and appearance consistency matter more than optical clarity.
DP9 is not designed for lighting applications. While it has a matte surface, it does not diffuse light the way dedicated lighting acrylics do.
What Is P95 Acrylic?
P95 acrylic is one of the most widely used matte acrylic finishes in retail, signage, and display fabrication.
The key difference with P95 is that it has:
- One matte, fingerprint-resistant side
- One glossy, clear side
This makes P95 ideal when only one side of the acrylic will be touched or viewed closely.
When should you choose P95?
P95 works well when:
- Only one face needs fingerprint resistance
- The opposite side benefits from higher clarity
- The acrylic will be mounted, framed, or backed
P95 is commonly used for POP displays, framed graphics, decorative signage, and display inserts where a clean, modern appearance is desired.
What Is Satin Ice Acrylic?
Satin Ice acrylic serves a completely different purpose from DP9 and P95. Satin Ice is a light-diffusing acrylic, not a fingerprint-resistant matte finish.
What makes Satin Ice different?
Satin Ice has a distinct surface texture designed specifically to manage light. Instead of focusing on fingerprint resistance, the surface finish is engineered to:
- Scatter and soften light
- Reduce LED hotspots
- Create even illumination across the sheet
Because of this, Satin Ice has a more textured, diffusive surface finish compared to DP9 or P95. The finish is intentional and directly tied to its lighting performance.
When should you use Satin Ice?
- LED panels
- Light boxes
- Backlit signage
- Architectural lighting features
While Satin Ice may feel similar to other frosted acrylics, its surface finish and internal structure are optimized for light diffusion, not touch resistance or glare reduction.
How to Choose the Right Acrylic Finish
If you’re deciding between DP9, P95, and Satin Ice, the fastest way to choose is to focus on how the acrylic will be used, not just how it looks.
-
Will both sides be visible or handled?
DP9 is usually the best option. -
Will only one side be touched or visible?
P95 is typically sufficient and more cost-effective. -
Is the acrylic being used with LEDs or backlighting?
Satin Ice is the correct choice due to its diffusive surface finish.
Although these finishes may appear similar when unlit, their performance differences become clear once installed.
Can DP9, P95, and Satin Ice Acrylic Be Fabricated?
Yes. All three finishes can be fabricated using standard acrylic processes, including:
- Laser cutting and engraving
- CNC routing
- Drilling
- Saw cutting
- Heat bending
FAQ
Is DP9 better than P95 acrylic?
Neither is better overall, it depends on the application. DP9 is better when both sides are visible and need fingerprint resistance. P95 is better when only one side requires a matte finish.
Can Satin Ice acrylic be used for signage?
Yes, but it is best suited for backlit signage. For non-illuminated signage where fingerprints matter, DP9 or P95 is usually a better choice.
Does DP9 or P95 diffuse light?
No. DP9 and P95 reduce glare and fingerprints but are not designed to diffuse light. Satin Ice is specifically engineered for light diffusion.
Does Satin Ice have the same surface finish as DP9 or P95?
No. Satin Ice has a more textured, diffusive surface finish designed to spread light evenly, while DP9 and P95 focus on glare and fingerprint resistance.
Final Thoughts
DP9, P95, and Satin Ice acrylic sheets are designed to solve different problems—surface durability, visual appearance, or lighting performance.
Understanding the differences in surface finish and function helps ensure you select the right material for displays, signage, and lighting projects.
