Make Your Acrylic Tube Display Visually Stunning and Effective

Introduction to Acrylic Tube Displays

Acrylic tube displays have become increasingly popular over the years as an attractive and functional way to showcase products or information. Made from acrylic plastic, these clear hollow tubes provide a sleek transparent surface to highlight objects while protecting them from outside elements. Their versatility allows them to be used in a variety of settings from retail stores to trade shows to museums. With proper planning and design, acrylic tube displays can be an effective marketing tool for businesses or organizations. This article will provide an in-depth look at how to make the most out of acrylic tube displays.

Benefits of Using Acrylic Tube Displays

There are many advantages that make acrylic tube displays a great choice for showcasing products or visuals:

• They are transparent and allow for maximum visibility of contents inside the tube.
• The acrylic material is durable and resistant to breakage.
• Tubes come in different shapes like cylinders, hexagons, octagons. This allows for flexibility in display design.
• Contents inside the tube are protected from dirt, dust and other environmental factors.
• Acrylic is easy to clean and maintain.
• Displays can be illuminated with LED lights for extra visual impact.
• Lightweight construction makes tubes easy to transport.
• They are affordable and cost effective.

Choosing the Right Acrylic Tube

When selecting acrylic tubes, there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

• Size - Tubes come in different diameters and heights. Choose dimensions based on the size of objects being displayed.
• Shape - The most common shapes are cylindrical tubes but hexagonal, octagonal and square tubes are also available. Select shape based on desired aesthetic.
• Thickness - Wall thickness ranges from 3mm to 19mm. Thicker tubes are heavier but more durable.
• Color - Clear acrylic allows for maximum visibility but colored tubes can be used for accent colors.
• Caps - Flat, domed and customized end caps are available. Caps protect tube contents.

Be sure to buy high quality acrylic tubes from reputable suppliers to get professional grade displays.

Designing Eye-Catching Tube Displays

The layout and design of the acrylic tube display will determine how effective it is at showcasing the contents. Here are some design tips:

• Choose appropriate tube size so items are not crammed inside too tight or rattling around.
• Use risers, stands or mounts to angle tubes for better visibility.
• Light tubes with LED lights to illuminate contents and attract attention.
• Add graphics or labels on tube surface to provide context.
• Group multiple tubes together to create a unified display.
• Incorporate acrylic bases, shelving or cases for a seamless look.
• Utilize different tube heights and shapes for visual interest.
• Leave some negative space between tubes to avoid a cluttered look.

Making Contents Visually Appealing

Besides the tube itself, some efforts should be made to style the contents inside the tube attractively:

• Use risers, platforms or stands to elevate objects away from base of tube.
• Angle or tilt products to show them off from all sides.
• Use backgrounds, fabrics or colors to contrast with tube contents.
• Add tags or signage for product details and pricing.
• Group similar items together in odd numbered groups.
• Utilize movement like spinning or flowing objects to catch attention.
• Light items directly using LED strip lighting inside the tube.

A professional merchandiser can assist with best practices for visually styling the interior of acrylic tube displays.

Maximizing Visibility of Acrylic Tube Displays

The clear acrylic material used for the tubes inherently provides great visibility of contents inside. However, there are some additional things that can be done to further improve and maximize visibility:

Reduce Glare

Glare occurs when external light reflects off the acrylic surface causing a shiny or mirrored look. This reduces the view inside. Here are some tips to minimize glare:

• Place tubes out of direct sunlight to limit glare from sun exposure.
• Use anti-glare spray coatings made specifically for acrylic.
• Position tube displays perpendicular to any windows or light sources.
• Shade the displays if outdoors using canopies or umbrellas.
• Diffuse overhead lighting by using filtered spotlights.

Increase Light Transmission

More light can penetrate the tube to illuminate contents by:

• Using acrylic sheets with 93% light transmission for maximum clarity.
• Lighting the tube display from multiple sides and angles.
• Using LED strip lights attached along the base of tubes.
• Cutting back any surrounding elements that block ambient light.

Add Internal Lighting

Installing lighting fixtures inside the acrylic tube provides direct illumination of contents:

• LED strip lighting added to base, sides or lid of tube.
• Spotlights or directional lighting aimed into the tubes.
• Light boxes that tubes can sit on top of to glow from below.
• Edge lighting that highlights the rim of tubes for extra visibility.

Increase Negative Space

Negative space around and between the acrylic tubes allows more surrounding light to reach them. Try the following:

• Use larger tubes with more empty space than necessary.
• Mount tubes using transparent stands and risers.
• Position tube displays away from walls or other displays.
• Use minimal base designs and accessories around tubes.

Clean and Polish

Dirt, smudges and dust on the exterior or interior of tubes will reduce visibility. Be sure to:

• Use microfiber cloths and acrylic cleaning sprays to eliminate smudges.
• Remove any film or residue inside tubes.
• Replace scratched or worn tube caps.
• Use polish made specifically for acrylic to restore clarity.

Durability of Acrylic Tubes

Acrylic displays have the advantage of being very durable and resistant to wear and tear. Here are some acrylic tube properties that make them sturdy:

• Acrylic plastic has 10 times the impact resistance of glass displays.
• Tubes made from cell-cast acrylic are stronger than extruded acrylic.
• It is rated for outdoor use and can withstand weather exposure.
• Acrylic has high UV resistance and won't yellow over time.
• The plastic has good chemical resistance.
• It has thermal insulation properties and handles temperature changes.
• Scratches can be buffed out of acrylic unlike glass.

Protective Measures

To safeguard and extend the life of acrylic tube displays:

• Avoid exposing tubes to excess moisture which can cause fogging.
• Prevent scratches by handling tubes carefully during transport and cleaning.
• Use microfiber cloths instead of paper towels to avoid scratching.
• Secure displays in place so they don't tip over and break.
• Consider using tube bumpers on the base or edges for impact protection.
• Use scratch resistant spray coatings to add an extra layer of protection.

Routine Maintenance

With regular maintenance, acrylic tubes can look pristine for years. Recommended care includes:

• Use compressed air or a duster to gently remove dust buildup.
• Clean inside and out with microfiber and acrylic-safe cleaners only.
• Check for any developing cracks or damage.
• Refresh scratched surfaces using polishing pastes.
• Replace end caps that are damaged or deteriorating.
• Reapply protective film coatings annually.

Customization Options for Acrylic Tubes

One of the advantages of acrylic tube displays is the ability to customize them for a unique look and functionality:

Size

Tubes can be custom made to specific dimensions based on the items being displayed and overall design preferences. Custom sizing allows for innovative shapes beyond just cylindrical.

Thickness

The thickness of the acrylic can be varied from very thin walled tubes to 1-2 inch thick for heavyweight displays like trophy cases.

Color

Tinting or coloring the acrylic itself is possible to create colored displays instead of only clear. Colors like red, blue and green add flair.

Shape

Laser cutting enables tubes to be shaped into unique polygons, stars, waves or abstract forms for artful displays.

Etching

Etching designs, logos or patterns into the exterior of tubes provides added decoration. The etching looks frosted compared to the clear surface.

Interior Elements

Strip lighting, mirrored panels, shelving, spinning motors and other accessories can be incorporated inside tubes.

Mixed Media

Acrylic tubes can be combined with wood, metal, glass and other materials for an eclectic look. This allows for bases, stands and backdrops.

End Caps

The end caps on tubes can be customized with laser cut designs, 3D sculpted shapes or precision cut outs for hanging products.

Consult an acrylic fabricator about the range of customization available to create one-of-a-kind displays.

Conclusion

Acrylic tube displays provide a versatile transparent canvas to showcase products and information. By maximizing visibility with careful lighting and display considerations, contents can be highlighted in eye-catching ways. The durability and customization potential of acrylic allow for unique solutions tailored to specific needs. With quality acrylic and proper care, these displays can maintain their clarity and function for many years of use in retail, commercial or personal settings.

FAQs

What are the benefits of acrylic tube displays?

Acrylic tube displays offer transparency to showcase contents, durability, customizeable shapes and sizes, and versatility for use in retail, trade shows, and events. They protect items from damage while displaying them attractively.

How do you clean acrylic tube displays?

Use a microfiber cloth with mild soap and water or acrylic cleaning sprays. Avoid paper towels or rough cloths that can scratch. Dust frequently and polish out any scratches to maintain clarity.

What can you put inside an acrylic tube?

Acrylic tubes are great for displaying small products like jewelry, cosmetics, toys, gadgets, and accessories. They also work for paper items, foods, or liquids. Mannequins and other life-sized objects can be displayed in large diameter tubes.

How do you prevent glare on acrylic tubes?

Place tubes out of direct sunlight, use anti-glare sprays, position perpendicular to light sources, use spotlights instead of overhead lighting, and keep the tubes clean and polished.

Can you customize the shape of acrylic tubes?

Yes, acrylic fabrication allows tubes to be laser cut into custom shapes, sizes, and thickness. Tubes can also be etched or tinted into different colors. The end caps also offer opportunities for customization.