Wondering whether to use resin, acrylic, or fiberglass for a 3D retail display? Samtop compares the pros, cons, and best applications of each to help you select the ideal material for your design, budget, and visual goals.
Table of Contents
You’ve sketched a dramatic 3D prop:
- A giant fragrance bottle
- A sculpted logo centerpiece
- A large window candy cane
- A custom gift box with curves and shine
Now comes the question:
“Should we make this from resin, acrylic, or fiberglass (FRP)?”
- Too heavy to install
- Cracks during shipping
- Warps under lighting
- Doesn’t hold the right finish
- Blows your budget
We specialize in custom 3D POP displays. Based on size, shape, finish, and quantity — we recommend the ideal material that performs and impresses.
🧱 Quick Material Overview
| Material | Best For | Key Strength |
|---|---|---|
| Resin | Small-medium 3D shapes | High detail, smooth finish |
| Acrylic | Flat/lighted features | Clarity, modern premium look |
| Fiberglass | Large-scale props | Lightweight + strong + scalable |
✅ 1. Choose Resin for Fine Detail and Surface Finish
Best for:
Fragrance glorifiers, replicas, logo blocks, mid-sized 3D shapes
- Captures fine details and curves
- Smooth surface — ideal for gloss or metallic spray
- Dense and stable for premium feel
- Allows lighting inside or behind
🎯 Perfect for premium countertop displays where finish matters.
✅ 2. Use Acrylic for Light, Transparency, or Sharp Edges
Best for:
Edge-lit logos, lightboxes, transparent trays
- Clear as glass, lightweight
- Crisp edges with laser cutting
- LED compatibility (edge or backlit)
- Available in many thicknesses
💡 Mirror acrylic = metal effect without weight or cost.
✅ 3. Use Fiberglass (FRP) for Large or Outdoor Displays
Best for:
Window sculptures, giant props, outdoor signage
- Scale up to 2+ meters
- Lightweight hollow core
- Matte, gloss, glitter, or metallic spray options
- Weather-resistant
🎯 Ideal for dramatic window installations.
🔍 Material Comparison Table
| Property | Resin | Acrylic | Fiberglass (FRP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🔹 Best for | Detail | Light/clarity | Scale |
| 🧱 Strength | Heavy/solid | Brittle (thin) | Shell structure |
| 🎨 Finish | Smooth | High gloss | Sprayable |
| 🔌 Lighting | Internal | Edge/backlit | Indirect only |
| ⚖️ Weight | Heavy | Medium | Light |
| 💰 Cost | Medium-high | Medium | Low per volume |
| 🛠 Mold required? | Yes | No (sheet) | Yes |
| 🌦 Outdoor safe? | No | No | Yes |
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
| Mistake | Why It’s a Problem |
|---|---|
| Using acrylic for large 3D | Can warp, crack, or shatter |
| Using resin for large props | Too heavy, expensive to scale |
| Using FRP for small details | Needs extra sanding, can’t match fine detail |
| Assuming acrylic is always cheap | Mirror finish adds polish costs |
✅ Talk to us to avoid costly material errors.
💬 Real Client Example: Giant Perfume Bottle
Project: 1.5m window bottle
Options:
| Resin | Fiberglass (FRP) |
|---|---|
| 52kg, ultra-smooth finish | 18kg, required some surface sanding |
| Higher mold + material cost | Lower cost for 3+ units |
| Harder to ship | Flat-packed crate solution |
🎯 Final choice: FRP + glossy spray = balance of quality and logistics
🧠 Ask These Questions Before Choosing Material
- Will it be freestanding or counter-mounted?
- Is LED integration required?
- What size and level of detail is needed?
- Indoor only, or outdoor/window display?
- One piece or multiple rollouts?
📩 Not Sure What Material to Choose?
Send us:
- Your sketch or reference photo
- Target size and finish
- Where it will be used (store type, indoor/outdoor)
- Quantity and budget
