Short answer: An acrylic wall calendar is a clear dry-erase panel, usually 24 × 18 in. and 1/4 in. thick, with a monthly grid reverse-engraved into the back face. Markers write on the smooth front and wipe off without touching the lines, and four standoffs float it off the wall.
Why engrave the back
The grid is the part that has to last. Printed lines and vinyl tape on the front wear off where the eraser passes, and marker ink catches on their edges. A reverse engraving sits on the back face, under 1/4 in. of clear acrylic. You see it through the sheet as a crisp frosted line, and the writing surface on the front stays perfectly smooth. Nothing you do with a marker or eraser can reach it.
With a light wall behind it, the frosted lines read clearly. On a dark wall, or for more contrast, we can fill the engraving with white or a color, or you can back-paint the panel after engraving.
Layouts that work
| Layout | Typical size | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly, 7 × 5 grid | 24 × 18 in. | About 3.25 in. squares. Room for two or three entries a day. |
| Monthly, large family | 36 × 24 in. | About 5 in. squares, plus a notes column. |
| Weekly planner | 24 × 18 in. | Seven columns or rows, plus to-do and meals. |
| Year at a glance | 36 × 24 in. | Twelve small blank months for trips and events. |
| Chore or meal chart | 18 × 12 in. | Names down the side, days across the top. |
A monthly grid needs 35 boxes (7 days × 5 weeks); a few months spill into a sixth week, so many people add a split box or a small sixth row. Leave the month name and dates blank so the calendar works every month, or engrave the day names across the top and leave the rest to markers.
Thickness, color, and finish
- 1/4 in. clear cast is the standard. It gives the engraving depth and a glassy look, and stays flat on standoffs.
- 1/8 in. works for small fridge or desk calendars up to about 12 × 18 in., mounted with magnets or adhesive.
- Non-glare clear (1/8 in.) cuts reflections if the calendar faces a window, at the cost of a slightly softer look.
- White acrylic with a front engraving makes a solid whiteboard calendar, but front-engraved lines will collect some ink, so we recommend clear with a back engraving.
Laser-cut edges come out smooth and glossy. Flame-polished or diamond-polished edges add a brighter, glass-like finish if the calendar is a gift; see edge polishing.
How we make it
We cut the panel to size with rounded corners, drill four holes for standoffs, and laser-engrave your grid mirror-imaged onto the back so it reads correctly from the front. Line weight matters: lines about 0.02 to 0.04 in. wide read clearly from across a room without overpowering your writing. Text like day names should be at least 0.3 in. tall. For more on how engraving looks on acrylic, see laser engraving acrylic.
Tip: send your layout as a vector file (SVG, PDF, or DXF) with the grid on its own layer. You don't need to mirror it; tell us it's a back engraving and we'll flip it.
Mounting and care
Four standoffs hold a 24 × 18 in. calendar off the wall, and the gap behind it makes the engraved lines cast a faint shadow that's easy to read. Clean the front with a damp microfiber cloth and mild soap; avoid alcohol-based whiteboard sprays and Windex-type window sprays, which can cause crazing. More in how to clean acrylic.
Ready to make one? Upload your calendar layout, or start from a blank board in the instant quote and add engraving.
Questions
What markers should I use on an acrylic calendar?
Regular dry-erase markers for everyday use, and liquid chalk markers for bright colors that show up on dark walls. Both wipe off with a damp cloth.
Can you add a family name or logo?
Yes. Names, monograms, and logos engrave along with the grid, usually across the top. It's a common gift for weddings and new homes.