a three dimensional retroreflective article having an outer surface with a reflectivity of at least about 200 lux , and method for making such an article from a thermoformable laminate is provided . the laminate includes a base layer of thermoformable plastic sheet material ; and a layer of microbeads configured in a high - density arrangement and silvered on their bottom sides to enhance retroreflectivity . the microbeads are adhered to an outer surface of the base layer by a thermoformable cushion coat which may include a phosphorescent pigment to further enhance reflectivity . a protective sheet of transparent thermoformable sheet material overlies and may be in contact with the layer of microbeads . the laminate is heated and thermoformed into a self supporting three dimensional article having a pre - selected shape and an encapsulated bead retroreflective surface having a reflectivity of at least about 200 lux . the thermoforming step imparts sufficient non - planarity in the resulting retroreflective surface so that retroreflective dead spots created by contact between the microbeads and the protective sheet of transparent sheet material are effectively optically cancelled by overlapping zones of retroreflectivity generated by the microbeads .