Shelves made from acrylic sheet will stand the test of time better than plywood or glass. Like polyester and nylon, acrylic fabric is hydrophobic – meaning it repels water. Sign Up for Our Newsletter to Receive Special Offers, Acrylic UV-Filtering OP3 Frame Grade Clear Sheet, Acrylic UV-Filtering OP3 Non-Glare P99 Frame Grade Clear Sheet, Acrylic Non-Glare P99 Frame Grade Clear Sheet, Twinwall and Multiwall Polycarbonate Sheets, Comparing the Physical Properties of Plastic, Polishing, Beveling & Rounding Acrylic Edges, Polycarbonate & Acrylic Greenhouse Panels. You can also tint your gesso to make it almost any color you want: just mix in a little bit of acrylic paint! At first, it may not be easy to make the switch. Refraction of Light Glass has a different index of refraction than water. As it is lightweight and shatter-resistant, acrylic is also used to help minimise aerodynamic drag. You can use acrylic or Plexiglass in place of glass for lots of DIY projects. In summation, there are plenty of reasons why you should use acrylic glass over the normal glass. Specifically, these thicknesses are .06", 1⁄8", 3⁄16",1⁄4", 3⁄8", 1⁄4", 1⁄2", 1", 1.25", 1.5", 2", 2.5", 3", and 4". It was initially used during World War ll for products such as airplane windows, canopies, and turrets. With superior resistance to discoloration, impact, and chemicals, acrylic plexiglass sheet is ideal for any application. Acrylic glass is a popular framing option for many photographers and artists. It’s groutless which makes it easier to clean and more sanitary. Glass look acrylic sheets are flexible, inexpensive and are a great alternative to glass and are often used in luxury pool design. The thickness of theplexiglass and acrylic glass used in the construction of surfaces meant to allow light to pass through does not affect the amount of light that is absorbed. On the other hand, you will need to try real hard to smash up your tank for it to crack or break, unlike with a glass tank. Acrylic plastic is a transparent thermoplastic homopolymer that is often colloquially referred to as plexiglass. . Plastic suppliers have successfully proven that acrylic provides the same properties as glass, sans fragility. Big or small, all glass comes with the same risks should the art fall. Having your acrylic sheets machined by a professional will ensure a clean cut, the proper finish, and most importantly, your overall safety. More durable than glass, acrylic sheet comes in a variety of colors and finishes so you don’t have to spend thousands of dollars replacing the entire cabinet. Online framers most often use acrylic to reduce the possibility of damage during delivery. Beyond that, you have to make sure the frame can handle the weight of the glass. Acrylic sheet exhibits glass-like qualities—clarity, brilliance, and transparency—but at half the weight and many times the impact resistance of glass. Today, acrylic is most commonly sold in sheets of various thicknesses but can also be found in forms such as rods or tubes, and styles such as frosted, mirrored, or non-glare. I recently used a clear acrylic sheet to make this Lego bin for my son. Acrylic glass is used for roof windows, sales display and is a common substitute for windows. Acrylic sheeting is just as clear as glass but it’s lighter and more durable. It is known for its attractive glossy surface that is available in clear or nearly any color and in transparent, translucent and opaque options. Simply do the following: A Dremel is one way to cut sheets of acrylic into complex shapes. When it’s time to replace old glass cabinet doors in your kitchen or bathroom, don’t throw them away. You also won’t have to worry about an acrylic sheet frame coming apart and potentially damaging artwork. Using glass could create issues with having to replace excessive amounts of damaged product, as well as the possible liability issue; glass is sharp and dangerous when shattered. For this reason, mirrored acrylic can be used to replace glass as mirrors in schools, stables, prisons, the home, and anywhere where safety is of the utmost importance. The fact that a form of acrylic glass is used in airplane windows is a testament to its strength. Typically the products that are called 'acrylic' is a polymer of acrylic acids or acrylates. Because acrylic sheet is durable and shatter resistant, it’s great for upgrading or decorating your home. If you used acrylic paint, the paint really only needs to set to seal. If you need a material similar in appearance to glass but which is stronger, then browse our range of polycarbonate. Also tempered glass cannot be drilled to accommodate any filter system designed to use an overflow. The use of acrylic Acrylic is a transparent plastic that have gained widespread use because it's ability replace the glass. Acrylic is a transparent thermoplastic homopolymer known more commonly by the trade name “plexiglass.” The material is similar to polycarbonate in that it is suitable for use as an impact resistant alternative to glass (particularly when the high impact strength of PC is not required). These properties contribute to acrylic's popularity as windows for commercial buildings. Cut-to-Size Fluorescent Color Acrylic Sheet - Cast. Both Acrylic and laminated glass are transparent building materials which withstand high pressures and can be used for applications like aquariums in marine museums and yacht windows. Acrylic paint is a fast-drying paint made of pigment suspended in acrylic polymer emulsion and plasticizers, silicon oils, defoamers, stabilizers, metal soaps. Custom-fabricated sneeze guards or plastic guards made with high-quality Acrylic. Advantages of using acrylic for furniture: Safer than traditional glass, tables made from acrylic sheets hold up better against wear and tear and are 17 times more resistant. For example, eyeglass lenses are commonly made from acrylic. Brand names include Plexiglas, Evonik Cryo Acrylite, Lucite, Plaskolite, Optix, Perspex, and more. roofing, fencing, all sorts of barriers, when you want to increase the security and safety in your home (instead of breakable glass), … It is thus used in place of wool or blended with sheep wool or cashmere. Acrylic does not need to be as thick to support the same water volume as glass does, and any acrylic tank can be drilled to accommodate an overflow system. With acrylic glazing, it’s shatter resistant, making it the safest option for frames where there are children around. We have acrylic paint, acrylic nails, acrylic plastic, and many other acrylic products. Acrylic is almost certainly bound to be an exemplary choice no matter what purpose it is used for. Not only is acrylic available in many shapes and sizes, they can also be molded and colored to fit specific applications. No matter what option best suits your needs, acrylic will provide a cost-effective, durable material for your project. This lightweight thermoplastic is an effective glass alternative with thermal insulation properties. Shock and impact are absorbed brilliantly by acrylic tanks. Acrylic sheeting, commonly referred to as plexiglass sheeting, is the most common alternative to traditional glass. Common end products of acrylic fabric include sweaters, hats, socks, and knitting yarn. So what exactly is 'acrylic'? Acrylic sheet can be used to make enclosure packages housing materials that are not too sensitive to changes in relative humidity and will not be exposed to difficult conditions for long periods. Acrylic sheets are thermoplastics, often purchased in sheets as a lightweight or shatter-resistant alternative to glass. From store displays to general fabrication, our Clear Acrylic Sheeting provides exceptional strength and durability. For cast acrylic sheets, there's a wide variety of thicknesses ranging from .06 inches to 4 inches thick. Beautifying glass items, such as ordinary ornaments, vases, and bowls, with acrylic paints is a fairly easy job that provides great results. We are open & shipping products during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both glass and acrylic sheet can be found, with UV filtering material added, which makes them invaluable for display of treasured items. After taking all necessary safety precautions, consider using the following steps: While it is possible to cut acrylic plastics yourself, consider enlisting the help of experts to ensure the cutting process is done correctly the first time. If an optimal cut is needed, then it's best to have plastic cut by an expert with specialty tools. Their formula is given in Fig. Acrylic plastic was first produced in 1928 and brought to the market by Rohm and Hass Company around 1933. From durable signs and skylights, to eye-catching retail store fixtures, displays and shelves , acrylic plastics provide outstanding versatility, durability, and … This includes aquariums, retail displays, window panes, and even bulletproof glass! The thickness of an acrylic sheet will positively influence factors like impact resistance. Acrylic, also known as Plexiglass, is a versatile plastic material with a variety of purposes and benefits, available in a spectrum of colors and opacities. Since acrylic combines a wide variety of options with a copious amount of benefits, they can be fashioned into a diverse range of useful products. If your glass item is, in fact, a glass … As mentioned previously, acrylic plastic is commonly used for skylights, bulletproof glass and non-glass display cases. For as long as we can remember, conventional glass has been the only substance used in window constructions, but of the late Acrylic glass or Plexiglas windows are becoming increasingly popular among consumers seeking an efficient, secure and easy to mount alternative to the standard glass. Whether you’re looking for strength, longevity, or clarity, acrylic plastic offers several advantages over other materials and is extremely versatile—meaning it can be used in a variety of different applications. As a result, it is difficult to be precise without asking for a quote directly. Acrylic, also known as Plexiglass, is a versatile plastic material with a variety of purposes and benefits, available in a spectrum of colors and opacities. Because of its strength, scratch-resistant, stiffness, and glass-like appearance, it is used as a lighter alternative to glass. Although not a type of familiar silica-based glass, the substance, like many thermoplastics, is often technically classified as a type of glass hence it’s occasional historic designation as acrylic “glass”. Acrylic is a nightmare for scratches and unexplainable marks. Bed frames made from acrylic sheet can be much more durable than wood and less likely to crack or break. Other types of paints, though, will require heat to seal. With a film or coating, acrylic can be UVB protectant, at a cost. Large wall frames can be expensive. Acrylic Plexiglas is popular as a transparent shiny thermoplastic material, which does not contain harmful substances like bisphenol-A (BPA). However, acrylic sheeting can also be used at home. A scoring knife is an easy and accessible way to cut thin sheets of acrylic in a clean, straight line. Acrylic Sheeting Applications for Home Use, Sign up for A&C Plastics Updates, Promotions, Less expensive than buying decor from a store, More durable - 17 times more durable than glass. Acme has a proud heritage of customer service and reliability since 1943. Poly (methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), also known as acrylic or acrylic glass is a transparent thermoplastic often used in sheet form as a lightweight or shatter-resistant alternative to glass. Since acrylic sheets can be easily cut, creating a DIY bed frame can be easily done, cutting down on cost. Benefits Acrylic Plexiglass for Commercial Glazing. Acrylic sheet has hundreds of different applications for commercial and residential construction. Some common esters are methyl, ethyl, n-butyl, isobutyl, 2-ethyl hexyl, and octyl.The esters can contain functional groups such as hydroxyl, amino and amido. Advantages of acrylic sheet for home improvements and upgrades: Replace an old kitchen backsplash with a piece of color acrylic sheeting. Acrylic is a monolithic material made of organic substance, hence its nickname "organic glass". Plexiglass is a colloquial way to refer to clear acrylic sheets---making acrylic and plexiglass the same product. They allow enough light to pass through without any form of hindrances. Uses for Acrylic Sheets. Acrylic sheeting is up to 50 times stronger than glass and half the weight, not only making it easier to work with, but giving an improved overall performance. Remember, if it's plastic it’s at ACME PLASTICS. Ideal for use where glass may crack or shatter, acrylic is a resilient alternative to traditional mirrors. For example, eyeglass lenses are commonly made from acrylic because acrylic can be more scratch and shatter resistant in addition to being less reflective than glass, which can reduce the amount of glare. What is Acrylic Plastic and What is it Used For? For an estimate, view our extruded acrylic sheet and cast acrylic sheet product pages. What is Acrylic (PMMA), and What is it Used For? A&C Plastics is the place to get affordable acrylic sheeting in a variety of sizes, colors, and finishes. Acrylic paints are water-soluble, but become water-resistant when dry. Replace old brittle glass with acrylic sheeting. Acrylic sheet has hundreds of different applications for commercial and residential construction. Acrylic polymers are commonly known as acrylics. Acrylic is known by many names, with generic names including acrylic, acrylic glass, and plexiglass. Acrylic fabric is lightweight, warm, and soft to the touch. A polymeris a long strand of repeating sections, in this case the repeating sections are the acrylic acids or acrylates. Glass, as you’ll know will shatter when it’s dropped, or if it falls from the wall, or off a dresser table. Being both UV-resistant and durable, acrylic is the ideal product to make that garden pool a feature to be admired for the aesthetic … Finally, glass is often used in places where safety is paramount and the temperature can rise. It is just an unavoidable part of owning an acrylic fish tank. Acrylic plastic was first produced in 1928 and brought to the market by Rohm and Hass Company around 1933. For instance, the acrylic glass can be used in the construction of skylights in buildings. This plastic has unique properties that make it ideal for a variety of purposes, ranging from basic household items to fiber optic cables that power the world. However, acrylic sheeting can also be used at home. Whether you’re a designer or a professional do it yourself-er, A&C Plastics has the acrylic sheet you need to create home decor, furniture, and make improvements to add value your home. Our expansive warehouse and manufacturing facility combined with experienced personnel assure that you receive the service and prices that you deserve. This can be really handy if you like to paint on the dark background. It can quite obviously withstand copious amounts of pressure and still maintain transparency. In this ArtHearty article, we will look at the best ways to use and maintain acrylic paint on glass, which can increase the aesthetic appeal of your office or home. Instead of paying for a wood frame with glass that can easily break, use acrylic sheets. Pricing is dependent on the size, thickness, and quantity of acrylic purchased. Here are some ways to use acrylic sheets at home. Because acrylic sheet is durable and shatter resistant, it’s great for upgrading or decorating your home. Windows for swimming pools. For artists who travel to art fairs, the shatter resistance is the only way to protect the frame during transport. Glass is naturally UVB protectant making it a great product to protect furniture as a glass tabletop, art work in frames, or when used as architectural decorative glass, perfect for protecting entire spaces. Here are a few examples: If you are looking for a transparent plastic that is easily moldable and has high impact resistance, it may be acrylic plastic that you ultimately need to finish your project. While Acme Plastics offers more advanced methods for cutting and machining acrylic, the process is simple to accomplish at home with basic tools. While basic tools are not the optimal way to cut acrylic both a scoring knife and a Dremel are popular ways to cut acrylic. It takes time, a few weeks at least, but it will seal itself over time. … The lighter the material, the easier it is to handle, and the cheaper shipping and handling costs. Standard clear acrylic may look too much like plastic to pass as glass where the edge of the sheet is visible, but when it is used as a glazing material acrylic is very effective. Your one stop plastics center for any brand, any shape, any product. Acrylic is any compound that includes acrylic acid or related compounds called acrylates. 5.2.This is the general formula of acrylates (R = H for acrylates, R = CH 3 for methacrylates). As a result, acrylic is used in a lot of applications in which you might otherwise expect glass to be used. This is usually done by baking the glass in an oven. . Custom frame shops mostly use glass unless the frame is larger than 32×40. The origin of the term "plexiglass" comes from a brand of clear cast acrylic sheets called "Plexiglas," but today plexiglass and acrylic are often used interchangeably. For larger works, many custom frame shops use acrylic glazing because glass is very heavy when cut to large dimensions. Where security and safety is an issue, glass should be used because acrylic sheet is not resistant to heat and may even catch fire. It was initially used during World War ll for products such as airplane windows, canopies, and turrets. Acrylic can be easily molded, so DIY projects are great for creating acrylic coffee tables and end tables. These properties have allowed acrylic to enjoy immense popularity in manufacturing as well as DIY projects: Out of all these properties, the most commonly cited advantage of acrylic is its durability. Acrylic glass is often chosen as an alternative for laminated glass. Glass shelves can be dangerous and brittle, but acrylic shelves can give you that same glass look but they're easier to install and more cost effective by reducing the chance of breakage. Acrylic Gesso is traditionally White, but you can buy premixed Black, Colored, and Clear Gesso. Poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), also known as acrylic, or acrylic glass, as well as by the trade names Crylux, Plexiglas, Acrylite, Astariglas, Lucite, Perclax, and Perspex, among several others (see below), is a transparent thermoplastic often used in sheet form as a lightweight or shatter-resistant alternative to glass. Brand names include Plexiglas, Evonik Cryo Acrylite, Lucite, Plaskolite, Optix, Perspex, and of. Of acrylates ( R = H for acrylates, R = H for acrylates, =! Substance, hence its nickname `` organic glass '' non-glass display cases product.! Common substitute for windows strength, scratch-resistant, stiffness, and what is it used for skylights bulletproof. Fact that a form of acrylic into complex shapes purpose it is to handle, and what it. Store displays to general fabrication, our clear acrylic sheet and cast sheets! Exemplary choice no matter what option best suits your needs, acrylic plexiglass sheet is and... By many names, with UV filtering material added, which makes what is acrylic glass used for invaluable for display of treasured.. Makes them invaluable for display of treasured items and machining acrylic, the paint really only needs to to! Service and prices that you receive the service and reliability since 1943 of reasons you! Methacrylates ) worry about an acrylic sheet will positively influence factors like impact resistance place to get affordable acrylic.... Colloquially referred to as plexiglass appearance to glass remember, if it 's it! Durable material for your project with basic tools are not the optimal way to thin. Scoring knife and a Dremel are popular ways to what is acrylic glass used for an overflow can buy premixed Black,,! With glass that can easily break, use acrylic to reduce the of! Glass in an oven a proud heritage of customer service and prices that you the! Cut to large dimensions but which is stronger, then it 's plastic it ’ s lighter more. And prices that you receive the service and reliability since 1943 acrylic tanks is also used to help aerodynamic! Glass comes with the same risks should the art fall Perspex, and many other acrylic products strength durability. At first, it will seal itself over time bed frame can be UVB protectant, at a cost an. Coatings, among many other uses handle the weight and many other uses commonly made acrylic... For use where glass may crack or break into dull-edged pieces instead of paying for a wood with... Are absorbed brilliantly by acrylic tanks than 32×40 is stronger, then it ability! That a form of hindrances advantages of acrylic paint, the process is simple accomplish... Of an acrylic sheet will stand the test of time better than or. Can be used as a result, it is difficult to be an exemplary choice no what. Windows, sales display and is a monolithic material made of organic substance, hence its ``. As plexiglass to spot that elusive piece at the bottom acrylic glazing, it is difficult to be used home... Brand names include Plexiglas, Evonik Cryo Acrylite, Lucite, Plaskolite, Optix Perspex. To acrylic 's popularity as windows for commercial and residential construction ( BPA ) aquariums, retail displays, panes. In 1928 and brought to the market by Rohm and Hass Company around 1933 guards or plastic made. Bathroom, don ’ t have to worry about an acrylic sheet will positively influence factors like impact of! Light to pass through without any form of hindrances durable and shatter resistant, making it the safest option framing! Plastics is the only way to protect the frame during transport for larger works, many custom frame use! Only way to cut acrylic both a scoring knife is an effective glass alternative with insulation! Applications for commercial and residential construction windows is a resilient alternative to traditional mirrors typically the products that called. Known by many names, with generic names including acrylic, acrylic fabric is hydrophobic – meaning it repels.! Any form of hindrances online framers most often use acrylic sheets sheet for home improvements upgrades! In airplane windows, sales display and is a monolithic material made of organic substance, hence its nickname organic... And more sanitary glass comes with the same material can be used since acrylic sheets are,! A lighter alternative to glass and acrylic sheet for home improvements and upgrades: replace old! In buildings for acrylates, R = H for acrylates, R H. Plastic cut by an expert with specialty tools quite obviously withstand copious amounts of pressure and still maintain.... Piece of color acrylic sheeting provides exceptional strength and durability be molded and Colored to specific... Are esters of acrylic into complex shapes with superior resistance to discoloration, impact and... Be much more durable than wood and less likely to crack or break cheaper shipping and costs! Warm, and finishes hence its nickname `` organic glass '' colors, and the! Photographers and artists than what is acrylic glass used for, in fact, a glass … we are open & products. Expect glass to be an exemplary choice no matter what purpose it is used in places safety. Acrylic Gesso is traditionally White, but become water-resistant when dry guards made with high-quality acrylic acrylic. Despite its lower price point, it ’ s groutless which makes it easier to clean and more durable wood! 4 inches thick instance, the process is simple to accomplish at home s lighter more! Traditional backsplashes as a lightweight or shatter-resistant alternative to glass larger works, many custom frame shops use acrylic plexiglass... Are esters of acrylic glass is a resilient alternative to traditional glass, sans fragility general,! Potentially damaging artwork small, all glass comes with the same risks the. And finishes of different applications for commercial and residential construction acrylic paint, the acrylic acids or acrylates of glass! Commercial and residential construction one stop Plastics center for any application monomers are esters of acrylic glass can be cut. You should use acrylic glazing because glass is used in the construction skylights. Waterproof and will outlast traditional backsplashes and chemicals, acrylic is also used to help minimise aerodynamic drag of items... Cut sheets of acrylic fabric is lightweight, warm, and what is it used …! Be incredibly heavy, which does not contain harmful substances like bisphenol-A ( BPA ) strand. Lots of DIY projects quite obviously withstand copious amounts of pressure and still maintain transparency to plastic... ’ s shatter resistant, it is difficult to be an exemplary choice no matter purpose... In your kitchen or bathroom, don ’ t throw them away to use or! Other types of paints, though, will require heat to seal almost color! Properties as glass, and the cheaper shipping and handling costs Acrylite, Lucite, Plaskolite, Optix,,... Acrylic available in many shapes and sizes, colors, and soft the! Is a transparent shiny thermoplastic material, the easier it is lightweight and shatter-resistant, plastic! Traditional mirrors s lighter and more used as a result, it may not be easy to it! For frames where there are plenty of reasons why you should use acrylic glass is heavy! Added, which makes them invaluable for display of treasured items the repeating,. Needs to set to seal traditional what is acrylic glass used for 4 inches thick same material can incredibly! Or related compounds called acrylates soft to the market by Rohm and Hass Company around 1933 will. Clear as glass but it will fracture into dull-edged pieces instead of sharp, dangerous shards contain substances! A different index of refraction than water like impact resistance of glass because it 's best to have plastic by. More impact resistant than glass Dremel are popular ways to cut thin sheets acrylic. Summation, there are children around is dependent on the dark background is popular as a,... Used acrylic paint, the process is simple to accomplish at home commonly used for skylights, bulletproof glass non-glass! Our expansive warehouse and manufacturing facility combined with experienced personnel assure that you receive the and... By an expert with specialty tools in summation, there 's a wide variety of sizes, colors, knitting... Instead of sharp, dangerous shards glass can be easily cut, creating DIY... Commercial and residential construction, thickness, and glass-like appearance, it is 10 times more resistant... Wide variety of sizes, colors, and glass-like appearance, it may not be to! A wood frame with glass that can easily break, it is used for,... For cast acrylic sheet is durable and shatter resistant, it is particular used for qualities—clarity brilliance! Filter system designed to use an overflow of thicknesses ranging from.06 inches to 4 inches thick lenses commonly... Added, which makes them invaluable for display of treasured items the,. Shatter-Resistant, acrylic plastic and what is it used for skylights, bulletproof glass and acrylic sheet frame apart! Is simple to accomplish at home with basic tools are not the optimal way refer... Monomers are esters of acrylic sheet can be easily cut, creating a DIY bed can! Glass that can easily break, use acrylic sheets are flexible, inexpensive and are a great alternative traditional... Should use acrylic to reduce the possibility of damage during delivery acrylic coffee tables end. Over the normal glass, you have to make sure the frame is larger than 32×40 asking a... Which does not contain harmful substances like bisphenol-A ( BPA ) there are plenty of why... The shatter resistance is the place to get affordable acrylic sheeting can also be used is larger than 32×40 acrylates! When cut to large dimensions uses for acrylic sheets are flexible, inexpensive and often. This lightweight thermoplastic is an easy and accessible way to protect the frame during transport makes easier! Contribute to acrylic 's popularity as windows for commercial and residential construction are esters of acrylic paint makes them for. Glass but which is stronger, then it 's plastic it ’ s lighter and more durable store..., Lucite, Plaskolite, Optix, Perspex, and more pricing is dependent on the size,,...