Plexiglass

Plexiglass, or acrylic plastic, is a variation of a brand name used to encompass similar products. The brand is Plexiglas®, but we're talking about all brands of hard acrylic sheets. They’re often called plexiglass sheets, plexiglass, or plexiglass panels as a generic term.

Many people think of clear plexiglass, but some choices add color or a different finish for more privacy. Frosted plexiglass may be used in some instances instead of regular glass, and tinted plexiglass adds a colorful touch to an otherwise ordinary project. Of course, if you need a more impact-resistant material, we’ve got similar options in polycarbonate, including tinted polycarbonate and opaque polycarbonate. Both polycarbonate and plexiglass sheets come in various thicknesses to suit any job.

Polycarbonate Sheets Vs Acrylic Sheets Vs Glass

When you’ve reached a place in your project where it’s time to add a transparent barrier, it’s time to take a step back and assess your needs. Your options are glass, polycarbonate, or acrylic. For safety reasons, polycarbonate or plexiglass are better choices. Figure out which glass and plastic sheets fit your project by considering these facts:

• Polycarbonate - In general, polycarbonate is much stronger and more impact-resistant than acrylic sheets. It costs more upfront and is easier to drill. Polycarbonate is used in safety applications, like bulletproof glass, as it’s over 200 times the strength of actual glass.
• Plexiglass - Acrylic sheet plastic, or plexiglass, is excellent for everyday projects as a substitute for glass. It’s surprisingly versatile, won’t scratch easily, and can be used for everything from lightweight shelves to drawer dividers to picture frames. It cuts easier than polycarbonate and is 17 times more impact-resistant than glass.
• Glass - Regular glass is more resistant to scratches and less expensive, but it’s heavier than both acrylic and polycarbonate. It’s far more prone to cracking and shattering than its plastic counterparts.

Working with Plexiglass

Ensure you’ve got the right tools to cut, shape, drill, and fasten plexiglass just how you need it. Metal-cutting blades work well for slicing acrylic sheets. If possible, keep on the protective film while working with your acrylic. Add painter’s tape or masking tape if the protective layer is gone. For best results, secure your plexiglass to the surface with clamps and keep a spray bottle of water nearby in case power tools overheat the plastic. Plexiglass cutters vary by the thickness of your acrylic sheets. While one project might need a small cutting tool like a utility knife, others require a rotating blade.

Cutting Plexiglass

Decide which side of the line you’re cutting on, then mark your line with a pencil, grease pencil, or marker. Utility knives and a metal straight-edge, like a ruler or carpenter’s square, can make quick work of thin plexiglass sheets 3/16 inches thick or less. You could also use a scroll saw or rotary tool. No matter the cutting method, sand it smooth with wet sandpaper when you’re done.

If you’re using a utility knife, score the plexiglass carefully several times. Once you’ve got a decent cut, flip it, then score it in the valley of scoring you’ve made. Finally, snap it over a hard surface, like a table. Line up your scored line and the edge of the table, then bend the acrylic sheet downward until it separates.

When using power tools, make sure the blades are sharp to cut down on chipping your acrylic. Your jigsaw or scroll saw will do best with a fresh blade made specifically for plexiglass. Some advise using a table saw or circular saw with crosscut teeth. Avoid using high speeds on rotary tools when a 10-15,000 rpm will do the job just fine on a thin sheet of plexiglass. Placing a stabilizing board beneath the acrylic can also help you get a clean cut. It's useful when drilling as well.

Plexiglass Drill Bits

Experiment on scrap pieces of plexiglass. Acrylic drill bits are ideal, but you may have other bits on hand that could get the job done. The key is finding a bit that won’t wander on the smooth surface. Step bits or standard twist drill bits may work if you’ve got some that match the thickness of your plexiglass. For better results, use a bit with a sharp tip to get the hole started, like Forstner, spade bits, or brad-point drill bits. For large holes, use a hole saw. Try slowly drilling a small pilot hole first with light pressure if you’re having trouble with cracking and chipping.

We’re your source to buy plexiglass, as well as the place to get the right saw blades, drill bits, and sandpaper to polish the edges of your project. Let us help you find everything you need. We’ll send the supplies right to your door or have them ready for store pickup when you need them. Browse our complete selection online on our mobile app or shop select acrylic sheets in your local store.