Comprehensive Guide to Buying Plexiglas

Your Guide to buying the best Plexiglas

Overview

Plexiglas is a versatile, lightweight, and durable material that can be used for a variety of projects. Whether you're looking to build a display case for collectibles, create a transparent partition for your home or office, or just looking for a better alternative to glass, Plexiglas is the perfect choice. This buying guide will provide an overview of the different types of Plexiglas available, the advantages of using it over other materials, and some tips to help you make the right purchase.

Key features

  1. Size: Consider the size of the Plexiglas that you require for your project; consider both the thickness and length/width of the material.
  2. Shape: Decide what shape of Plexiglas you require, as the material can be cut to a variety of shapes.
  3. Strength: Consider the strength of the Plexiglas that you need; there are many different types of Plexiglas available with varying levels of strength and durability.
  4. Color: Determine whether you need the Plexiglas to be clear or if you would prefer it to be colored.
  5. Smoothness: Consider the smoothness of the Plexiglas; some types of Plexiglas can be sanded to create a smoother finish.
  6. Ability to Bend: Determine if you need the Plexiglas to be able to be bent or not, as not all types of Plexiglas can be bent.
  7. Cost: Estimate the cost of the Plexiglas that you require based on the size, shape, strength, color, and smoothness of the material.

See the most popular Plexiglas on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Durability: Plexiglas is known for its high impact strength, making it up to 10 times stronger than glass. It also resists shattering and cracking, making it highly durable.
  • Lightweight: Plexiglas is lighter than glass, making it easier to move and install.
  • Weather-Resistant: Plexiglas is weather-resistant, making it a good choice for outdoor applications. It won't corrode or rust, and it won't be damaged by UV radiation or extreme temperatures.
  • Cost-Effective: Plexiglas is more affordable than glass, making it a cost-effective option for many projects.
  • Transparency: Plexiglas is highly transparent, allowing for more light to pass through than glass.

Cons

  • Fragility: Plexiglas is a type of plastic, making it a relatively fragile material. It can be scratched or cracked relatively easily, and may not be the best choice for objects that require a lot of handling.
  • UV Sensitivity: Plexiglas can be sensitive to ultraviolet light and can become brittle or discolored over time when exposed to too much UV light.
  • High Price: Plexiglas can be relatively expensive compared to other materials.
  • Difficult to Shape: Plexiglas can be difficult to shape and cut without the proper tools and experience.
  • Difficult to Glue: Plexiglas is difficult to glue and requires specialized adhesive for permanent repairs or connections.

Best alternatives

  1. Acrylic – A transparent thermoplastic commonly used in place of Plexiglas for its similar properties.
  2. Polycarbonate – A lightweight thermoplastic that is shatter-resistant and transparent like Plexiglas.
  3. Glass – A traditional material that provides excellent clarity and transparency.
  4. Lexan – A polycarbonate sheeting that is impact-resistant and extremely transparent.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Protective goggles - Safety glasses designed to protect the eyes while working with Plexiglas.
  • Industrial grade adhesive - Industrial grade glue used to secure two Plexiglas pieces together.
  • Plexiglas saw - Special saw used to cut Plexiglas into desired shapes and sizes.
  • Abrasive pad - Abrasive pads used for sanding Plexiglas edges and cutting marks.
  • Painter’s tape - Tape used to protect the edges of Plexiglas while cutting.
  • Ruler - A measuring tool used to ensure that Plexiglas pieces are cut accurately.

Common questions

  1. What is Plexiglas? Plexiglas is a brand of acrylic sheet, which is a type of transparent thermoplastic. It is thicker and more durable than standard glass, and it is often used in place of glass in a variety of applications.
  2. What are the benefits of using Plexiglas? Plexiglas is shatter-resistant, lightweight, and has excellent optical clarity. It is also more resistant to UV damage than glass, and it is easy to cut and shape.
  3. What are the different types of Plexiglas? There are a few different types of Plexiglas, including clear Plexiglas, tinted Plexiglas, and mirrored Plexiglas.
  4. What are the thicknesses available for Plexiglas? Plexiglas is available in a range of thicknesses, from 1/8 inch to 1/2 inch.
  5. What are the sizes available for Plexiglas? Plexiglas is available in many sizes, from 4x8 inches to 48x96 inches.
  6. How much does Plexiglas cost? The cost of Plexiglas depends on the size and thickness of the sheet, but it is usually cheaper than glass.
  7. What are some common uses for Plexiglas? Plexiglas is commonly used for windows, signs, displays, and any other applications that require a clear, durable material.

Trivia

In the 1960s, Plexiglas was used to create a giant football helmet for Ronald Reagan. The helmet, which was painted in the colors of the Washington Redskins, was used in a political campaign in which Reagan posed as "The Gipper" from a movie of the same name. The football helmet was so large that it had to be shipped in a flatbed truck and was over five-feet tall. It was eventually placed in front of the National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC as a reminder of Reagan’s campaign. Source

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.