Stories

How to Buy Plexiglass: A Detailed Guide

Your Guide to buying the best Plexiglass

Overview

Plexiglass is a versatile, transparent acrylic plastic material that is lightweight and durable. It is often used in place of glass for applications where strength or shatter resistance are important. In this buying guide, we will discuss the different types and qualities of Plexiglass available, factors to consider when selecting the right Plexiglass for your project, and tips for installation and care of Plexiglass.

Key features

Thickness: Plexiglass thickness is measured in inches or millimeters and can vary in range from 1/2” to 2”. Thinner options are well-suited for decorative applications, while thicker options provide more strength and durability.
Size: Plexiglass can be cut to any size, though it is usually available in pre-cut standard sheets, such as 2' x 4' and 4' x 8'. Some retailers may also offer custom sizes.
Color: Plexiglass is usually available in clear, but can also be found in a variety of colors, including black, gray, and white.
Durability: Plexiglass is highly break-resistant and is more durable than traditional glass. It is also scratch-resistant and can withstand high temperatures.
Light Transmittance: Plexiglass is a transparent material that allows light to pass through it, making it ideal for applications where light needs to be transmitted.

Important considerations

Pros

High Durability - Plexiglass is highly durable, making it impact resistant and weather resistant. It does not corrode or rust, and won’t easily crack or shatter.
Lightweight - Plexiglass is lightweight, making it easy to move and handle.
Transparency - Plexiglass is crystal clear, making it ideal for glazing, windows, and other transparent applications.
Cost-Effective - Plexiglass is cheaper than glass and other materials, making it an economical choice.
Versatility - Plexiglass is extremely versatile and can be used for a variety of applications, from glazing to signage.

Cons

Cost: Plexiglass can be more expensive than other materials like glass or wood.
Fragility: Plexiglass is more fragile than other materials, and so it can chip, crack, scratch, or break more easily if not handled with care.
UV Radiation: Plexiglass is sensitive to exposure to direct sunlight, and may eventually yellow over time.
Cleaning: Plexiglass may require more frequent cleaning than other materials, and requires special cleaners to do so.
Strength: Plexiglass is not as strong as other materials such as glass or steel, so it may be more prone to bending and breaking.

Best alternatives

Acrylic Plastic- A lightweight and shatter resistant material that is often used as an alternative to Plexiglass.
Polycarbonate- A strong and durable material that is often used as a Plexiglass alternative.
Plexiglas- A high-strength plastic material that is used as a substitute for glass and offers superior clarity and strength.
Fiberglass- A strong and lightweight material that can be used for indoor and outdoor applications.
Lexan- A high-performance thermoplastic material that is often used as a Plexiglass substitute due to its strength and flexibility.
Safety Glass- An impact-resistant material that is often used in place of Plexiglass to reduce the risk of injury.

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

Drill Bits - Bits specifically designed for drilling into Plexiglass.
Sandpaper - Different grits of sandpaper for smoothing and preparing the surfaces of Plexiglass.
Saw Blade - A saw blade specifically designed for cutting Plexiglass.
Caulk - Caulk to seal the edges of Plexiglass after it has been cut.
Glue - A type of glue that is specifically designed to attach Plexiglass to other materials.
Spray Paint - Paint designed to adhere to Plexiglass.
Measuring Tape - Used to measure Plexiglass before it is cut.
Protective Gear - Safety glasses, gloves, and other protective gear, as needed.

Common questions

What thickness of Plexiglass should I choose? Thin Plexiglass (under 3mm) is best for low-impact applications such as screens, mountings, arts and crafts, signage, and more. Thicker Plexiglass (3mm to 6mm) is best for applications that require more strength and durability, such as glazing, fencing, and more.
What are the different styles of Plexiglass available? Plexiglass comes in a variety of styles, such as clear, colored, tinted, frosted, mirrored, and more.
What is the best way to cut Plexiglass? The best way to cut Plexiglass is with a saw designed for cutting plastics, such as a band saw, jigsaw, or a circular saw with a fine-toothed blade.
How do I clean Plexiglass? Cleaning Plexiglass is easy and straightforward. Use a soft cloth and warm, soapy water to wipe down the surface. For stubborn dirt, you can use a mild detergent or window cleaner.
What tools do I need to install Plexiglass? To install Plexiglass, you will need a saw to cut the material, a drill to make the necessary holes, and screws to attach the material to the frame.

Trivia

An interesting fact about Plexiglass is that it was used as a substitute for glass aboard airplanes in World War II. During the war, plastic was sometimes substituted for glass due to the risk that the glass could shatter under turbulence and become dangerous shrapnel. Plexiglass was used in the windows, windshields, and canopies of fighter planes. Plexiglass was also used in other parts of the aircraft, including instrument panels and cockpit enclosures. This was the first widespread use of acrylic in the aerospace industry, and it helped pioneer the use of plastics in the modern aircraft industry. Source: History of Plexiglass.

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.