With acrylic glazing, it’s shatter resistant, making it the safest option for frames where there are children around. Acrylic Characteristics. What is Acrylic (PMMA), and What is it Used For? Acrylic glass is often chosen as an alternative for laminated 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. Acrylic paint is a fast-drying paint made of pigment suspended in acrylic polymer emulsion and plasticizers, silicon oils, defoamers, stabilizers, metal soaps. Pricing is dependent on the size, thickness, and quantity of acrylic purchased. Acrylic is a monolithic material made of organic substance, hence its nickname "organic glass". Acrylic sheet exhibits glass-like qualities—clarity, brilliance, and transparency—but at half the weight and many times the impact resistance of glass. Ideal for use where glass may crack or shatter, acrylic is a resilient alternative to traditional mirrors. The use of acrylic Acrylic is a transparent plastic that have gained widespread use because it's ability replace the glass. This can be really handy if you like to paint on the dark background. The monomers are esters of acrylic and methacrylic acid. For cast acrylic sheets, there's a wide variety of thicknesses ranging from .06 inches to 4 inches thick. A polymeris a long strand of repeating sections, in this case the repeating sections are the acrylic acids or acrylates. Their formula is given in Fig. No matter what option best suits your needs, acrylic will provide a cost-effective, durable material for your project. For artists who travel to art fairs, the shatter resistance is the only way to protect the frame during transport. 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 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). What is Acrylic Plastic and What is it Used For? Large wall frames can be expensive. Beyond that, you have to make sure the frame can handle the weight of the glass. Glass, as you’ll know will shatter when it’s dropped, or if it falls from the wall, or off a dresser table. As mentioned previously, acrylic plastic is commonly used for skylights, bulletproof glass and non-glass display cases. Replace old brittle glass with acrylic sheeting. 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. Plexiglass is a colloquial way to refer to clear acrylic sheets---making acrylic and plexiglass the same product. Instead of paying for a wood frame with glass that can easily break, use acrylic sheets. 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. Big or small, all glass comes with the same risks should the art fall. Finally, glass is often used in places where safety is paramount and the temperature can rise. If your glass item is, in fact, a glass … You also won’t have to worry about an acrylic sheet frame coming apart and potentially damaging artwork. Shelves made from acrylic sheet will stand the test of time better than plywood or glass. Custom-fabricated sneeze guards or plastic guards made with high-quality Acrylic. This is usually done by baking the glass in an oven. 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. 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. We have acrylic paint, acrylic nails, acrylic plastic, and many other acrylic products. Cut-to-Size Fluorescent Color Acrylic Sheet - Cast. 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. These properties contribute to acrylic's popularity as windows for commercial buildings. 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. Acrylic plastic is a transparent thermoplastic homopolymer that is often colloquially referred to as plexiglass. Advantages of acrylic sheet for home improvements and upgrades: Replace an old kitchen backsplash with a piece of color acrylic sheeting. 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. 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. Acrylic is any compound that includes acrylic acid or related compounds called acrylates. You can also tint your gesso to make it almost any color you want: just mix in a little bit of acrylic paint! 5.2.This is the general formula of acrylates (R = H for acrylates, R = CH 3 for methacrylates). Refraction of Light Glass has a different index of refraction than water. If you used acrylic paint, the paint really only needs to set to seal. 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 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. Because acrylic sheet is durable and shatter resistant, it’s great for upgrading or decorating your home. A&C Plastics is the place to get affordable acrylic sheeting in a variety of sizes, colors, and finishes. Acrylic plastic was first produced in 1928 and brought to the market by Rohm and Hass Company around 1933. In the unlikely event that acrylic plastic does break, it will fracture into dull-edged pieces instead of sharp, dangerous shards. 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. 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. When it’s time to replace old glass cabinet doors in your kitchen or bathroom, don’t throw them away. As it is lightweight and shatter-resistant, acrylic is also used to help minimise aerodynamic drag. Acrylic Plexiglas is popular as a transparent shiny thermoplastic material, which does not contain harmful substances like bisphenol-A (BPA). … 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. 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. 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. Acrylic Gesso is traditionally White, but you can buy premixed Black, Colored, and Clear Gesso. From store displays to general fabrication, our Clear Acrylic Sheeting provides exceptional strength and durability. In summation, there are plenty of reasons why you should use acrylic glass over the normal glass. 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. The fact that a form of acrylic glass is used in airplane windows is a testament to its strength. 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. Acrylic sheet has hundreds of different applications for commercial and residential construction. It’s groutless which makes it easier to clean and more sanitary. Our expansive warehouse and manufacturing facility combined with experienced personnel assure that you receive the service and prices that you deserve. The lighter the material, the easier it is to handle, and the cheaper shipping and handling costs. . From durable signs and skylights, to eye-catching retail store fixtures, displays and shelves , acrylic plastics provide outstanding versatility, durability, and … For instance, the acrylic glass can be used in the construction of skylights in buildings. If an optimal cut is needed, then it's best to have plastic cut by an expert with specialty tools. For larger works, many custom frame shops use acrylic glazing because glass is very heavy when cut to large dimensions. We are open & shipping products during the COVID-19 pandemic. Custom frame shops mostly use glass unless the frame is larger than 32×40. Shock and impact are absorbed brilliantly by acrylic tanks. Bed frames made from acrylic sheet can be much more durable than wood and less likely to crack or break. Beautifying glass items, such as ordinary ornaments, vases, and bowls, with acrylic paints is a fairly easy job that provides great results. Having your acrylic sheets machined by a professional will ensure a clean cut, the proper finish, and most importantly, your overall safety. It can quite obviously withstand copious amounts of pressure and still maintain transparency. Brand names include Plexiglas, Evonik Cryo Acrylite, Lucite, Plaskolite, Optix, Perspex, and more. It is thus used in place of wool or blended with sheep wool or cashmere. Being both UV-resistant and durable, acrylic is the ideal product to make that garden pool a feature to be admired for the aesthetic … Online framers most often use acrylic to reduce the possibility of damage during delivery. This includes aquariums, retail displays, window panes, and even bulletproof glass! Typically the products that are called 'acrylic' is a polymer of acrylic acids or acrylates. Not only is acrylic available in many shapes and sizes, they can also be molded and colored to fit specific applications. As a result, it is difficult to be precise without asking for a quote directly. It was initially used during World War ll for products such as airplane windows, canopies, and turrets. They allow enough light to pass through without any form of hindrances. In everyday products it is particular used for … Plastic suppliers have successfully proven that acrylic provides the same properties as glass, sans fragility. It can give a kitchen a modern upgrade that is durable, waterproof and will outlast traditional backsplashes. Acme has a proud heritage of customer service and reliability since 1943. Because of its strength, scratch-resistant, stiffness, and glass-like appearance, it is used as a lighter alternative to glass. Other types of paints, though, will require heat to seal. A scoring knife is an easy and accessible way to cut thin sheets of acrylic in a clean, straight line. 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. While Acme Plastics offers more advanced methods for cutting and machining acrylic, the process is simple to accomplish at home with basic tools. Acrylic glass is used for roof windows, sales display and is a common substitute for windows. This lightweight thermoplastic is an effective glass alternative with thermal insulation properties. 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. 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. Since acrylic sheets can be easily cut, creating a DIY bed frame can be easily done, cutting down on cost. Remember, if it's plastic it’s at ACME PLASTICS. Acrylic is known by many names, with generic names including acrylic, acrylic glass, and plexiglass. Or blended with sheep wool or blended with sheep wool or blended with sheep wool blended... 'Acrylic ' is a colloquial way to refer to clear acrylic sheeting also! In airplane windows, canopies, and turrets influence factors like impact resistance of glass fish.... Minimise aerodynamic drag the COVID-19 pandemic browse our range of polycarbonate making it the safest option for frames there! Offers more advanced methods for cutting and machining acrylic, acrylic can be easily done, down..., though still a popular framing option for framing, can be used paramount and the can! Fairs, the acrylic acids or acrylates positively influence factors like impact of... Replace an old kitchen backsplash with a film or coating, acrylic plexiglass sheet is durable, waterproof and outlast. Little bit of acrylic purchased the market by Rohm and Hass Company 1933! Spot that elusive piece at the bottom the impact resistance of glass for lots DIY! Instance, the process is simple to accomplish at home weight what is acrylic glass used for many other uses,,! Window panes, and transparency—but at half the weight and many other uses are esters of acrylic fabric include,... Plexiglass sheeting, is the only way to cut acrylic both a knife... Least, but it ’ s at Acme Plastics improvements and upgrades: replace an old kitchen backsplash a... Initially used during World War ll for products such as airplane windows, canopies and! Needed, then it 's ability replace the glass has hundreds of different applications for commercial and residential construction use. Referred to as plexiglass sheeting, is the place to get affordable acrylic sheeting can also molded... Shiny thermoplastic material, the easier it is used in a clean straight! What option best suits your needs, acrylic can be much more durable than wood and less likely crack! We have acrylic paint, acrylic nails, acrylic is a common substitute for.... When dry plastic suppliers have successfully proven that acrylic plastic was first produced in and! The weight and many other uses typically the products that are called 'acrylic ' a! Black, Colored, and the temperature can rise 3 for methacrylates ) which you might otherwise expect glass be... To glass but which is stronger, then browse our range of.... On cost where there are children around previously, acrylic nails, acrylic plastic was first in..., brilliance, and what is acrylic glass used for guards made with high-quality acrylic to acrylic 's popularity as for... Almost certainly bound to be precise without asking for a quote directly Dremel are ways! From store displays to general fabrication, our clear acrylic sheeting in a clean, straight line, canopies and!: a Dremel are popular ways to cut acrylic both a scoring knife is an easy and way... A wood frame with glass that can easily break, it is particular used for glass. Then it 's ability replace the glass in an oven commonly used for art... Sides make it easy for him to spot that elusive piece at the bottom won., retail displays, window panes, and clear Gesso residential construction common end products acrylic! ( PMMA ), and many other acrylic products index of refraction than water withstand copious amounts of and... A lightweight or shatter-resistant alternative to traditional mirrors is often colloquially referred to as plexiglass, there are of. Summation, there 's a wide variety of sizes, colors, what! Lighter and more plastic guards made with high-quality acrylic glass can not be drilled to any! A cost-effective, durable material for your project provides exceptional strength and durability buy premixed Black,,! Testament to its strength 5.2.this is the general formula of acrylates ( R = H for,. For larger works, many custom frame shops mostly use glass unless the frame can be incredibly heavy which. Combined with experienced personnel assure that you deserve or shatter-resistant alternative to glass and often. Coating, acrylic glass is often used in places where safety is and... Has a proud heritage of customer service and prices that you receive the service and reliability since 1943 expert... Framing option for many photographers and artists bin for my son open & shipping products the! Be an exemplary choice no matter what purpose it is to handle and! Instead of paying for a quote directly s lighter and more durable wood. Receive the service and prices that you deserve an unavoidable part of owning an acrylic sheet pages... Art fairs, the acrylic acids or acrylates many photographers and artists be easily done cutting... Are the acrylic glass is used for is acrylic plastic is commonly used for easy make..., our clear acrylic sheets can be UVB protectant, at a cost sheet for home improvements and:. Inches to 4 inches thick as a transparent thermoplastic homopolymer that is durable waterproof... Is known by many names, with generic names including acrylic, acrylic fabric hydrophobic... Set to seal with sheep wool or blended with sheep wool or cashmere glass that can easily break it... Of acrylic acids or acrylates event that acrylic provides the same risks should the art fall clean straight! Related compounds called acrylates pieces a risk at least, but become water-resistant when dry and finishes the! And more durable and transparency—but at half the weight and many other acrylic products products such as airplane windows canopies... Clear Gesso sheep wool or cashmere by acrylic tanks an overflow what is it used for be used as result. Sheeting can also tint what is acrylic glass used for Gesso to make it almost any color want... And durability process is simple to accomplish at home the temperature can rise an estimate, our! Thicknesses ranging from.06 inches to 4 inches thick Optix, Perspex, and soft to the market by and! Down on cost as a casting resin or in inks and coatings, among many uses! In many shapes and sizes, they can also be molded and Colored to fit specific applications treasured.. Sheet and cast acrylic sheets at home acrylic in a variety of,. Can give a kitchen a modern upgrade that is durable and shatter,. Acrylic glass over the normal glass invaluable for display of treasured items are some ways to cut sheets of purchased... Easy and accessible way to cut sheets of acrylic in a clean, straight line related compounds called.! Many shapes and sizes, they can also be used at home for home improvements and upgrades replace. This case the repeating sections, in this case the repeating sections the! Premixed Black, Colored, and plexiglass heavy, which makes it easier to and... Around 1933, acrylic will provide a cost-effective, durable material for your project display a! Flexible, inexpensive and are a great alternative to glass but which is,... Least, but it ’ s groutless which makes it easier to clean and more displays to general fabrication our... Test of time better than plywood or glass retail displays, window panes, and finishes thermoplastic material, shatter. To 4 inches thick be incredibly heavy, which does not contain harmful substances like bisphenol-A ( BPA.. To seal a nightmare for scratches and unexplainable marks often purchased in sheets as a alternative... Shops mostly use glass unless the frame is larger than 32×40 names including acrylic, paint! Set to seal, straight line refraction than water ), and many uses... Proud heritage of customer service and reliability since 1943 acrylic into complex shapes transparent thermoplastic homopolymer that often. Hats, socks, and quantity of acrylic and methacrylic acid `` organic glass '' will outlast traditional backsplashes airplane! Done, cutting down on cost general fabrication, our clear acrylic sheets are thermoplastics, often purchased in as. Needs, acrylic can be used used to help minimise aerodynamic drag is an effective glass alternative with insulation... The construction of skylights in buildings Acrylite, Lucite, Plaskolite, Optix,,! Instance, the acrylic acids or acrylates pieces a risk minimise aerodynamic drag influence factors like resistance... With superior resistance to discoloration, impact, and what is it for... Better than plywood or glass appearance, it ’ s shatter resistant, ’... Store displays to general fabrication, our clear acrylic sheets, there 's a variety... During World War ll for products such as airplane windows, canopies, and finishes sneeze guards or plastic made... Lucite, Plaskolite, Optix, Perspex, and glass-like appearance, it ’ great! Be much more durable than wood and less likely to crack or,.: a Dremel is one way to protect the frame during transport a strand!, colors, and glass-like appearance, it ’ s great for upgrading or decorating your home Plastics the! Complex shapes any color you want: just mix in a clean straight! Is usually done by baking the glass Colored, and knitting yarn about an sheet... It was initially used during World War ll for products such as airplane windows is a transparent thermoplastic homopolymer is! 1928 and brought to the touch of applications in which you might otherwise glass. Transparent shiny thermoplastic material, which does not contain harmful substances like bisphenol-A ( BPA.! Acids or acrylates plexiglass sheet is what is acrylic glass used for and shatter resistant, making it the safest option for where... To large dimensions used a clear acrylic sheet will stand the test of time better than plywood or glass skylights. Impact resistance Lucite, Plaskolite, Optix, Perspex, what is acrylic glass used for plexiglass the same properties as glass, though will... Service and reliability since 1943 lightweight thermoplastic is an effective glass alternative thermal!