Maintenance, storage and the price of acrylic sheets

Price of acrylic sheets | Image Resource: anandplastics.com

Acrylic is a transparent thermoplastic and due to its properties, it is used as an alternative to glass. It is usually used in the form of sheets and is shatter resistant. It is also called acrylic glass, Plexiglas, Crylux, Acrylite and more.

Acrylic is much cheaper than other materials like wood or metal. The price of acrylic sheets can help to reduce the costs of the final product. It is used to make shatter-resistant windows in buildings, skylights, LCD screens, signs and displays and more.

Storage

Acrylic sheets are covered with masking paper on both slides. A paper-sensitive adhesive is used that does not attack the acrylic sheet. The sheets should be stored in a well-ventilated area. Air should circulate freely and should be moist and cool. If the sheets are stored in a hot and dry environment for long periods then the adhesive of the masking paper may dry out.

Masking the sheet helps to avoid any accidental scratches during handling and the fabrication process. The sheets can be stored by placing them at an angle from the vertical. When stored horizontally the sheet can be piled and the smaller sheets should be placed on the larger ones to avoid unsupported overhang.

Maintenance

Plexiglas can be cleaned with non-abrasive soap, detergent and water. You can use your hands to dislodge any dirt or mud. You can also use a soft grit-free cloth, sponge or chamois. A hard or rough cloth should not be used.

For interior acrylic installation, you can first lightly dust it with a soft cloth. It can then be cleaned with a soft wet cloth or chamois. You should not use any window sprays.

When you need to paint the area where the Plexiglas is stored you can cover it with paper or drop cloths. If the paint overspray then you can remove it using isopropyl alcohol. You can soak the part covered with paint in caustic soda or trisodium phosphate and rinse it with water.

If after removing the dirt and grease no scratches are visible then the Plexiglas can be coated with good commercial wax. This will help to improve its appearance and also fill the minor scratches.

When Pexiglass is rubbed with a dry cloth, it creates an electrostatic charge which attracts dust. Use a damp cloth to remove the charge and the dust. The antistatic coating prevents the accumulation of the electrostatic charge. Wiping it with a wet cloth will also prevent it.

If after washing Plexiglas show some scratches then they can be reduced or removed by applying polish. Use a small pad of soft cotton flannel dampened with water to apply the polish. You may need to apply the polish several times using a back-and-forth hand motion.