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Plexiglass , the readable acrylic fabric that revolutionize innovative computer architecture and design , was developed in the 1930s by German apothecary Otto Röhm , who hollo his Modern invention Plexiglas . Over time , the name was adopted as a generic — plexiglass — to account these filmy acrylic plastic , prize for their light system of weights , strength , and uncloudedness . Today , many manufacturers make plexiglass , which is available in a motley of sizes and thicknesses .
In a mountain chain of software program , from picture bod to tabletop , plexiglass is growing in popularity and serves as a cost - effective , shatterproof substitute for glass . In fact , because of its clean weight unit and durability , many do - it - yourselfers prefer Plexiglas , not least because it can be cut and mold with mutual workshop cock .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Versatile and tough though it may be , plexiglass is n’t perfect . For one thing , it excise easily . That ’s why sheets of the stuff make out covered in a sparse bed of protective moving picture . The other downside ? Homeowners who do n’t know how to cut plexiglass can be intimidated by the material at first — but we ’re here to help !
Continue say for item on how to reduce plexiglass the right way .
Choose the Right Cutting Tool for Plexiglass
Cutting plexiglass want careful preciseness and the right prick for the job . While thin sheets of the material can be grade and issue with a utility knife , there are other puppet that can make cut multiple tack , thicker sheets , or complicated build easier and quicker . A jigsaw , mini round saw , orrotary toolcan more easily manage tabloid that are more than ¼-inch duncish . For complicated shape , a circular tool or jigsaw may be your best pick to get the precision you call for .
Project Overview
Working Time : 30 minutesTotal Time : 1 hourSkill Level : BeginnerEstimated Cost : $ 20 , depending on which tool you already have on manus
Before You Begin
The best way to snub Plexiglas requires have enough insipid surface area available and the solitaire and concentration to produce a clean score . It ’s crucial to wear gloves , long sleeves , and safety glasses when cut plexiglass , as the outgrowth of clipping — particularly with power pecker — could grow matchwood or shards ofplastic .
When cutting Plexiglas , leave the protective film in place as long as potential to quash marring the surface while handling the sheet . Also , take over in thinker that even if you ’re heedful , it can be difficult to cut Plexiglas without leaving a harsh , irregular sharpness . If your labor need a clean border , wait to devote energy to smoothen the coating with sandpaper . Simply reduce plexiglass to size is well-situated by comparison .
How to Cut a Thin Sheet of Plexiglass
SUPPLIES
alloy rulerPermanent markerorgrease pencilTape measureUtility tongue , box cutter , orglass cutterClampWork glovesSafety glasses
experience how to cut plexiglass by handwriting is a useful acquisition . For a thin sheet of Plexiglas — a piece of paper up to about 3/16 - inch thickset — the scoring method acting is standardized to thetechnique used to cut actual trash . Here ’s how to rationalise plexiglass with a usefulness knife .
Step 1: Measure and mark the plexiglass.
Lay the rag on a flat surface that is free of any debris , as it can vitiate the surface and produce an uneven track . Using a metal ruler , tape measure ( if needed ) , and a lasting mark ( or a stain pencil ) , metre and mark the line you wish to bring down .
Step 2: Score the plexiglass.
Hold a metallic element ruler along the pronounced line , and start the utility program knife along the straight boundary to rack up the sheet . have got the knife firmly and start the blade along the blood slowly to see a clean score .
Step 3: Score the plexiglass again.
race a blade along the cut line will make a shallow dent in the surface , but one running along the control surface wo n’t be enough . grade it again and again , as many as 10 or 12 times , until you have made a recondite groove in the plexiglass .
Step 4: Score the other side of the plexiglass sheet.
Now that one side is tally , the next stride in how to cut plexiglass tabloid involve score the other side . cautiously flip over the Plexiglas sheet , and rack up the opposite side , as described in whole step 2 and 3 above .
Step 5: Snap off the piece of plexiglass.
Before photograph off the slice , align the scored groove with the bound of your work airfoil and secure the plexiglass sheet in place with a clinch . Then , with penetrating downward pressure , snap off the portion of the Plexiglas that extends beyond the employment surface .
How to Cut a Thick Sheet of Plexiglass
Mini round saw(or circular adage , tabular array saw , or jigsaw)Metal cutting bladeMetal rulerPermanent markerTape measureClampPainter ’s tapeWork glovesSafety glasses
thin thicker sheets of Plexiglas with a power saw — be it a circular saw , reciprocating saw , ortable adage . ( To slew anything but a straight line , prefer for ajigsawor circular tool . ) Here ’s how to trim down Plexiglas with a circular saw , and remember : Whenever you process with power tools , be sure to wear appropriate safety geared wheel and followbest practicesfor cock utilisation .
Step 1: Select the blade.
No matter whichtype of sawyou choose for the task , it ’s critically crucial to use the correct blade . There are peculiar sword plan expressly for acrylic paint , but any metal - edit out blade with carbide backsheesh can do the trick . Before committing to one steel or another , dual - check that its teeth are evenly spaced , with no rake ( backward or forward lean of the teeth ) , and of uniform tiptop and shape .
Step 2: Set up the plexiglass on a work surface.
After readying your tool and vane , consist out the plexiglass on a flat , debris - free open . check that there is ample room to move around the open so you could geld the Plexiglas with one legato , uninterrupted stroke .
Step 3: Measure and mark the plexiglass.
Using yourtape measure , marker , and straight edge — a alloy swayer is recommend — strike off the shortened railway line on the plexiglass . If there are multiple product line that overlap , employ different - one-sided marker so it ’s easy to differentiate while cutting .
Pro Tip : Cover the thinned line with painter ’s tape recording , and then mark the tape with the baseball swing tune . Painter ’s tapewill help protect the surface while cutting . This can minify — or obviate — the amount of sanding and buffing required afterward .
Step 4: Cut the plexiglass.
Clamp the plexiglass to the work control surface so the weakened line sits beyond the surface . This will permit the cantilevered piece to drop to the ground when it ’s been cut . If you need that piece for your undertaking , put a soft open like a moving blanket underneath to capture it .
go for painter ’s tape to the instrument ’s housing so there ’s no chance for the tool to scratch or ding the plexiglass surface . go thesaw blade along the cut line .
One note of caution : If the blade overheats , the material may chip or fissure . If necessary , water - chill the blade or pause your work for a few arcminute .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
How to Polish and Buff Cut Plexiglass
diversity battalion of waterproofed sandpaper(120 grit to 600 backbone ) or sanding blocksClampSpray bottleDrillBuffing padPolishing compound
You may notice that the gelded plexiglass boundary does n’t look terribly attractive , so if it will be seeable in your software , take the time to sand and burnish out the imperfections .
Note : you could use a hand-held superpower drum sander , but manual wet - sand typically reach the best results .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Step 1: Place the plexiglass on a work surface.
Put the Plexiglas on a sporty , categoric surface and clamp the fabric so the edge that needs to be smoothed is cantilever off the study surface . This will allow you access to the entire edge and will write you from having to clamp and reclamp the fabric for continued approach .
Step 2: Wet sand with a 120-grit sandpaper.
Start sanding the Plexiglas with a pissed slice of lowergrit emery paper . A 120- or 180 - grit rainproof emery paper is idealistic . While you’re able to sandpaper using just the sandpaper , it ’s easier to maintain a flat sand surface when it ’s used in combination with a wood or galosh sand block . Spray water on the surface of the plexiglass and on the sandpaper before sandpaper .
Step 3: Sand with a higher-grit sandpaper.
As the plexiglass becomes smoother with the 120 - guts sandpaper , transition to in turn finer grits . Keep changing the sandpaper inkpad as the surface gets smooth . Finish by sanding with 600 - gumption sandpaper .
Step 4: Buff the surface.
After you are satisfied with the appearance of the edge , clean the plexiglasswith a fabric . Then , move on to buffet . Outfit your electric exercise with a buffing inkpad and , after apply a polishing chemical compound formulated for charge plate , bring the Plexiglas boundary to a gross polish .
How to Achieve a Clean Cut in Plexiglass
Though plexiglass is a durable material , it ’s not unbreakable . Keep the follow tips in mind when cutting plexiglass at habitation to keep harm to the sheet or panel .
FAQs
Q: Where can I buy plexiglass?
Plexiglas can be purchased at most base improvement stores and from online retailers like Amazon .
Q: What size sheets is plexiglass sold in?
While rectangular Plexiglas sheets have long been sold in a reach of stock dimensions , from 5 - inch - by-7 - inch picture shape “ glass ” to 4 - ft - by-8 - infantry ( and beyond ) panels , there are now round alternative uncommitted for DIYers to purchase too .
Q: When is plexiglass not the best choice?
When toll , sustainability , or the potential drop for scratches is an important factor , glass can be a better option than Plexiglas because glass is less expensive , recyclable , and more scratch - repellent . However , Plexiglas is stronger and idle weightiness than glass .
Theresa Clement is a ready to hand designer who has been improving homes for more than 20 years . Starting with her work at architecture house , she has authored DIY book ; writes for Architect cartridge clip , JLC magazine , and Remodeling powder magazine ; worked as a conception manufacturer on makeover show ; and now puzzle out with her carpenter married man on secret homes and their home improvement brand , MyFixitUpLife .
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Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Whether you ’re sell or staying , everyone can get something out of a kitchen update . Learn why we reckon this refurbishment the Most Valuable Project of 2025 and how to stay on budget .
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
Photo: Tom Fenenga for Bob Vila
