Key Characteristics of Plexiglass Acrylic Mirror:
- Impact Resistant: More shatter-resistant and durable than traditional glass mirrors. Although stronger than glass mirrors, plexiglass acrylic mirror is still breakable like other plexiglass sheets, but it resist shattering like traditional glass.
- Lightweight: Roughly half the weight of traditional glass mirrors.
- Laser Cut-able: Acrylic mirrors can be cut by CO2 lasers (consult with your laser manufacturer for your specific laser cutter settings, material placement, and cutting instructions).
- Flexibility (pros and cons): Because of it's flexibility, acrylic mirror is easier to cut into sizes and shapes than traditional glass. However, acrylic mirror is not as rigid as glass mirror. When mounted to a curved or uneven wall for example, you will get a "fun house" effect to the mirror.
- Outdoor Installations: Acrylic mirrors can be used outdoors.
- Clarity: Provides excellent clarity, comparable to glass mirrors.
- Machinability: Can be sawed, drilled, routed, laser cut, painted, and silkscreened.
- Maintenance: Easy to clean, but care should be taken to avoid scratching. Acrylic is more prone to scratching than glass (see our Acrylic Plexiglass Mirror Care Instructions below).
- Cost-Effective: Plexiglass acrylic mirrors are typically more cost-effective than traditional glass mirrors.
DO NOT USE ADHESIVES THAT ARE NOT MADE FOR MOUNTING ACRYLIC PLEXIGLASS MIRRORS. MOST ADHESIVES (INCLUDING WELD-ON) WILL DISOLVE OR EAT THROUGH THE BACKING ON THE SHEET. BEFORE USING AN ADHESIVE ON THE BACK OF ACRYLIC MIRROR, CHECK WITH THE MANUFACTURER OF THE ADHESIVE TO SEE IF IT IS COMPATABLE WITH ACRYLIC MIRROR.
Acrylic Plexiglass Mounting Instructions
Acrylic plexiglass mirror is not rigid like regular glass mirror. Acrylic plexiglass mirror sheets will have some flexibility to it, especially larger sheets. If not properly mounted, this can cause distortions in the reflection (like a funhouse mirror). To help reduce distortions, the sheet should be mounted to a smooth rigid backing to keep it flat. There are several ways to mount the mirror sheet:
Mirror Mastic - Gunther Premier Mirror Mastic (CRL GN105P Plus Ultra Low VOC Mirror Mastic). For best results, follow the instruction exactly as noted on the tube.
Screws – you can drill holes in the mirror sheet. Drill holes slowly and with light pressure. If possible, use a sacrifice board to put the sheet on to help reduce chipping or cracking as the bit comes out the other side. Drill holes a little larger than the size of the screw to allow for any expanding or contracting due to humidity and temperature changes. Do not tighten the screws to tight. If tighten to tight, the pressure will crack the mirror and/or distort the sheet.
Mounting clips – these can be purchased at most hardware or glass stores.
Acrylic Plexiglass Mirror Care Instructions
DUSTING: We like to use micro-fiber cloths, but you can also use a soft damp cotton cloth or chamois to remove dust..
CLEANING: Use a small quantity of soap and lukewarm water, rinse well with clean water, and dry with a micro-fiber cloth, chamois, or soft cotton cloth. Never use ammonia-based glass cleaners, solvents or alcohol. We recommend a product called BRILLIANIZE. This product is available from estreetplastics.com.
FOR SCRATCH REMOVAL: After years of use and cleaning, plexiglass may develop fine surface scratches. We recommend using NOVUS 2 with a 100% cotton clothe to buff out fine scratches. Novus 2 is available from estreetplastics.com.
CAUTION – DO NOT USE: Window cleaning fluids, scouring compounds, gritty cloths, household scouring compounds, lacquer thinner, benzene, leaded or ethyl gasoline, strong solvents containing alcohol, acetone, or carbon tetrachloride, or ammonia.
Is plexiglass and acrylic the same thing?
Plexiglass, plexi-glass, lucite, acrylite or acrylic glass are often used interchangeable with acrylic (similar to the way Kleenex® and tissue paper are used interchangeable). When spelled Plexiglas® (spelled with one s), it refers to the Röhm brand name. When spelled as plexiglass (spelled with two s's) it is in reference to generic acrylic sheets. There are several manufacturers of acrylic sheets. The actual brand we ship out will depend on current stock. Plexiglas® is a registered trade name of Röhm GmbH and is not a brand we typically stock.
What is the difference between paper masking and film masking?
All of our plexiglass acrylic sheets come with a protective masking on both sides. Our colored acrylic pre-cut pieces will come with a paper masking on the acrylic side. We also have clear acrylic mirror pre-cut pieces in both film masking and paper masking. The plastic film masking is typically blue in color or clear.
Paper masking is thicker than film masking and thus offers more protection when handling, especially when machining. However, film masking is easier to peel off than paper masking.
