PLEXIGLASS® is one of the world's best-known and most widely used acrylic sheets – a crystal-clear, UV-resistant and lightweight material used for everything from windows and displays to signs and decoration. In this guide you get an overview of types, applications and fabrication – so you can choose the right plexiglass sheet for your project.
Which PLEXIGLASS® sheet should I choose?
PLEXIGLASS® is a type of acrylic plastic (PMMA) and one of the best-known and most widely used plastic sheets in the world. Original PLEXIGLASS® sheets are supplied in many colours, thicknesses and variants and can be used for everything from glass-like panels to decorative solutions. The material is weather-resistant, UV-resistant and easy to fabricate.
See our range of original PLEXIGLASS® sheets here
What is PLEXIGLASS®?
PLEXIGLASS® is a registered trademark for acrylic sheets manufactured by Röhm GmbH (formerly Evonik). The sheets are made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) – a clear thermoplastic material with high light transmission and good weather resistance.
PLEXIGLASS® is a popular alternative to ordinary glass because it is lighter (around half the weight of glass) and more durable. It is also the original product within acrylic – many people use "plexiglass" as a synonym for acrylic, but only genuine PLEXIGLASS® has the documented quality and a 30-year guarantee against yellowing.
Why choose PLEXIGLASS®? Pros and cons
Advantages:
- Very high transparency and clarity (92% light transmission) – better than glass
- UV-resistant – the sheets do not yellow in sunlight, even after 30 years
- Suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
- Easy to fabricate – can be cut to size, drilled and formed with ordinary tools
- Available in many colours: clear, opal, tinted, black, coloured and textured
- 30-year guarantee against yellowing (the original product)
- Low weight – around half that of glass
Disadvantages:
- Lower impact strength than polycarbonate – can be more brittle under hard impact
- The surface is more prone to scratching than glass (unless coated)
- Higher price than ordinary acrylic
Types of PLEXIGLASS® and their uses
Clear PLEXIGLASS®
Clear PLEXIGLASS® offers maximum light transmission (92%) and is used in particular for panes, glazed sections, windows, windbreaks and displays. It is the most widely used variant and is typically supplied in thicknesses from 2 mm to 25 mm.
Opal PLEXIGLASS®
Opal PLEXIGLASS® gives diffused light without strong glare. It is often used for light diffusion, room dividers, luminaires and areas where a soft light is desired. Available in various opacity levels.
Coloured PLEXIGLASS®
Coloured PLEXIGLASS® is used for design projects, signs, decorative panels and interior elements where both function and aesthetics are important. The colour runs through the full sheet.
See coloured acrylic
Tinted and black PLEXIGLASS®
Tinted and black PLEXIGLASS® gives a darker effect and is often used for solar shading, visual effects and modern design solutions. Tinted reduces both light and heat ingress.
How do you choose the right PLEXIGLASS® sheet?
Use:
- Functional glazing solution (windows, rooflights): clear PLEXIGLASS®
- Light diffusion (luminaires, partitions): opal PLEXIGLASS®
- Design and branding (signs, panels): coloured PLEXIGLASS®
- Solar shading: tinted PLEXIGLASS®
Light and transparency:
- Maximum clarity: clear (92% light transmission)
- Diffused light: opal
- Softened light: tinted or black
Thickness:
- Displays and light projects: 2–4 mm
- Windows and glazed sections: 4–8 mm
- Larger panels and outdoor: 6–10 mm
- Special projects: 10–25 mm
Design and aesthetics:
- Coloured and tinted sheets give creative design options in both homes and businesses
How to fabricate PLEXIGLASS® sheets
Cutting
Use a fine-toothed saw intended for plastic to achieve clean edges. Hold the material securely and use moderate speed to avoid chipping and melting. Leave the protective film in place during fabrication.
Drilling
Use sharp drill bits intended for plastic. Start at low speed to avoid cracks. Always pre-drill holes at least 1.5 x the sheet thickness from the edge.
Forming
PLEXIGLASS® can be heated (around 150–160°C) and formed into curved or custom solutions. Remove the protective film only when fabrication is complete.
Polishing
Cut edges can be polished with a gas torch (flame polishing) or with abrasive paper and polishing paste for a crystal-clear result.
Typical uses of PLEXIGLASS®
PLEXIGLASS® sheets are typically used for:
- Windows, glazed sections and rooflights
- Displays and retail signage
- Protective screens and barriers
- Decorative panels and design solutions
- Solar shading and visual effects
- Aquariums and terrariums (special grades)
- Furniture parts and worktops
PLEXIGLASS® vs acrylic – what is the difference?
Many people use "plexiglass" as a generic term for acrylic, but there is a difference:
- Acrylic (PMMA): the umbrella term for all acrylic sheets
- PLEXIGLASS®: the original trademark from Röhm – documented quality
- Other brands: Perspex, Acrylite, Optix and others
Original PLEXIGLASS® sheets carry a documented 30-year guarantee against yellowing, making them the premium choice when quality and service life are decisive.
Frequently asked questions
Is PLEXIGLASS® the same as acrylic?
Yes and no. PLEXIGLASS® is a branded form of acrylic (PMMA), but not all acrylic is PLEXIGLASS®. PLEXIGLASS® is the original product from Röhm with documented quality and a 30-year guarantee against yellowing. Read more in our acrylic guide.
Can PLEXIGLASS® be used outdoors?
Yes. PLEXIGLASS® is naturally resistant to weather and UV light and can be used both indoors and outdoors without yellowing. This is one of PLEXIGLASS®'s greatest advantages.
Can I cut PLEXIGLASS® sheets myself?
Yes. PLEXIGLASS® can be cut, drilled and formed with ordinary plastic tools, when done with the right technique and tools. We also offer cut-to-size, where we cut the sheets exactly to your measurements.
How long does PLEXIGLASS® last?
Original PLEXIGLASS® carries a 30-year guarantee against yellowing – considerably more than most other transparent materials. With correct care it often lasts longer.
What is the difference between cast and extruded PLEXIGLASS®?
Cast PLEXIGLASS® (GS) has better surface quality and is easier to thermoform – typically used for quality-critical projects. Extruded PLEXIGLASS® (XT) is cheaper and made in continuous sheets – suitable for standard applications such as displays and signs.
Can PLEXIGLASS® be cleaned?
Yes. Use lukewarm water and mild washing-up liquid with a soft microfibre cloth. Avoid scouring pads, ammonia, acetone and petrol, which can attack the surface.
See our range of PLEXIGLASS®
See all original PLEXIGLASS® sheets here
See ordinary acrylic
See coloured acrylic
See polycarbonate (the impact-resistant alternative)
Unsure which PLEXIGLASS® sheet to choose? We are happy to advise – call +44 1408 910380 or write to sales@hm-plastic-shop.co.uk.
