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Acrylic Sheet

Tips for Using Acrylic Mirror Sheets

GOLD MIRRORED ACRYLIC SHEETSAn acrylic mirror sheet is a piece of plastic that has been treated to have the same reflective properties as a traditional glass mirror. The surface of the sheet consists of thousands of tiny, mirrored facets, which give it its highly reflective appearance.

Acrylic mirror sheets are typically thinner and lighter than glass mirrors, making them easier to work with and install. Additionally, many people prefer acrylic mirrors for their more modern appearance.

Below we list some helpful tips on how to use, cut, and clean acrylic mirror sheets for your various applications.

How to Use Acrylic Sheets

When working with an acrylic mirror sheet, it is important to take the necessary precautions to ensure a safe and effective installation.

  • Always wear appropriate safety equipment, such as gloves, safety glasses, and protective clothing, when handling an acrylic mirror sheet.
  • Choose an acrylic mirror sheet that is the right size and shape for your application. Acrylic mirror sheets are available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and thicknesses, so be sure to choose one that will work well with your intended use.
  • Acrylic mirror sheets can be glued, screwed, or bolted into place. Be sure to use the appropriate adhesive, screw, or bolt for your particular application.
  • Acrylic mirror sheets can be used for various purposes, such as for interior design and home décor, in commercial and retail settings, as safety mirrors for children and other basic wall-mounted unbreakable mirrors, as well as outdoors for signage.
  • Acrylic mirrors do not distort images as much as traditional glass mirrors, but they can still produce some distortions. For this reason, it’s important to choose an acrylic mirror sheet that has been optical quality tested to ensure it meets your requirements.
  • Always store acrylic mirror sheets in a cool, dry place when not in use. Exposure to high temperatures or moisture can cause the material to warp or become brittle over time, which can affect its performance and appearance.

How to Cut Acrylic Mirrors Sheets

Acrylic mirror sheets can be cut with a variety of common hand and power tools, including saws, routers, and grinders. However, due to the brittle nature of the material, it’s important to exercise caution. When cutting an acrylic mirror sheet, always take extra care to avoid sharp edges or rough surfaces.

Always wear protective gear, and make sure to use high-quality blades when cutting. Use a sharp, clean blade to avoid chipping or cracking the mirror surface.

How to Clean Acrylic Mirror Sheets

Acrylic mirror sheets can be easily damaged by harsh chemicals or cleaners, so be sure to use appropriate cleaning products and take care when wiping away dirt or dust. Acrylic mirror sheets can be cleaned with a soft, dry cloth. If necessary, you can use a mild soap or detergent to remove stubborn dirt or grime.

When cleaning an acrylic mirror sheet, always take care to avoid sharp edges or rough surfaces. Use a soft, clean cloth to avoid scratching the mirror surface.

Contact a High-End Acrylic Mirror Sheet Distributor in Toronto

Whether you need a high-performance mirror for an outdoor application or a decorative mirror for your home, acrylic mirror sheets are an excellent choice. With so many advantages, it’s no wonder that acrylic mirror sheet is one of the most popular choices for mirrors today.

As one of the leading acrylic sheet distributors in Toronto, Canada Plastics & Belting, Inc. has a wide range of products available in an assortment of colors and textures that can be custom-tailored to your project specifications. Contact us today to learn more.

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Acrylic Sheet

The Ultimate Guide to Acrylic Mirror Sheets

SILVER MIRRORED ACRYLIC SHEETSMade of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), also known as acrylic, acrylic mirror sheets have many uses in a wide range of industries. This type of plastic is highly durable and offers excellent resistance to weathering, moisture, heat, and UV radiation. In addition, acrylic mirror sheets are lightweight and easy to work with, making them ideal for a variety of applications.

Thinking about using this material for your project? Here’s everything you need to know about acrylic mirror sheets.

How Are Acrylic Mirror Sheets Made?

Acrylic mirror sheets are created through a process known as extrusion. This involves mixing acrylic resin with a variety of additives to achieve the desired properties of the finished material. The mixture is heated and then pushed through a die, which gives it its final shape and creates a mirrored surface.

Acrylic mirror sheets can also be produced by laminating acrylic with a reflective film, although this process is less common.

What Are the Different Kinds of Acrylic Mirror Sheets?

There are several different types of acrylic mirror sheets available, each with unique characteristics that make them better suited for certain applications.

  • Acrylic mirror panels: These are flat pieces of acrylic that can be used to create a wide variety of reflective surfaces.
  • Acrylic convex mirrors: These are curved mirror sheets that are often used in retail settings to create a sense of depth and increase security.
  • Acrylic safety mirrors: These are designed to shatter upon impact, making them ideal for use in high-traffic areas where safety is a concern.

What Are the Advantages of Acrylic Mirror Sheets?

There are many advantages to using acrylic mirror sheets instead of traditional glass mirrors. Acrylic is a much lighter material than glass, making it easier to work with and install.

Additionally, acrylic is shatter-resistant, making it a safer option for use in high-traffic areas. Acrylic mirror sheets also have excellent resistance to weathering and UV radiation, making them ideal for use in outdoor applications.

Where Can Acrylic Mirror Sheets be Used?

Acrylic mirror sheets can be used in a variety of settings, both indoors and outdoors. Some common uses for acrylic mirror sheets include:

  • Interior design and home décor: Acrylic mirror sheets are a popular choice for use in home decor, as they can add a modern, high-end aesthetic to any space. They are often used for accent walls, tabletops, and other architectural features.
  • Commercial and retail settings: Acrylic mirror sheets are widely used in commercial and retail settings due to their unique reflective properties and shatter-resistant design. Acrylic mirror sheets with 2 mm or 3 mm thicknesses may be utilized in a wide range of settings, including ballet rooms, safety mirrors for children, salon mirrors, and other basic wall-mounted unbreakable mirrors.
  • Outdoor applications: Acrylic mirror sheets are commonly used in outdoor applications, as they have excellent resistance to moisture, heat, and UV radiation. They can be used for signage, decorative accents, or other architectural features that are exposed to the elements.

Contact the Best Distributors of Acrylic Mirror Sheets in Toronto

If you are looking for a reliable distributor of acrylic mirror sheets in Toronto, look no further than Canada Plastics & Belting, Inc. Our team is committed to providing our customers with the highest quality products at the most competitive prices. We offer a wide range of acrylic mirror sheets in different sizes, shapes, and thicknesses, so you can find exactly what you need for your project. Contact us to learn more about our products and services or speak with a member of our team today. We look forward to working with you!

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How to Remove Scratches from Plexiglass Acrylic Sheet

Plexiglass Acrylic Sheets Despite boasting a durable and scratch-resistant surface, acrylic Plexiglass sheets aren’t completely impervious to some damages. Plexiglass is typically used as a replacement for glass in countless architectural, automotive, and industrial applications. Not only is it 250 times stronger than glass, but it’s also incredibly heat resistant and can withstand a variety of environmental conditions. Unfortunately, as strong of a material as it is, even acrylic Plexiglass does have its limits and it can get scratched if a certain amount of pressure or heavy contact is applied.

Luckily, there are ways to remove scratches from acrylic sheets and make them look brand new again.

How to Get Rid of Minor Acrylic Sheet Scratches

Minor acrylic sheet scratches are superficial surface damages that don’t necessarily negatively impact the performance of the Plexiglass. However, they do tarnish the aesthetic appearance of your display or structure. Even the smallest scratch or abrasion can get worse over time if it’s neglected for too long while still exposed to the same environmental conditions that caused it in the first place. Acrylic sheet distributors recommend that you follow these steps to effectively remove minor scratches.

  • Use a soft dampened microfiber cloth to carefully clean the surface.
  • Soak a piece of 800-grit sandpaper in warm water and wipe the marked surface in a gentle circular motion. Then use a dry piece of the same sandpaper to go over the area again. Alternate between these two actions for a few minutes. It will start to look like you’re scratching the surface more, but this is normal.
  • Next, use 1200-grit dry sandpaper to remove all of the scratches. This process should effectively remove light or minor surface scratches.

Moderate Scratches

To determine the depth of the scratch, try running your index finger across the mark. Moderately deep scratches can be removed or repaired using a slightly modified version of the abovementioned technique.

Simply switch out the 800-grit sandpaper for 600-grit sandpaper and soak it in warm water and then follow the exact same procedure that you would for light scratches.

Removing Deep Acrylic Sheet Scratches

If you’re able to fit most of your fingertip inside the scratch, then this indicates that the scratch is a lot deeper than it looks. Repairing deep scratches is a bit more of a complex process and requires having access to a heat gun. Plugin the heat gun and set it to the lowest temperature setting to avoid overheating or melting the acrylic.

Start by following the same acrylic sheet scratch removal technique for moderate-depth scratches. Once you’ve done that, hold the heat gun a few inches away from the scratched surface and move it back and forth a few times until the acrylic is soft enough to slightly liquefy and fill the gaps created by the scratches.

Quickly move the heat gun away from the surface of the acrylic Plexiglass to prevent it from overheating and blistering.

Acrylic Sheet Distributors in Toronto

If you need further assistance repairing damaged acrylic Plexiglass sheets or would like to replace them altogether, then Canada Plastics & Belting Inc. can help. As one of the leading acrylic sheet distributors in Toronto, we have a wide range of products available in an assortment of colors and textures that can be custom-tailored to your project specifications. Contact us today to learn more.

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9 Applications of Acrylic Sheets

Considering it’s one of the most versatile and durable materials in the world, there are countless uses of acrylic sheets. Acrylic sheet suppliers and distributors provide their materials to various industrial and commercial businesses that manufacture many different types of structures and products.

Since clear acrylic weighs half as much as standard glass and has 17 times its durability and ability to withstand damages, the industrial and commercial applications of acrylic sheets are incredibly expansive. Acrylic is also a fraction of the cost of glass and much lighter and easier to transport, which makes it the material of choice for a number of different structural projects and everyday products.

Here are some of the most common uses of acrylic sheets today.

Home Improvement and Decor Projects

If you consider yourself a DIY guru that loves to save money without compromising material and project quality, then acrylic is the ideal material for you. Acrylic can be used for a number of applications and projects around the house including:

  • Window cabinets in the kitchen and bathroom
  • Kitchen and bathroom backsplashes
  • Glass windowpane replacements
  • Picture frames
  • Wall-mounted shelving units
  • Furniture including coffee tables, end tables, and bed frames

Acrylic is extremely easy to carry, install, and handle. This makes it the perfect material for DIY novices and experts. Acrylic sheets are also incredibly lightweight and flexible. That means you can carry them and cut them down to size without the assistance of another person.

By contrast, glass sheets are extremely heavy and fragile and require several people just to lift them. This makes DIY home improvement and decor projects nearly impossible to complete on your own.

Acrylic is a type of engineering thermoplastic that can easily be molded into virtually any shape or design according to your stylistic preferences. It also comes in a variety of colors and transparency levels with various light transmittance percentage values. Acrylic sheets can be completely clear, frosted, semi-opaque, or opaque.

Acrylic Sheets for Greenhouses

If you love gardening, you know that greenhouses provide a huge advantage for your outdoor plants. Whether you want to grow a vegetable garden, fruit, or a variety of plants, greenhouses offer maximum protection and optimal growing conditions for a wide range of greenery to help you meet your horticultural objectives.

Clear acrylic sheets provide optimal light transmittance and UV protection so your plants will always get enough sunlight without being overexposed to ultraviolet radiation. Different shading or transparency options also allow you to control the temperature inside the greenhouse throughout the growing season.

Acrylic Cabinet Doors and Windows

To further expand on the notion of using acrylic sheets for home renovations or decor projects, acrylic is an affordable replacement option for glass cabinets and windows. Acrylic is also far more durable and scratch-resistant than glass. It’s also easier to clean and maintain. Purchasing new glass for your cabinets and windows can run you thousands of dollars, especially if it’s a whole-house project.

Acrylic comes at a fraction of the cost and it lasts a lot longer than glass, which means you get more value for your dollar out of it. Additionally, acrylic is also available in many different colors, shades, textures, and transparency levels so it can be customized according to your stylistic and privacy requirements. Its lightweight nature also means you don’t have to worry about damaging it if you accidentally shut the windows or cabinet doors too roughly.

Plastic Swimming Pool Windows

Swimming pool windows are another popular use or application for acrylic sheets. Public and private pools can both benefit equally from installing acrylic windows instead of glass. Acrylic sheets are far more flexible, durable, and capable of handling high-pressure conditions than glass. This includes swimmers constantly bumping up against the sides of the pool and acrylic paneling.

Glass, on the other hand, can only handle so much pressure before it cracks or shatters, and this poses a potentially serious hazard to swimmers. Hence, acrylic panels are the perfect combination of form and functionality while also enhancing safety standards.

Fiber Optic Cabling

The glass was traditionally used as a protective barrier for the tips of fiber optic cables and wires. It was used due to its transparency and ability to transmit light. But glass has a lot of limitations.

For one thing, glass is extremely fragile and rigid, which means it can’t be bent or maneuvered, and it needs to be handled carefully. Acrylic provides the necessary level of flexibility to move with ease while still allowing for the necessary amount of light transmittance to make the wiring functional.

Acrylic as a Glass Replacement

Given its cost-saving, practical, and aesthetic attributes, acrylic is quickly becoming a common replacement for glass across various industrial and commercial applications. From skylights in shopping malls and residential structures to commercial display cases and storefront windows, there’s a massive surge of acrylic applications currently taking place.

Acrylic sheet suppliers are able to offer their clients a variety of stylistic and structural options including frosted, clear, and colored aesthetics. Customized acrylic sheets or panels can also be used for sneeze guards in restaurants and to encourage physical distancing inside retail stores. They can be attached to existing structures or installed as freestanding safeguards. The great thing about acrylic plastic sheets is that they share the same attributes as glass without all of the downfalls like fragility, heavyweight, and high cost.

Sporting Equipment

As mentioned, acrylic plastic is incredibly versatile to the point that it has many different applications that you probably never even considered before. Countless types of sporting equipment including the soles of running shoes, bike helmets, tennis racket handles, and even the baseboards in hockey arenas are all made of acrylic. That’s because acrylic plastic sheets are durable enough to withstand the immense pressure of contact with a puck that travels 100mph and body-checking.

The exhibit, Trade Show, and Convention Displays

If you’ve ever walked through a museum or made the rounds at a trade show or convention, then you’ve most likely encountered many plexiglass or acrylic plastic displays without even noticing or thinking about it. Most vendors prefer acrylic over glass for these events because it is lightweight and durable structure allows for easy setup and tear-down. Plus, acrylic sheets can be custom-designed and fitted according to the aesthetic of the event.

Custom Acrylic Sheet Distributors in Canada

Canada Plastics & Belting Inc. are frosted, sign white, and colored acrylic sheet distributors and suppliers in Toronto and the GTA. We have a wide selection of templates and customizable acrylic sheets that are suitable for numerous applications and fit your budget.

Contact us today to learn more or visit our showroom.

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How to Handle and Maintain Acrylic Sheets

Acrylic is one of the most versatile building materials in the world. It can be used for a wide range of applications across numerous industries, but its main purpose is to act as a more affordable and durable replacement for glass. Hence, acrylic has many of the same properties of glass including appearance and transparency options. The main exception is that acrylic is virtually unbreakable, can last a very long time, and is easier to maintain.

With that said, acrylic sheet cleaning and handling are crucial to extending the lifecycle, functionality, and appearance of your structure. Here are some useful acrylic care and maintenance tips you should follow.

Storage

Acrylic sheets can withstand almost anything including harsh weather conditions, extreme temperatures, and rough usage. However, how you store them matters. Long-term storage should entail placing the sheets in an upright position leaning against a wall or other structure at about a 10-degree angle. This will prevent the sheets from warping over time. Horizontal stacking can be employed if vertical stacking isn’t possible. Just be sure to stack larger sheets at the bottom and smaller sheets at the top to prevent cracking and dirt penetration.

Protective Layers

When acrylic sheets rub up against one another repeatedly, this can result in superficial scratches and marks. To prevent this from happening during the transportation and shipping process, acrylic sheet distributors cover their products with a latex paper or polyethylene protective coating.

Washing

Washing acrylic sheets using common household products is easy. All you need is soft microfiber cloth, tepid water, and mild dishwashing soap. Rinse the cloth in the water and dishwashing soap mixture, ring it out, and gently blot the acrylic sheet with it. Use a dry soft cloth or paper towel to dry the sheet in a gentle circular motion. For tough grease and oil stains, you can use solvents like kerosene, hexane, or aliphatic naphtha.

Avoid using harsh chemicals that are found in standard kitchen and bathroom cleaners as this can strip the protective coating off.

Dusting

Use a soft damp cloth or modern fake feather duster when dusting acrylic sheets. Dust as often as needed. Avoid using a dry abrasive cloth as this will scratch the surface and create an electrostatic charge that results in attracting more dirt and dust.

Neutralizing Static Electricity

Sometimes, the shipping process can result in an electrostatic charge due to the movement of the vehicle. Companies use ionizing air guns to temporarily disable or neutralize electrostatic charges.

Removing Scratches

Polishing acrylic sheets by hand is by far the most effective way to remove hairline scratches. You can use a scratch remover in the form of a soft flannel pad. Rub the plastic remover along where the scratch is in a gentle circular motion without applying too much pressure. Wipe off all the residue and then polish the acrylic sheet.

Acrylic Sheet Distributors in Toronto

Canada Plastics & Belting Inc. is one of the most renowned acrylic sheet distributors across Toronto and the GTA. Our products are used for a wide range of applications. Feel free to contact us if you’d like to learn more about how to handle and care for acrylic sheets or to place an order.

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Types and Uses of Acrylic Plastic Sheets

plexiglass-acrylic-sheets-uses-benefits-canada-plasticsAcrylic plastic is an incredibly lightweight, durable, and versatile material that comes in many different configurations and colour options. Serving as a great alternative for glass, usage of acrylic plastic sheets can be seen across a variety of indoor and outdoor residential, commercial, and industrial applications. It also comes in a wide range of transparent and opaque colour options and designs to match the aesthetic of your structure. 

What Are the Different Types of Acrylic Plastic Sheets? 

Acrylic plastic sheets come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. They can be customized to meet the requirements of virtually any project. Visual component options include clear, opaque, and mirrored. All of these options are available in a large assortment of standard or customized colours and tints. Acrylic sheet suppliers offer two main types of the material:

  • Cast

  • Extruded

Cast acrylic is formed by combining liquid polymers and synthetic materials and pouring them into a glass mould. As the name suggests, cast acrylic results in a more durable and consistent shell-like product. It’s also more scratch, chemical, flexible, and abrasion resistant and lightweight than extruded acrylic. But these qualities along with the production process also make it a lot more labour intensive and expensive to make. 

Extruded acrylic is made by continuously heating acrylic monomers and then passing them through barrels, causing a chemical reaction. This process typically results in uneven or dissimilar looking extruded acrylic sheets. 

What Are the Different Acrylic Plastic Uses?

Acrylic plastic is made of a polymer, which is designed to withstand exposure to all kinds of harsh environmental elements. This makes it the perfect material for indoor and outdoor applications, such as:

  • Protecting furniture.

    Back in the day, acrylic plastic sheets were often used to protect high-end furniture from dirt and stains. It may have been a bit of an eyesore and uncomfortable to sit on—especially if you were wearing shorts—but it was definitely effective at protecting furniture, especially fancy sofas and nice chairs, from getting dirty!

  • Coloured backsplashes.

    Traditionally, tiles were used as kitchen and bathroom backsplashes, but they take a lot of work to install. Acrylic backsplashes can easily be installed in half the time and there’s no grouting required. 

  • To replace glass in various projects.

    Acrylic sheets are 250 times more durable than glass and about 50% more lightweight. As a result, they can replace glass in almost any application including backyard doors, windows, and even skylights. 

  • Wall shelves.

    Acrylic is far more cost-effective and easier to transport, install, and maintain compared to glass. That’s why it’s quickly replacing glass as a transparent option for wall-mounted shelving units. 

  • Picture frames.

    Due to its lightweight and durable nature, acrylic is also a lot easier to transport and manipulate or customize than glass and it also doesn’t break as easily. For that reason, acrylic is quickly becoming the preferable material of choice to replace glass covers in picture frames. 

  • Mirrored furniture.

    Mirrored furniture is quickly making a comeback. But that doesn’t mean you have to pay high prices to get it. Acrylic plastic sheets are being used as a reflective, smooth, and shiny alternative to glass, which means you can get mirrored furniture at a much more affordable price now than in the past.

Acrylic Plastic Sheet Suppliers in Toronto

Canada Plastics & Belting Inc. is one of the leading suppliers of a variety of acrylic plastic sheets that have a multitude of variations, customization options, and uses. If you have a specific use or project in mind, simply let us know and we can recommend the right acrylic material configuration and colour combination based on your specifications. Contact us to learn about our expansive product line or feel free to visit our showroom in Scarborough! 

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10 Frequently Asked Questions about Acrylic Sheets

Acrylic sheets are some of the most commonly used plastic materials used in commercial, industrial, and residential construction projects. Often used as a strong replacement for glass, acrylic sheets can be transparent or opaque and they come in a variety of custom colours to match the aesthetic of the structure to which they’re being applied. They work as a solid alternative to glass—which is heavy, expensive, and extremely fragile.

Contrary to glass, acrylic sheets are completely lightweight, affordable, and versatile. They can be cut, resized, or reshaped on the spot to fit specific structural parameters and dimensions whereas glass would need to be transported back and forth on and off the jobsite to make modifications. Naturally, people have a lot of questions for acrylic sheet suppliers in terms of how well their products work, cost, and whether they hold up for long periods of time. We have the answers.

1. What Is Acrylic Used for?

Applications for acrylic sheets can vary from home improvement to sporting equipment, aquariums, military technology, sculptures, fluorescent light fixtures, and so much more. Acrylic sheets are so durable and versatile that they serve a multitude of purposes depending on the specific application in question. When it comes to construction, for instance, acrylic sheets can replace glass windows and skylights. They’re easier and more lightweight to transport and install. Plus, acrylic sheets are not fragile like glass and won’t shatter if dropped. They’re completely scratch-, corrosion-, and UV-resistant.

2. Are Acrylic Sheets Expensive?

Technically, acrylic sheets have a higher upfront cost than traditional glass sheets would. But, it’s still a worthwhile alternative for a number of reasons. As mentioned, acrylic is lightweight, durable, and a lot easier to install than glass. Acrylic and glass also share a lot of similar qualities in the sense that they’re both transparent and they both let in a lot of natural lighting. The reason acrylic costs more is because it’s a lot stronger and more weather-, scratch-, and impact-resistant than glass. Plus, acrylic is likely to last longer than glass and can endure exposure to all kinds of weather and environmental elements without showing signs of degradation, so you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.

3. Is Acrylic Plexiglas Durable?

Yes, acrylic Plexiglas is incredibly durable, especially compared to glass. It’s also about 50% lighter in weight than glass, which is another reason why it’s the more preferable choice for various applications. Acrylic Plexiglas can be manufactured using a cast or extruded method (free-form). Either way, it’s incredibly durable and the chemical compounds (polymethyl methacrylate) used in the manufacturing process make it shatterproof as well as temperature-, weather-, and impact-resistant. Even if it does sustain damages or breaks, unlike glass, acrylic Plexiglas pieces would have dull edges, and this minimizes the risk of injury. This is an important safety feature that makes acrylic the perfect material for a variety of applications that require human contact and use.

4. What’s the Difference between Acrylic and Plastic?

Contrary to what a lot of people think, acrylic isn’t an alternative to plastic. Actually, it’s a type of plastic material. The main difference is that acrylic is an industrial-grade thermoplastic that’s typically formulated for applications that require the utmost durability, temperature, and impact-resistance. For instance, if you’ve ever watched a hockey game and you see the players body-checking one another into the baseboards, then you’ve seen acrylic plastic in action. The baseboards, which are made of acrylic sheets, are designed to be able to take a hit without cracking in freezing conditions.

5. Is Acrylic Better Than Glass?

Acrylic is the superior alternative material to glass for a number of reasons. As mentioned, acrylic is more durable while weighing half as much as its glass counterparts. This makes for seamless transportation and installation. Accidents and human errors can happen on construction sites. While they’re not ideal occurrences, having versatile materials on hand makes it a lot easier to fix mistakes. If glass gets damaged, it needs to be replaced and this can cause a lot of delays in an industry where time is money. Acrylic is a lot less likely to get damaged. Even if damages do occur, acrylic can be cut down to size and reshaped onsite to make it more suitable for the project.

6. Is Acrylic Stronger Than Plastic?

Acrylic is a type of plastic. In fact, it’s one of the most uniquely durable and versatile types of plastic material currently on the market, which is why it’s used for such a wide range of applications.

7. Is Acrylic Plastic Toxic?

While the final product itself isn’t toxic for human contact and use, the manufacturing process of acrylic plastic can admittedly be harmful to the environment and workers in the facility. Factory workers must wear protective gear to avoid coming into direct contact with acrylic plastic in its liquid form as it can release toxic fumes into the atmosphere. Still, this is nothing compared to the very toxic fumes released by other similar commercial and industrial building materials. Compared to other materials on the market, acrylic actually has a relatively low fume output and in its final form, it’s classified as a non-hazardous material by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).

8. Does Acrylic Get Discoloured After Too Much Sun Exposure?

Discolouration isn’t a concern for acrylic plastic because it’s formulated to withstand extensive sun and UV ray exposure. Acrylic plastic is derived from natural gasses, which makes it UV-resistant. This quality is the main reason why acrylic plastic is typically used for skylights, greenhouses, shed windows, and any other structures that need to sustain long-term sun exposure.

9. Is Clear Acrylic Weather-Resistant?

Clear acrylic sheets are incredibly weather-resistant. Like their colour counterparts, there’s absolutely no risk of discolouration due to extensive sun and UV ray exposure. These panels have a general lifespan of about 10+ years and can withstand all kinds of weather conditions including snow storms, heavy rain, strong winds, hail, and more.

10. How Many Different Types of Acrylic Sheets Are There?

There are three types of acrylic sheets currently available on the market:

  • Extruded acrylic sheets
  • Cell cast acrylic sheets
  • Continuous cast acrylic sheets

Acrylic Sheet Distributors in Toronto and the GTA

Canada Plastics & Belting Inc. is one of the leading white acrylic sheet distributors and coloured acrylic sheet suppliers in the GTA. Our stockroom is full of a wide assortment of transparent and opaque acrylic plastic sheets that are suitable for a variety of applications. Contact us today to learn more.

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Why Acrylic Is Better Than Glass: 4 Ways to Use Acrylic Sheets at Home

plexiglass-acrylic-sheets-uses-benefits-canada-plasticsAcrylic sheets are a cost-effective and lightweight alternative to glass in the construction industry. While acrylic plastic sheets are commonly used in commercial construction, they’re quickly becoming a more popular choice for residential new builds as well. Not only is acrylic cheaper and easier to produce than glass, but it’s also easier and lighter to transport from the manufacturing plant to the jobsite. Plus, acrylic plastic sheets are also 17 times more durable than glass and offer enough flexibility to be moulded and shaped to fit into any structural design and size.

Acrylic sheets can also be cut down to any size. It’s the ideal material for DIY at home remodelling or reconstruction projects because it works well with common consumer-grade tools and products. Since acrylic sheets come in a variety of colour options and shades, it can match any home décor aesthetic. For a simple, clean, and seamless look, you can also choose white or clear acrylic sheets. As long as you work with a reputable acrylic sheet supplier in the GTA, you’re guaranteed to get a top-quality product.

Why Is Acrylic Better Than Glass?

There are a lot of reasons that acrylic plastic is superior to the conventional glass that’s used in residential construction projects. Glass is far more fragile and a lot harder to work with, meaning it’s more likely to break or get damaged during the transportation and installation process. All it takes is one misstep or accidentally mishandling and glass can crack or shatter on the spot.

Thermal acrylic plastic, on the other hand, is extremely durable and insusceptible to breakage. When you work with the right acrylic sheet distributors, you have the option of choosing from a wide range of colour options that are perfectly suited to match your preferred aesthetic. Unlike glass, acrylic is also incredibly versatile and can be used for a number of applications throughout your home.

Ways to Use Acrylic Sheets at Home

Whether you need to update a few original fixtures or simply want to revamp your living space, you can use acrylic sheets for a number of different projects to make your space feel new again. Here are a few examples of how you can incorporate white or coloured acrylic sheets into your home’s aesthetic.

Acrylic Windowpanes

Living near a golf course, baseball diamond, tennis court, or park where kids can play certainly has the potential to increase your home’s property value. It’s especially ideal if you’re an avid golfer or love to play other sports. The only downside is that, if you live close enough, you might have to deal with a broken window every once in a while due to a fly ball or other projectile objects. Traditional glass windows simply can’t withstand the impact of a runaway ball and the cost of frequent replacements can really add up.

You shouldn’t have to move out of a home and neighbourhood you love because of a few broken windows, however. There’s a better and more cost-effective solution: replace all of the glass windows in your home with thermal acrylic plastic. Acrylic has the flexibility and durability to withstand all kinds of heavy impact, whether it’s from a rogue sports ball or even a bird flying into your window (which also happens from time to time).

For the best results, be sure to work with professional clear or white acrylic sheet distributors in your area. Depending on the size of your home and how many windows you have, installation is easy and can be done in as little as 24 hours. You also have the option of ordering frosted acrylic sheets for more privacy in bathrooms and bedrooms without diminishing natural lighting.

Acrylic Kitchen Backsplash

Kitchen tile backsplashes eventually become outdated and need to be replaced. Grout needs to be cleaned regularly and some stains such as tomato sauce or caked-on oil are difficult to get out. Acrylic backsplashes are an affordable and timeless solution. Since acrylic backsplashes come in one large sheet, they’re a lot easier and less time-consuming to install than tile, which comes in pieces that need to be glued on one at a time with expert precision. White, clear, and coloured acrylic sheet suppliers in the GTA deliver the product in one piece. It can then be cut down to size according to the measurements of your kitchen wall.

Plus, acrylic is impervious to oil and food stains. Maintenance is easy. All you have to do is gently wipe it down with a damp microfiber cloth after each use to remove food splatter and smudges. Since there’s no grout to worry about, acrylic sheets provide a seamless, simple, and classic aesthetic that fits in with any kitchen design. Avoid using harsh chemical cleaners as these can damage the material. Dish soap and warm water are sufficient for cleaning acrylic kitchen backsplashes.

Acrylic Cabinet Doors and Windows

If you love the look of accent glass cabinet doors and windows throughout your home, but hate the constant cleaning and maintenance involved to make them look pretty, then acrylic is the way to go. Clear or frosted acrylic cabinet doors and windows give you the same look as glass, but there’s a lot less cleaning and upkeep involved. Plus, acrylic lasts longer and is more durable and lightweight than glass, so it doesn’t need to be replaced as often and it won’t weigh down your cabinets and fixtures as much.

Acrylic Coffee Tables and End Tables

Believe it or not, acrylic is also a great option for furniture and decorative items throughout your home, especially coffee and end tables. It has a timeless sleek and modern design that fits with any home décor and is incredibly easy to maintain. Acrylic plastic can also be used as a decorative furniture cover for high-end sofas, dining tables, and chairs.

Acrylic Sheet Distributors in Ontario

Canada Plastics & Belting Inc. is one of the leading commercial and residential acrylic sheet distributors in Ontario. In addition to supplying clear, white, and coloured acrylic sheets for residential construction and DIY renovations, we also provide acrylic sheet barriers for COVID-19 in public settings. Contact us today to learn more about our vast array of thermal acrylic plastic products and how we’re doing our part to help prevent the spread of COVID-19.