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.