Perspex FAQs

Highly versatile and tough to break, Perspex, also known as Plexiglass, is a popular material for DIYers and professionals alike. Here we’ll answer the most common Perspex questions we receive to help you with your next project.

What is Perspex? And what is the difference between acrylic and Perspex

Perspex acrylic is a premium branded version of acrylic, manufactured to the highest industry standards. Other brand names for acrylic which you might recognise include Plexiglas, Acrylite, and Lucite. All of these are the same material: acrylic sheet made from Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA).

How is Perspex made?

Perspex can be manufactured by either casting or extruding. Both processes involve mixing the raw materials and any additional colourings.

When making cast acrylic Perspex, the materials are mixed together, they poured into a mould and heated. This processed causes the mixed to polymerise. Once cooled, the Perspex can be cut to shape and is ready to use.

For extruded acrylic, the materials are mixed together to make a resin, which is then placed into a machine that melts it down under pressure. The melted resin is then extruded to form a sheet. Once cooled, it can be cut to shape the same as with cast acrylic.

What are the advantages of Perspex?

• Light can get through: Perspex is a fantastic alternative to glass, with 92% light transmissions, technically making it clearer than glass.
• Durability: Perspex is also tougher than glass, minimizing the risk of shattering.
• Lightweight: Perspex is half the weight of glass, meaning it’s easier to handle and install. This also means it’s easy to cut, shape and drill depending on your needs.
• UV Resistance: unlike cheaper plastics, Perspex acrylic resists UV lights, meaning it won’t yellow over time.

What are some common Perspex uses?

The most popular use our customers seem to have for Perspex is as a window alternative. For both outside and in, Perspex can replace glass. This is especially useful for greenhouses with missing panes.

Our Perspex furniture protectors are also useful, providing a protective surface for tables that’s lightweight, tough, and won’t shatter.

Those are the obvious uses though, Perspex, or any acrylic, can be used as protective barriers, for display cases, signage, and even for aquariums. The sky is the limit!

How Do You Cut Perspex?

We recommend you using saw blades and drills designed for acrylic to avoid chipping. For more information we recommend checking out our blog post on how to cut acrylic and how to drill acrylic for further advice and tips.

We also provide Perspex cut to size and shape, meaning you can order exactly what you need from the start and avoid having to do any of the shaping yourself. We can even cut out shapes and drill holes so that when your Perspex arrives you can get right to work with it.

How to clean Perspex?

We have a handy guide on how to clean and polish acrylic, but as a general rule either hot, soapy water or a specialised acrylic cleaner can be used alongside a soft cloth. Avoid harsh or abrasive cleaning products, as these could scratch your acrylic.

Where to buy Perspex sheets?

If you’re looking to purchase Perspex online, either in standardised sheets or cut to a custom size and shape, we can help. We stock a wide range of plastics, including both cast and extruded Perspex sheets, as well as cast acrylic Perspex blocks.

More Questions?

If you’re still not sure, why not check out our Perspex page for more questions and answers there. Or, give our friendly team of experts a call, we’re always happy to help.