Glass or Acrylic Plastic: How to Choose Which to Use?

One of our most common questions at The Plastic People is: “What’s best for my DIY project, acrylic or glass?” While glass is often chosen for projects like glazing, framing, replacements, and tabletops, acrylic (or Perspex) can offer great benefits worth considering too.Let’s compare the two to help you decide
 
Typically, glass is the go-to material for a wide range of DIY and home renovation projects, such as glazing and framing replacements, and tabletop protectors. Nevertheless, we think you should consider using acrylic (aka. Perspex, Plexiglas, and PMMA). 
 
If you are convinced by our argument today, then make sure to check out our store for the wide range of acrylics we have on offer. You can get an instant quote on any colour and size of an acrylic sheet by clicking here - we are never beaten on price! 

Why choose acrylic?

• Lightweight: At around half the weight of glass, acrylic (Perspex) plastic is a lot easier to move and work with. 

• Cost-Effective: Acrylic is generally less expensive than glass, particularly for thicker sheets. This is hugely advantageous for DIY budget-conscious projects.

• Durability: Acrylic sheets are strong - in fact, they are around 17 times stronger than glass. Acrylic mirrors, too, are more durable than traditional glass ones. 

• Functionality: As acrylic can be cut, drilled, bent, joined and more all at home, it is a better DIY material - especially for those with less experience! 

• Child-safe: Acrylic is shatterproof, which means, if it does break, the plastic will splinter into several large, dull pieces instead of lots of small, sharp shards like glass. Acrylic is also incredibly hygienic and can just be wiped clean. 

• Insulation: When it comes to keeping your home warm, acrylic is a better choice than glass as it has better heat retention capabilities. 

• Impact Resistant: Acrylic is significantly lighter than glass, but also much stronger against impact. This means it’s a great choice for areas where the material might be struck e.g. children’s play areas of display shelves.

Why choose glass?

• Clarity: Making it ideal for applications where undistorted visibility is crucial, like windows, picture frames, and display cases.

• Durable and Heat Resistant: Glass is naturally strong and scratch-resistant. So, it can withstand high temperatures, making it suitable for surfaces with fluctuating heat, like greenhouses or near ovens.

• Weight: Glass is heavy and while this adds stability to structures, it can sometimes make it more challenging to handle and install, especially for larger pieces.

• Cost: Glass can also be more expensive than acrylic, particular for thicker sheets.

Where to use acrylic (Perspex) glass? 

• Glazing: As we have already mentioned, acrylic is a great insulator, that’s why we recommend using this plastic for replacing broken greenhouse glazing panels, as well as for secondary glazing throughout your home. Click here to find out more about how to keep your home warm with secondary glazing. 

• Framing: Acrylic is as clear as glass, which makes it the perfect material for picture frames. As it is more durable, acrylic and Perspex glass both ensure that your artwork or photos are protected! At The Plastic People, we produce made to measure acrylic frames - you can get an instant quote by clicking here. 

• Mirrors: Not many people know that acrylic is available with a mirrored finish too. Acrylic plastic mirrors are suitable for use both indoors and outdoors and, like any other plastic sheet or product, can be cut to any size or shape! We offer bespoke mirror services on our website - click here to find out more. 

• Splashbacks: Giving your kitchen a new lease of life doesn’t have to be expensive. The easiest way to completely remodel your kitchen is with a fitted splashback. Traditionally, consumers may have opted for metal, glass, cork splashbacks or tiles, but Perspex plastic is the cost-effective alternative. With a plastic splashback, installation is easy and grout-free! Available in a rainbow of colours and finishes - including matte and high gloss - you can get an instant quote on perspex splashbacks by clicking here. 

• Table Tops: Protecting your furniture and tabletops from spills, scratches, and other damage has traditionally been done with glass covers, but clear acrylic covers do the job even better! As acrylic is lighter weight and shatterproof, plastic furniture protectors are a lot easier to install than their glass counterparts. Find out by clicking here today. 

• Protective Screens: Over the course of the coronavirus pandemic we have all gotten used to new restrictions such as social distancing and mask-wearing. As the country begins to reopen, the government’s Health and Safety Executive has recommended installing Protective Screens as a physical barrier against the transmission of pathogens. Acrylic is the perfect material for sneeze screens and guards as it is easy to wipe clean and transport. Protective Screens are available in a range of sizes on our website, including cut-outs - find out more today and click here.