Frequently asked questions

How can I pay for my order?

We accept payment by Visa and MasterCard credit cards, Cash, E transfers, Direct Deposit and Bank Draft.

Can I collect my order from Acrylic Depot?

Yes, of course. At the final stage of the checkout process there is a delivery option labelled “Collection/pickup” which is free. When your order is ready for collection you will receive an email to notify you, which includes our opening times and address.

What happens if my order is damaged when I receive it?

Do you offer refunds?

As most orders are custom made to our customers own specification, we only issue refunds in exceptional circumstances. If a problem does arrise we make every effort to correct the problem and ensure the correct order is delivered to the customer.

What is Acrylite®?

Although commonly referred to as Acrylite, Acrylite® is in fact a manufacturers brand name. Acrylic and Perspex® are one and the same thing. Acrylic or Poly-methyl Methacrylate (PMMA) is produced as sheets, rods and tubes.

Can Acrylic Depot help me with a fabrication project?

Yes we can. Customized, cut-to-size materials can be ordered directly through the website, but if you require further fabrication we can help you with this too.

Our fabrication services include,

CNC routing
Bending
Shaping
Bonding/gluing
Diamond polishing
Flame polishing
Intricate laser cutting

Examples of fabricated products include,

Acrylic display cases
Point of sale
Retail display
Lighting applications
Brochure holders
2D/3D Acrylic lettering
Furniture
Office Interiors

For inquiries regarding any project from prototypes to large production runs, please get in touch to discuss your requirements.

What are polished edges?

When we cut an acrylic sheet to size, the saw blade produces a matte finish on the edges of the panel. We use a technique called diamond polishing to polish the edges to a bright, smooth and glossy finish. Our diamond edge-polishing machine polishes the edge of acrylic by running a rotating, diamond tipped wheel along the edge of the material.

How do I clean acrylic?

Blow or lightly brush away any dust and loose dirt from the surface of the acrylic
Using a mild solution of lukewarm water and washing up liquid clean the surface of more resistant dirt and grime.
Rinse with clean water.
Blot dry with a microfibre cloth to prevent water spotting.

How should I clean acrylic sheet?

Acrylic should not be cleaned using chemical cleaners because they can cause damage to the acrylic. We recommend cleaning acrylic sheet with warm soapy water and a soft cloth. There are various acrylic cleaners and polishers available which we can provide that keep acrylic looking like brand new.

Is it possible to cut acrylic sheet myself ?

Acrylic sheet can be cut using a circular saw, a jigsaw or any type of saw with a fine tooth blade. We recommend laying the acrylic flat on a firm surface, such as a workbench, and clamping it down before cutting. If you are using clamps to hold the material down, we suggest placing wood between the clamps and acrylic sheet to prevent any damage to the surface of the acrylic. Manufacturer safety precautions should always be followed when using any type of saw.

What are the uses of Acrylite?

Acrylite® is used in a vast variety of different ways – it’s chemical properties, wide range of colors and finishes, availability and cost, make it the material of choice in applications and industries ranging from home repairs and general DIY through to construction, furniture design, retail displays, signage, lighting and interior design. In the home it can be used to replace broken greenhouse glass panels, as bathroom/kitchen splashbacks or even to replace broken picture frame glass. In commercial environments acrylic mirrors, acrylic block for retail displays and LED diffusers for lighting are commonly used. We stock and supply all of the Acrylite® product ranges, all of which we can provide cut to size and ready for use.

What is the difference between cast acrylic and extruded acrylic?

Acrylic is manufactured in two versions – cast and extruded. Cast acrylic is made by pouring the hot liquid acrylic ingredients between two sheets of glass which are separated by rubber gaskets – the thickness of the gasket determines the thickness of the acrylic sheet being made. The sealed glass plates are placed into an oven and allowed to heat during which the chemical processes and changes take place. Finally, the sheets are allowed to cool. Extruded acrylic is made by pouring hot liquid acrylic ingredients into a form or die before the acrylic is forced through rollers which leaves the material with an even thickness and finish. Cast acrylic is generally regarded as a better quality material and offers a number of advantages over the extruded variant such as being more resistant to chemicals and solvents, less prone to scratching, easier to machine and fabricate and available in a far wider range of colors and surface finishes i.e. gloss/matte.

Is acrylic suitable for laser cutting and engraving?

Acrylic is an extremely versatile material which provides great results when being laser cut or laser engraved. Both extruded and cast acrylic can be laser cut, however extruded acrylic can be left with a slight burr on the edge of the material after laser cutting whereas cast acrylic is left with an extremely smooth edge. Depending on the power of the laser tube it is possible to cut acrylic up to a thickness of 25mm whilst maintaining a square edge. Clear cast acrylic is normally favored when producing awards and plaques because once engraved it turns a frosty white color which creates a stunning finish. Certain colors do not react very well when laser cut because the pigment or dye in the acrylic reacts poorly to heat, however the edge discoloration can normally be reduced by modifying settings on the laser such as the cutting speed, the volume of air flow and the amount of power being used.