At KeenARTMedia, we proudly use top quality plexiglass, by a manufacturer who also supplies acrylic for automobiles and airplanes. This article explains what plexiglass is, how it differs from regular glass, and the different styles available.

See our Acrylic Sheets service page to order now.

SUMMARY

WHAT IS PLEXIGLASS?	PLEXIGLASS VS. GLASS	GLAZING TYPES	SIZES
A synthetic polymer often used instead of glass. Its chemical name is "methyl methacrylate."	Plexiglass is lighter than glass, requires less energy to produce, and is generally clearer.	We offer three types of plexiglass: regular, non-glare, and UV filtering.	Our plexiglass is available in custom sizes up to 60" x 40", and can be ordered with a frame or alone.

Plexiglass plastic is used as an alternative to polycarbonate, which is much stronger, and contains chemicals that are potentially harmful. Plexiglass is still very strong, however, and in addition to glazing for artwork, is also used for aquariums, viewing ports in submarines, lenses, and some vehicles. Though it is more likely to scratch than other, stronger plastics, plexiglass can be treated to provide high scratch and shatter resistance.

High quality plexiglass, however, is comparable - and arguably even surpasses - silicate glass in art display.

There are a number of material differences between acrylic and real glass:

1. Glass can weigh up to twice as much as acrylic.
   This can be dangerous for moving large artwork, especially given the danger if it is dropped. Additionally, larger picture frames can actually bow under the weight of a glass cover. Using acrylic eliminates this risk.

Plexi Thickness		Weight
Inch	Millimeter	Ib
1/16"(.060")	1.5	0.37 / sqft
1/8"(.118")	3	0.70 / sqft

2. Acrylic glass can handle a stronger impact than real glass.
   While glass will shatter, acrylic will usually just crack. If it does break, it tends to be into large pieces with blunted edges.
3. Acrylic reflects less light than glass, meaning more will go through and illuminate your artwork.
   Generally, glass allows in about 80% of light, while acrylic lets in 90-92%, thereby affording a better view of the art.
4. Acrylic tends to have a clearer transparency than glass, which can give a green or orange tint to the artwork behind it.
   This will give your artwork a color truer to its uncovered appearance, when viewing.
5. Acrylic takes less energy than glass to produce and transport.
   This makes acrylic an environmentally sound choice. Acrylite, which is used at KeenART Media, is easily recycled and made from up to 75% recycled material.
6. Though less breakable, acrylic can be scratched more easily than glass.
   Acrylic covers should always be wiped with a soft cloth (not paper_towel). If a damp cloth is required, they must be sprayed with plastic cleaner as opposed to glass cleaner. Unlike glass, however, acrylic is usually sold with a protective paper or plastic cover, so it is perfectly clean when unwrapped, unlike glass which tends to get quite dirty in storage.

Acrylite acrylic glass is guaranteed defect-free so the art is all you see. All types are 3mm (1/8") thick and come coated in brown paper to protect during shipment.

REGULAR ACRYLIC

NON-GLARE ACRYLIC

UV FILTERING NON-GLARE ACRYLIC

Non-glare acrylic, almost identical, but no glare

Each glazing type is priced slightly differently. You can use our Acrylic Sheet to determine the exact price of your required size, and to order your plexiglass. For comparison, these are the prices for a 12" square sheet:

• Regular Plexiglass: $16.4
• Non-Glare Plexiglass: $23.00
• UV Filtering Non-Glare: $28.00

If you would like to order plexiglass only for an existing frame or another purpose, we are happy to supply this as well. If you have a frame at home, be sure to measure it carefully, as it is very difficult to trim off excess plexiglass once the size is cut.

You will want to measure from the inside of the frame, behind the lip. This size should be approximately the frame size noted on the frame, but it is important to measure just to make sure. Alternately, if you are replacing an existing piece of plastic or glass, you may simply measure this piece.

A division of USAOnCanvas.com Houston prints on canvas - Gallery Picture Frames SanAntonio Laser Engraving & Cutting Services