Plexiglass
Plexiglas plastic styrene glass – a clear alternative to traditional glass
Plexiglas, sometimes mispelt as Plexiglass and also known as acrylic plastic glass, is a popular alternative to traditional glass in picture framing and many other applications. Plastic styrene glass and Plexiglas are valued for their crystal-clear transparency, shatter-resistance, and lightweight properties, making them safer and easier to handle than real glass.
Plexiglass is a type of acrylic, technically known as polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). The terms Plexiglass, Plexiglas, acrylic, and PMMA are often used interchangeably, which can cause confusion. In reality, Plexiglas is simply a brand name for acrylic, so there is no material difference between Plexiglass and acrylic.
One of the key benefits of using plastic styrene glass or Plexiglas in framing is how easy it is to cut to size. To cut by hand, simply score and snap. We recommend using a heavy-duty scoring tool, then applying pressure with the acrylic jaw head on nipping pliers for a clean break. Alternatively, you can score deeply with a knife, specialist scoring tool, or wall cutter. Place the sheet with the scored line facing up, just over the edge of your workbench, and press down firmly for a smooth snap.
For an even cleaner cut, the Fletcher wall cutter features a unique built-in breaker system, allowing you to snap Plexiglas and plastic styrene glass without moving it to a bench – delivering a precise, professional finish every time.