The use of acrylic mirrors is an excellent replacement for old glass, as they are lightweight and are not shatterable, which makes them the ideal choice among Australian DIY users. Whether you are doing a bathroom upgrade in Melbourne or developing a garden feature in Perth, it is imperative to know how to deal with acrylic mirror sheet.
Since acrylic is a type of thermoplastic, it cannot be treated the same way as glass in order to have a clean, professional finish without ugly cracks and chips.
Contents
Preparing Your Acrylic Mirror Sheet for Cutting
You need a flat and stable work surface before you start. The most significant one in dealing with an acrylic mirror sheet is to keep the protective film intact when cutting the sheet. In this film, the mirrored backing is not scratched off, and the front surface is not grazed by debris
Essential Tools for the Job
On the majority of home projects, either a fine-tooth saw or a specialized plastic scoring tool is preferable. When working with a power tool like a jigsaw or circular saw, be sure to use a blade that is designed to cut plastics or the material will not melt or get caught.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cutting
These are industry-standard methods that must be adhered to in order to achieve a perfect finish:
The Score and Snap Method
This is the safest way for the thinner sheets (up to 3mm).
- Use a metal ruler as a guide.
- Use your scoring device to score the acrylic mirror sheet a number of times until you have a deep groove (about halfway through the thickness).
- Lay the sheet up on the edge of your workbench and line the score line with the edge.
- Use a quick, even push downwards in order to snap the sheet
Using Power Tools for Thicker Sheets
A table saw or jigsaw is more efficient when a heavier grade of wood is needed in your project.
- Blade Option: A high tooth-count blade is to be used.
- Speed: Keep steady and medium. Going too slowly results in heat buildup (melting), and going too fast results in chatter (cracking).
- Support: This will help to avoid vibration by supporting the sheet on both sides of the cut.
Summary
Learning how to cut an acrylic mirror sheet enables you to easily and safely personalize your house decor. Proper selection of tools and deep scoring before snapping will prevent the agony of cracks in materials.
To achieve the best quality supplies and the selection of the thickness to be used, check https://plasticwarehouse.com.au/ Plastic Warehouse where you will get the ideal acrylic mirror sheet to use in your next Australian renovation project.
