Everyone is house-proud, but no matter how much you love your hideaway from the world, over time even the most cared for homes will need a little TLC. DIY projects are a fantastic way to add something new and personal to your rooms without the expense of completely redesigning, or installing costly new furnishings.
In recent years, the use of acrylic sheets for DIY projects has become increasingly popular. From smaller craft projects to major elements in the redesign of kitchens and bathrooms, sheets have a wide range of benefits, making them ideal for projects of all shapes and sizes.
Source: 3Diligent
Contents
What is acrylic?
According to plastic supplier plasticsheetsshop.co.uk, acrylic, also known as plexiglass, is a common alternative to glass and was first produced in 1928. Acrylic is a thermoplastic, meaning that it can be repeatedly heated to its melting point. This makes it easy to melt down and reuse – ideal for recycling.
Known for being inexpensive, strong and versatile, it is an ideal material for many different types of project:
Benefits over glass
While the first choice for many projects might be glass, it can be very frustrating to work with. Not only is it heavy and impractical for use on larger projects, but it is also prone to shattering. Small chips and marks could very easily undermine the aesthetic effect, requiring costly replacements. In contrast, it is not only cheaper but also equally as strong as glass and shatter-resistant said cutmyplastic.co.uk.
Source: arte24
Durability
One of the biggest benefits of acrylic is its durability. Acrylic’s load-bearing properties are around 30 times greater than the equivalent thickness of glass, meaning that acrylic is far more likely to withstand impact. While glass is strong, it is also brittle, whereas acrylic’s flexibility will allow it to bend much more without breaking – a little bit of giving that can make a big difference when it comes to preventing shattering.
Easy to maintain
If they are well looked after, this kind of sheets will last for many years. Being waterproof means that they are very easy to maintain as they will not collect dirt or mold. In most instances, a non-abrasive lint-free cloth, soap, and water will be enough to keep the material looking like new.
Despite its many benefits, acrylic is generally more scratch-resistant than many other plastics, but scratches can still sometimes occur. These can be easily buffed out and polished away during the course of regular cleaning and will rarely need any additional treatment. Static electricity can cause a build-up of dust, but simply ensuring that an anti-static cloth is used when cleaning.
Source: Interaktywna
Versatile style
From vibrant reds to chic black and grey, one of the appeals of acrylic is the wide variety of colors available. As well as colors to suit your personal style, there are finishes for every requirement. Replacing glass? Clear sheets are for you. Mirrors? No problem. Opaque, frosted, tinted, matt or even fluorescent. Whatever you need, it will most likely be available.
Now you have the color and finish, but what about the shape? Luckily, acrylic is incredibly easy to work with and can be manipulated and worked with the same tools you would use with wood, making even the most unusual shapes and designs available. The only thing limiting your projects is your creativity.
So, what can acrylic be used for?
With such a versatile material, the uses in DIY projects are almost limitless. But here are some ideas for some of the amazing projects you could take on:
Frames and shelves
Wall-hinging projects are ideal for sheets as an alternative to glass. Both replacing glass in photo frames and creating your own frames is quick, simple and effective. The lightweight acrylic means less pressure and weight on the walls, making your decision where to hang pictures mostly about where they will look best rather than their durability.
Source: Pinterest
Tables
Buying a new coffee table can quickly become expensive, so why not give your existing table a new lease of life by replacing the top. A clear sheet will help to show off the original design whilst different colors and finishes will add some contemporary flair to your room.
Source: Pinterest
Shower screens
Rather than a shower curtain, why not upgrade to a new screen? Due to its water resistance, acrylic will not collect dirt and mold like a curtain and is quick and easy to clean. When this is coupled with the durability and money saved over using glass, it offers a simple and cost-effective way of sprucing up your bathroom.
Source: Pinterest
Greenhouses
Many gardeners have experienced the damage caused by rogue footballs catapulted from the neighbor’s garden straight onto their beloved greenhouse. You’ve guessed it, acrylic sheets negate the need to worry about smashed panes and broken brassica beds.
Source: Cut Plastic Sheeting
Kitchen splashbacks
Saving one of the most popular for last, the kitchen splashback is one of the most common uses for sheeting in the home. While refitting the entire room may be an expensive and time-consuming job, this simple project can be completed in minutes and go a long way to refreshing one of the most important rooms in your home.
A plastic splashback is simple to install using either adhesive or screws and can be fitted over the existing splashback. Better still, many companies can cut sheets to your exact specifications when you order, so that you will have a single, bespoke sheet delivered which will fit your kitchen perfectly.
It might not have been the first material that comes to mind when planning DIY projects, but the diverse benefits and uses of acrylic sheets are fast seeing it become an essential bit of kit. From its ease of use, versatility, and cost, to the hygiene and durability benefits, acrylic is only going to get more popular for stylish and highly unique DIY projects.
Source: Pinterest
