Frosted plexiglass is a synthetic board composed mainly of acrylic resin. Specialized compounding additives provide a matte finish to the sheet. So it becomes opaque while maintaining the same characteristics, which opens up new possibilities for use.
Features
The degree of light transmission of the white plastic product varies from 20 to 65%, respectively, provides a transparent and translucent version. In any case, the plate has a smooth, even surface with a noticeable double-sided sheen. The main feature is the formation of a protective screen when a light flux hits.
Frosted plexiglass has become widespread due to its reflective characteristics in the manufacture of light and music and lighting devices. There is also an active use in door glazing, due to the adjustment of lighting and the lack of the ability to see what is happening behind the door. Products are often dyedgreen, red, blue and other shades.
Dignity
Among the positive aspects, it is worth noting the lack of special care during operation, a long period of use, plasticity, reliability, wear resistance, low weight. Due to the use of special resins during production, frosted plexiglass for the ceiling cracks, and does not break as usual. Such characteristics contribute to the use as interior partitions and other elements in offices, nightclubs and cafes.
Working with material
Hacksaw blade tool makes cutting the sheet much easier. In order to cut the product into two parts, a line is marked in the middle with a bar or ruler, then it is necessary to draw a sharpened cutter along it several times. After breaking, the material is divided into two parts.
Frosted plexiglass can be easily drilled without any unexpected situations, and the final products are burr-free.
Electric and manual jigsaws are convenient for working with material and allow you to get even parts. It is worth noting the heating of the sheets during the sawing process, therefore, systematic cooling of the workpieces is required to prevent thermal deformations.
The casting technique makes it possible to obtain flexible and easy-to-use opaque white plexiglass, due to which it forms more noticeable bends than the extrusion manufacturing method does not differ. In the latter case, the material is characterized by increasedtension density, due to which the sheets become brittle and hard at the same time, which can lead to the formation of cracks or damage to the element during bending and deformation. To simplify the work, the workpieces are heated.
Use cases
The matt finish ceiling light fixtures are an original option for decorating bathrooms, offices and even living spaces. The formation of a custom box can bring a futuristic touch to the design, as well as add elegance.
Ceiling structures made of glass with a strong matting effect create pleasant diffused lighting throughout the space, while hiding the lighting devices themselves from prying eyes due to their translucent shape. Lamps of any kind, including LED and filament lamps, can serve as light sources.
How to make plexiglass frosted
Sandpaper with a fine-grained structure allows mechanical matting of the material. For this, a piece of paper measuring at least 5x5 cm is suitable. All work must be carried out using protective gloves. To prevent fatigue, you can work with your right and left hands alternately. After the product has acquired the desired matte surface, processing is completed.
You can safely and quickly get frosted plexiglass by applying white paintthin layer on the inside of the structure. However, do not use sandblasting devices and specialized matting compounds, as they are designed for ordinary glass.
The chemical method requires more care and concentration. With it, it is possible to process small elements that are completely placed in an acid-resistant cuvette. Proper ventilation or being outdoors during work is essential. The plexiglass part is poured with formic acid and left for 30 minutes, while it is necessary to systematically mix the liquid with a steel stick. After the plexiglass is removed from the vessel, washed and left to dry. This process requires the use of personal protective equipment and tweezers to remove the sheet.
