Frosted plexiglass is a synthetic plate consisting mainly of acrylic resin. Specialized compound additives provide a matte sheet surface. So it becomes opaque while maintaining the same characteristics, which opens up new possibilities for use.
Features
The degree of light transmission of a 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 bilateral gloss. The main feature is the formation of a protective screen when a light stream enters.
Frosted plexiglass has become widespread due to the reflective characteristics in the manufacture of musical instruments and lighting. Active use in door glazing is also noted, due to the adjustment of lighting and the inability to see what is happening behind the door. Products are often painted in green, red, blue and other shades.
Advantages
Among the positive aspects, it is worth noting the lack of special care during operation, a long period of use, ductility, reliability, wear resistance, low weight. Due to the use of special resins in production, opaque plexiglass for the ceiling is cracked, and not broken as usual. Such characteristics contribute to the use as partitions and other elements in office rooms, nightclubs and cafes.
Work with material
A tool based on a hacksaw blade greatly simplifies sheet cutting. In order to cut the product into two parts, a line is marked in the middle with the help of a bar or a ruler, then you need to draw a sharpened cutter several times along it. After breaking, the material is divided into two parts.
Frosted plexiglass is easily drilled without any unforeseen situations, and the final products are distinguished by the absence of burrs.
Electric and manual jigsaws are convenient for working with the material and allow you to get smooth 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 method makes it possible to obtain a flexible and easy-to-use matt 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 an increased tension density, due to which the sheets become brittle and hard at the same time, which can lead to cracking or damage to the element during bending and deformation. To simplify the work, the workpiece is heated.
Use cases
Hinged lighting elements for the ceiling with a matte finish become an original opportunity for interior decoration of bathrooms, office and even residential premises. The formation of a custom box is able to add futuristic notes to the design, as well as add elegance.
Ceiling structures made of glass with a strong matting effect create a pleasant diffused lighting throughout the space, while the lighting devices themselves hide from prying eyes due to their translucent shape. Lamps of any kind, including LED and filament, can serve as light sources.
How to make plexiglass matte
Emery paper with a fine-grained structure allows mechanical matting of the material. To do this, a piece of paper with a size of 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 hand alternately. After the product acquires the desired matte surface, processing is completed.
It is possible to obtain frosted plexiglass safely and in a short time by applying a thin layer of white paint on the inside of the structure. At the same time, sandblasting devices and specialized matting compounds should not be used, as they are designed for ordinary glass.
The chemical method requires more caution and concentration. With it, it is possible to process small elements that are completely placed in an acid-resistant cuvette. It is important to ensure proper ventilation or being outdoors during work. 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 rod. After plexiglass is removed from the vessel, washed and left to dry. For this process, it is mandatory to use personal protective equipment and tweezers to remove the sheet.