2026-11-12 · 6 min read
If you are searching "what is acrylic", chances are you are about to buy some sheet and want to be sure it is the right material for the job. Acrylic is one of the most widely used plastics in sign shops, workshops, shopfitting and home projects, and for good reason. It is clear, easy to work and available in a huge range of colours and finishes. This guide explains what acrylic actually is, the main types, where it works well, and how to choose the right sheet.
What is acrylic, exactly?
Acrylic is the common name for polymethyl methacrylate, or PMMA. It is a rigid thermoplastic, which means it softens when heated and hardens again as it cools. That property is what makes it so popular with people who fabricate: you can heat-bend it, bond it with solvent cement and shape it with standard workshop tools.
Its headline feature is optical clarity. Clear acrylic transmits around 92 percent of visible light, which is why it is used as a lightweight alternative to glass. It is also considerably more impact resistant than standard glass and much lighter. You may also hear it called Perspex, which is a brand name that has become shorthand for acrylic sheet in New Zealand. If that is the term you use, our range is under the same acrylic sheet products listing.
Cast vs extruded acrylic
Most acrylic sheet falls into one of two manufacturing types, and the difference matters when you choose.
Cast acrylic
Cast sheet is made by pouring liquid acrylic between two sheets of glass or moulds and letting it cure. It is usually the choice for engraving, because it frosts to a clean white, and for jobs where a premium surface finish and wide colour choice are important. Thicknesses can vary slightly more from sheet to sheet.
Extruded acrylic
Extruded sheet is pushed through rollers as a continuous run. It tends to have a more consistent thickness, bends and thermoforms at lower temperatures, and suits general-purpose work such as covers, shelving and protective screens. It is also often a more economical option for larger jobs.
A practical rule of thumb: choose cast if you are engraving or want the best finish, and extruded if you are bending, gluing or want consistent thickness for a general build.
Types and finishes of acrylic sheet
Beyond cast and extruded, acrylic comes in a wide range of looks. The most common are:
Clear: the standard glass-like sheet used for glazing, covers and displays.
Opal and white: diffuses light, so it is popular for illuminated signs and light boxes.
Coloured and tinted: transparent, translucent or solid colours for signage, décor and shopfitting.
Mirror: a reflective acrylic that is lighter and safer than glass mirror for walls, displays and kids' spaces.
Frosted and textured: for privacy and a softer, diffused look.
What acrylic is used for
Because it is clear, light and easy to work, acrylic turns up everywhere. Typical uses include signage and lettering, picture framing, shop fittings, lighting diffusers, machine guards and protective barriers. In the home, it is often chosen for kitchen and bathroom walls: see our page on acrylic sheet for splashbacks for what to consider there.
In retail and hospitality, acrylic is a go-to for protective and presentation jobs. If you are planning a showcase, see our overview of sheet for display cases , or our guide to sneeze guard sheet for counter and service barriers.
How to choose the right acrylic sheet
Work through these questions before you order:
What is the job? Engraving and premium display work lean towards cast. Bending, gluing and general builds suit extruded.
What thickness do you need? Thicker sheet is stiffer and better for unsupported spans, shelves and guards. Thinner sheet is easier to cut and bend but flexes more. Think about the span, the load and how the panel will be fixed.
Where will it be used? Indoors or outdoors, near heat, or in a high-impact spot. Acrylic can crack under heavy impact, so for very high-impact applications you may be better looking at polycarbonate. Allow room for thermal expansion when fixing any large panel.
How will you work it? Acrylic cuts cleanly with the right blade and technique. Our step-by-step guide on how to cut acrylic sheet covers scoring, sawing and finishing the edges. Leave the protective film on for as long as possible to avoid scratches.
Care and handling matter too. Clean acrylic with mild soapy water and a soft cloth. Avoid glass cleaners containing ammonia and abrasive pads, which can craze or scratch the surface.
Acrylic at a glance
So, what is acrylic? It is a clear, lightweight, workable thermoplastic that replaces glass in many applications and gives fabricators a material that is straightforward to cut, bend, bond and finish. Pick the type to suit the job, match the thickness to the span and the load, and treat the surface with care.
Plastics Hub NZ supplies acrylic sheet to trade and home customers across New Zealand. We supply the sheet only: you cut and work it yourself, although cutting to size is available on some materials at some depots, by quote only.
Not sure which acrylic suits your project? Tell us what you are building and request a quote from Plastics Hub NZ, and we will point you to the right sheet.