Plexiglass and Acetone

[Jerome Klutts]

I responded to a post last week on removing the paper backing from acrylic. A few of you questioned my method and you were correct.

The Acrylic I have been using is Lucite Cast Acrylic Sheet. Acetone doesn't seem to harm it and it does a good job of removing the paper backing.

I sprayed the same acetone on some clear acrylic and it clouded it up and tried to melt it. Sorry for the mixup.

Jerome

[Richard Rumancik]

On Acrylic you could try kerosene or aliphatic naphtha (sometimes referred as VM&P naphtha). VM&P is not a brandname - it stands for Varnish maker and painters naphtha.

I heard that Coleman camp stove fuel could be used but I don't think it is 100% naphtha.

Experiment on scrap pieces, preferably pieces that have a few laser cuts in them such as square holes. Solvents are bad for causing cracks especially on sharp corners, as the laser causes some residual internal stresses. Even isopropal alcohol will cause acrylic to crack before your eyes.