Reference

Acrylic Chemical Resistance Chart

Acrylic (Perspex, Plexiglas, PMMA) stands up well to water, salts, mild detergents and weak acids and alkalis. It is not resistant to alcohols, ketones, esters, chlorinated solvents and thinners, which can cloud the surface or cause fine cracks called crazing. Here is what that means for the products you are likely to have on hand.

Safe on acrylic

Water

Tap water, rain, distilled water

Mild soap and detergent solutions

Dishwashing liquid in warm water, the safest way to clean acrylic

Commercial cleaners without alcohol or solvents

Purpose-made acrylic and plastic cleaners. Check the label for alcohol first

Salts and salt solutions

Sea water, salt spray on boats and coastal signs

Dilute acids and alkalis (low concentration)

Splashes of weak acidic or alkaline solutions, wiped off

Avoid on acrylic

Alcohols

Methylated spirits, ethanol, isopropyl alcohol (IPA), many glass cleaners and wipes, hand sanitiser

Ketones

Acetone, most nail polish removers, MEK

Esters

Ethyl acetate and butyl acetate, found in some nail polish removers, lacquers and glues

Chlorinated hydrocarbons

Dichloromethane (the solvent in acrylic bonding cement), chloroform, some paint strippers and degreasers

Aromatic solvents

Benzene, toluene, xylene, found in many thinners and some fuels

Thinners and other organic solvents

Paint and lacquer thinners, turpentine, many solvent-based degreasers

If something from the "avoid" list touches the sheet, wipe it off as quickly as possible with a soft, lint-free cloth slightly dampened with water. Cast acrylic is slightly more resistant than extruded acrylic, but the difference is one of degree: the same chemicals harm both.

Source: Röhm, PLEXIGLAS chemical resistance. Chemical families are as the manufacturer lists them; the example products are grouped by their main ingredient. Stressed areas such as cut edges, drilled holes and bent sections are the most vulnerable. If you are unsure about a product, test it on an offcut first.

Common questions

What is the best way to clean acrylic?

Rinse off grit with plenty of water first, then wipe with a soft, lint-free cloth and warm water with a little mild detergent. Dry with a clean soft cloth. Never dry-wipe a dusty sheet, which scratches it.

Can I use Windex or glass cleaner on acrylic?

Check the label. Many glass cleaners contain alcohol, which can damage acrylic. Use a cleaner made for acrylic or plastics, or mild soapy water, instead.

Can I clean acrylic with methylated spirits or isopropyl alcohol?

No. Alcohols are on the manufacturer's list of agents unsuitable for acrylic. They can cause fine cracks (crazing), especially near cut or polished edges and drilled holes. If one gets on the sheet, wipe it off straight away with a soft cloth dampened with water.

Does acetone damage acrylic?

Yes. Acetone is a ketone, and acrylic is not resistant to ketones. It softens and clouds the surface, so keep nail polish remover and acetone-based products away from it.

Why does acrylic bonding cement work if solvents damage acrylic?

Acrylic cement is a solvent, usually dichloromethane, used on purpose: it softens the two surfaces so they fuse together. That is exactly why the same chemical must never touch a visible face of the sheet.

More on looking after it: how to clean, handle and store Perspex sheet. Working out freight? Try the acrylic sheet weight calculator.