Guide to Working with Two-Tone Acrylic Sheets

Two-tone acrylic is a versatile and visually striking material that’s perfect for a variety of creative projects. It features a distinct core color that differs from the face color, making it ideal for laser engraving and cutting. Here’s everything you need to know about working with two-tone acrylic sheets, from masking and engraving tips to cleaning and customization options.

What is Two-Tone Acrylic?

Two-tone acrylic sheets have a unique construction where the core color is different from the surface color. The sheets we stock are single-sided, meaning the front and back sides have different colors. Typically, the backside is the same color as the core. We can special order you a double sided option, if needed. That can take 5-10 business days. This material is highly rated for outdoor use, making it durable for various applications.

Masking and Engraving Two-Tone Acrylic

1. Masking:

   • Plastic Film: Two-tone acrylic comes with a protective plastic film. We strongly recommend removing this film before laser engraving or cutting. We do not add paper masking to this material, as it can hinder the engraving process and prevent the core color from fully showing.

2. Engraving:

   • Power and Speed Adjustments: If you notice that the face color is still partially visible after engraving, try increasing your laser’s power or adjusting the speed. This should help reveal the core color more effectively.
   • Cleaning Post-Engraving: Occasionally, remnants of the face color may remain after engraving. Cleaning the engraved area with LA’s Totally Awesome Cleaner or Simple Green can effectively remove these leftovers.
   • Air Assist: For a crisper engraving result, we recommend turning off your air assist during engraving. However, remember to turn it back on when vector cutting.

Handling and Cleaning Two-Tone Acrylic

Due to the manufacturing process, two-tone acrylic may feel slightly sticky after cutting. This is normal and can be easily remedied:

• Cleaning After Cutting: Use LA’s Totally Awesome Cleaner, Simple Green, or a damp cloth to wipe down the sheet and remove any stickiness or residue.
• Backside Markings: The backside of two-tone acrylic may have some markings or imperfections. These are usually cosmetic and do not affect the quality of the front side. We include a note in the product description about these potential imperfections since the material was originally intended for signage, where the backside would not be visible.

Sheet Sizes and Custom Cutting

• Standard Size: We offer two-tone acrylic sheets in a convenient 12"x23" size.
• Custom Cutting: If you need smaller pieces, we offer a custom cutting service for $1.00 per sheet, with a maximum charge of $10.00 per order. Custom cuts are typically performed on Fridays, but we may process them earlier if time allows.
• Larger Sheets: For those needing larger sheets, full-size two-tone acrylic sheets are available upon request. Two Tone Sheets are manufactured in 12"x24", 24"x24" or 24"x48" sheet sizes. Please contact us directly for pricing and availability.

Final Tips

Two-tone acrylic is an excellent material for crafting, offering bold contrasts and durable results. By following the tips above, you can achieve quality engravings and cuts. If you have any further questions or need assistance, our team is here to help. Don’t hesitate to reach out!