Mirror acrylic is a popular choice for laser cutting, offering the reflective look of a real mirror on the front, paired with a dull gray or white backing. However, due to its unique properties and manufacturing process, handling mirror acrylic requires special attention. Here’s everything you need to know about masking, cutting, and caring for mirror acrylic.
Understanding Mirror Acrylic
- Front Side: The front side of mirror acrylic features a highly reflective surface, resembling a real mirror.
- Back Side: The back side is typically a dull gray or white, which may have cosmetic markings from transportation. These markings are generally superficial and do not affect the front side’s appearance. We do our best to catch and set aside any sheets with markings.
Masking Mirror Acrylic for Laser Cutting
Due to the manufacturing process, mirror acrylic is always extruded and comes with a protective plastic film on the front. Here are your options for masking:
Remove the Plastic Film:
- We recommend removing the plastic film and replacing it with paper masking on both sides. This helps prevent burn marks and flashbacks during laser cutting.
- Why Remove? The plastic film, while laser-safe, can sometimes become gooey or sticky after cutting, which can affect the quality of your project.
Leave the Plastic Film On:
- If you choose to leave the plastic film on, you can apply paper masking over it. Some customers prefer this method to avoid any residue that masking tape might leave behind.
- Tip: Ensure that your paper masking is applied smoothly without air bubbles or overlaps, as these can cause cutting issues.
Dealing with Flashbacks
Flashback is common when cutting mirror acrylic, even with proper masking. If you’ve masked both sides and are still experiencing flashbacks, try raising the material off the laser bed using scrap materials. This elevation can reduce the likelihood of flashbacks, leading to a cleaner cut. You may also want to try reducing your speed in increments of ten.
Cosmetic Imperfections on the Backing
It’s not uncommon for the backing of mirror acrylic to have cosmetic imperfections. These imperfections should not affect the reflective front surface. Our team carefully inspects each sheet to ensure that any markings on the backing are purely cosmetic. If you receive a piece where the imperfections have impacted the front appearance, please reach out to us for assistance.
Important Care Tips
- Avoid Weld-On Adhesives: Never use Weld-On adhesives with mirror acrylic, as they can melt the backing and ruin your project.
- Avoid Alcohol-Based Cleaners: Do not clean mirror acrylic with alcohol, as it can cause the acrylic to crack. Instead, we recommend using Novus polish cleaner, which is safe for all acrylic items and helps maintain their clarity and shine.
- Avoid Paint with Oils: Oil based paint can cause mirror acrylic to crack.
Final Thoughts
Masking and caring for mirror acrylic requires a bit of extra attention, but with the right approach, you can achieve beautiful, professional results. If you have any questions or run into issues with your mirror acrylic, our team is here to help. Feel free to contact us for support or additional advice on getting the best out of your mirror acrylic projects!
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