Working with Iridescent & Holographic Acrylic

Our Iridescent and Holographic acrylic sheets are uniquely designed by applying a thin laser-safe film to acrylic during the manufacturing process. These acrylics feature a stunning visual effect but require special care when working with them to ensure the best results.

Protective Film and Masking

Each Iridescent and Holographic acrylic sheet comes with a clear or blue protective plastic film designed to protect the surface from scratches. However, we have heard reports that the protective film can sometimes adhere too strongly to the iridescent finish and may lift when exposed to too much heat during laser cutting. For this reason, we recommend removing the plastic film and replacing it with paper masking. You can also utilize dish soap for masking instead of paper masking.

• Our Process: We personally replace the protective film with paper masking to prevent any damage.
• Alternative Method: Some customers opt not to use masking and instead use the dish soap method, which can also be effective at minimizing heat effects during cutting.

Extruded Acrylic Properties

Iridescent acrylic is an extruded acrylic due to the way it is manufactured, not cast acrylic. As a result, you might notice a few differences:

• Engraving: Iridescent acrylic may not produce the crisp white engrave that cast acrylic provides.
• Odor: Extruded acrylic may have a stronger smell during laser cutting compared to cast acrylic.

Inconsistent Finish

The iridescent film is applied during manufacturing, which can occasionally result in minor inconsistencies on the surface, such as small bubbles or imperfections. These are usually not noticeable after cutting but can appear in certain areas.

Laser Cutting and Engraving Tips

We recommend removing the plastic protective film before lasering, as the heat from the laser could cause the iridescent film to detach. Handle the acrylic carefully when removing the protective cover and applying masking to avoid lifting the iridescent film.

Caution During Masking

If you choose to use masking, be sure to remove it carefully. Improper removal can cause damage to the film, particularly if it has been exposed to heat.

Video Guide

To help with this process, we’ve created a video demonstrating how to properly remove the plastic protective film from the iridescent acrylic. You can watch it here: Iridescent Acrylic Film Removal

We hope this guide helps you get the best results from our Iridescent and Holographic acrylic sheets! If you have any questions or run into issues, feel free to contact us for further assistance.