Alternative to perspex?

Question

I am currently designing a piece of art work which requires a sheet of perspex about the size of your average blackboard. After researching i found that perspex is quite expensive, does anyone know of a cheaper alternative to perspex for something of this size?

Answer 1

Does your project require the backing sheet to be transparent? (as in Perspex?) If not, have you thought about aluminium, which can have a shiny, matt or patterned surface, and comes in several thicknesses. Not as expensive as Perspex. A sheet of 16g (about 1 1/2mm) 8ft.x 4ft. should cost no more than £35 tops.
Check Aluminium sheet supplies on Google

Answer 2

you can buy acrylic sheeting ..if you are screwing you must drill holes first...you cant buy polycarbonate in single skin ...

Answer 3

Depends how rigid it needs to be. Polycarbonate (as others have mentioned), is the best, but is about four times as expensive. it is also stain and scratch restant to a much better level than acrylic/perspex. Its the stuff they make riot shields out of.

If rigity is not a problem, there is a product that is made from a type of styrene ( a relative of the perspex/acrylic family of plastics), and can be as thin as 2mm. Unfortunately, you have to cut it with a sharp knife, as it splits really easy.

If cost is the issue, then perspex/acrylic sheet is the one. If you have deeper pockets polycarbonate is the best.

All the best.

Answer 4

Polycarbonate, is far cheaper, and just as good, I work in exhibitions, and you can get it up to 4m x 2m size fairly easily. Try looking it up on the web.

Answer 5

Clear builders membrane (polythene sheet) - builders merchants - not as strong as perspex but strong enough if pulled taut to take a fair bit of punishment

Answer 6

i dont know of any cheaper, but polycarbonate is better.