Making Designs in Plexiglass

**HHdesign** · 03-25-2005, 09:20 PM

Myself and a couple of friends went up to a local car store to check out the latest products they were sellin and we noticed this very nice design make into plexiglass. Someone had incorperated an "Infinity" logo onto a thick sheet of plexiglass and then put it over two nice cathodes and two large subs, its kick-***, take my word for it.

Now plexiglass is an absolute pain to cut if you dont have the right tools. So I've established that.

Now I was wondering if anyone has tried to use sandpaper to rough-out designs in plexiglass, if so, how did you do it?

I tried to rough-out a "Jeep" logo onto a sheet of plexiglass to mount over my subs, but I found it very difficult and my tape wouldn't cooperate. If you understand what I'm saying dont bother to read on, I'm about to explain what I did.

Ok, I got about a two foot, by two foot sheet of about 1/8th in thick plexi and taped out the word, "Jeep", when I say taping, I outlined the letters. I first tried using masking tape, after a try by hand, and then with the automatic sander, the tape eaisly wore off before I could do any real designs. The parts that I did manage to sand turned out nice, I was wondering the following questions... What grit should I use, I tried, 60, 100, 150, and 200. Also, how should I go about doing this professionally, I'm looking to sand clean lines and edges, not faded ones. Anyone with any advice would be much appricated.

thanks in advance.

**wizawuza** · 03-25-2005, 09:30 PM

one word: router

I've never used a router on plexiglass, but I'd imagine it'd accomplish what you want relatively easily

**mhornnt** · 03-25-2005, 09:31 PM

Only thing I can think of would maybe be to get a dremmel with a sanding bit, which would offer you at least a little more control than sanding by hand or a power sander. Still not sure how clean a line you could really get with that tho

**scott_fx** · 03-25-2005, 09:33 PM

you can have it laser etched pretty inexpensively for best results. router works, or dremels glass etching tool. do a search in www.bit-tech.net there are some great write ups

**HHdesign** · 03-26-2005, 10:30 AM

Originally Posted by scott_fx

you can have it laser etched pretty inexpensively for best results. router works, or dremels glass etching tool. do a search in www.bit-tech.net there are some great write ups

Wow thats exactly what I was looking for, the laser etching those guys at www.bit-tech.net do some really nice artwork on their plexiglass. Thanks for all the feedback guys.

**bobs987** · 03-26-2005, 11:18 AM

another option is to use a beadblaster or sand blaster, cover the glass in a few layers of that blue masking tape then use an razor to cut out the design then blast it that would give that same effect

**TTpewtr** · 03-26-2005, 08:01 PM

You could go to your local sign shop and have them do a cut out of your letters and apply that, then bead blast it. Before you apply the vinyl, paint the back side of the plexiglass some hot color if you want, then apply the vinyl and blast or sand if you are so inclined. The effect should be pretty cool. Try it out on a scrap and see how you like it. Just remember to do everything in reverse order.

Keep us posted on what you come up with. Pics to if you have them.

**proTONEd** · 03-27-2005, 07:31 AM

Originally Posted by bobs987

another option is to use a beadblaster or sand blaster, cover the glass in a few layers of that blue masking tape then use an razor to cut out the design then blast it that would give that same effect

The advantage of sand blasting is that it would give a more even effect than power sanding it or doing it manually. Sand blasting is a common practice for putting logos on transparant surfaces. It's even done with glass and mirrors.

**HHdesign** · 03-27-2005, 01:02 PM

I'm going to try using a dremmel, then the sand blasting see which can provide the most even, clean cut lines. I plan to put this piece of plexiglass over a small storage compartment in the back of my jeep, beneath the plexiglass will be some neon tubes, its the first step in making the cargo area of my jeep an entertainment center.

**gizak** · 03-27-2005, 02:08 PM

I've done sandblasting on acrylic and it works out ok. I had never done it before so it didn't turn out too great. Make sure you sandblast enough, I thought it was hazy enough to stand out the first time, but when I peeled everything back it didn't look too good. Make sure you use enough tape or really strong tape, the sand will start penetrate it if you sandblast too long (this happened the 2nd time around b/c I wanted to make the logo come out cleaner). Also try and sandblast evenly - as if you were spraypainting. It is possible to have uneven areas still.