How to Cut Plexiglass
There are two ways to cut plexiglass. For thin sheets, a simple utility blade will work. But for thicker pieces, a power tool is recommended. Read on to learn both methods.
Some would say that learning how to cut plexiglass is an essential skill. Acrylic sheeting can be used for a myriad of purposes. It has replaced conventional glass in many applications, from picture frames to replacement windows. It became commonplace throughout the pandemic when businesses used it as barriers in stores and restaurants.
Getty Images; South_agency
You can cut through thin acrylic using a simple utility blade, but thicker plexiglass is best cut with power tools.
Plexiglass sheets are available in a variety of colors, transparencies and thicknesses. Acrylic is more durable than glass, making plexiglass an obvious solution for many projects.
There are several different tools that you can use to cut a sheet of plexiglass. Options will vary based on the thickness of the plastic sheet. Thin acrylic sheets (3/16” or less) are very easy to cut by hand using a scoring knife or dull utility blade. Thicker plexiglass can also be cut by hand, but it’s much easier and more efficient if you use a power tool to achieve clean, straight cuts.
Getty Images; Bloomberg Creative
You don’t need complicated tools to successfully cut thin acrylic sheets of plexiglass.
Tools and Materials
- utility blade or scoring knife
- straight edge
- marker
- clamp
- fine sandpaper
How to Cut Thin Plexiglass With a Hand Tool
Emily Fazio
Use permanent marker to indicate a line for scoring the plexiglass.
1. Mark the Cut Line
Using a ruler, a permanent marker and a straight edge, mark where you will cut. This is the critical first step whether you’re using a scoring knife or a power tool.
Keep in mind: Measure twice, cut once. When you begin scoring the plexiglass with the blade, there’s no reversing the damage. Mismeasured marker lines can be easily removed with rubbing alcohol.
Emily Fazio
Use a dull utility blade or scoring knife and a straight edge to cut through thin pieces of plexiglass.
2. Score the Plexiglass
Use the straight edge as a guide as you begin to score the smooth surface. Using a utility blade or a scoring knife, slice gently over the marker line to create a groove. Repeatedly use the tool to deepen the score. Score the line 8-10 times.
3. Flip and Score Again
Scoring the backside of the plexiglass helps guarantee that you will have a crisp, straight break in the plexiglass. Flip the sheet of acrylic over, realign the straight edge and score gently another 8-10 times.
4. Snap the Plexiglass
The scored lines aren’t deep enough to cut all the way through the acrylic, but when forced, the plastic sheet will snap on that line. Move the sheet of scored plexiglass to the edge of your work surface. Clamp it into place so that the plexiglass slightly overhangs the edge of the worktable. Hold the edge of the acrylic firmly and push it downward in one forced motion. The plexiglass will snap cleanly on the scored line.
5. Sand the Edges
If the edges of the plexiglass will be visible for the project, you can easily smooth out any irregularities or frayed bits of plastic with a piece of fine sandpaper.
How to Cut Thick Plexiglass With a Power Tool
While cutting a straight line through thin acrylic can be done using a simple utility blade, here are other tools to consider for your project. The tool of choice may vary based on the thickness of your plexiglass and the complexity of your cut:
- Jigsaw with a precision blade
- Cut-off tool with a rotary cutting blade
- Circular saw with an acrylic blade or a metal-cutting fine-finish blade with carbide tips
While the goal is the same, the process of cutting thick plexiglass is slightly different because it requires the use of power tools.
1. Mark the Cut Line
Mapping your path is just as important on a thick piece of plexiglass. Use a straight edge and a permanent marker to indicate your cut line.
2. Choose Your Tool
Circular saw and table saw blades can cut straight lines. If you’re using a jigsaw or rotary tool, you will be able to follow curved lines.
3. Clamp Down the Plexiglass
Acrylic can “bounce,” especially with the up/down agitation from a tool like a jigsaw. Securing the material to your work surface can make it easier to cut.
4. Saw in a Continuous Line
Fewer stops with the blade will reduce the likelihood of rough edges.
5. Sand the Edges
Pass a piece of fine sandpaper along the edge of the cut plexiglass to smooth away bits of acrylic that remain after the product is cut.
How to Cut Glass
Replacing a broken window pane? Making a picture frame? Learning how to make your own stained glass? With a few simple tools, anyone can learn how to cut pieces of glass.
