How to get paper off plexiglass/lexan? cutting?

Sasha2 · 05-25-15, 08:58 AM

I was given a nice 4x4 piece of quarter inch plexiglass. But its been around awhile and the paper is stuck to it and wont peel off. Any ideas on how to get it off without scratching the plastic?

Also how do you cut this stuff?

Thanks

DDW · 05-25-15, 09:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sasha2

I was given a nice 4x4 piece of quarter inch plexiglass. But its been around awhile and the paper is stuck to it and wont peel off. Any ideas on how to get it off without scratching the plastic?

Also how do you cut this stuff?

Thanks

rubbing alcohol should take that off in a jiffy ^.=.^ rub a towel on it that has some on it and it should take all of the sticky stuff off in just a little bit

Princess-dad · 05-25-15, 10:09 AM

Sasha please do me a big favor . Do a very small test area with alcohol , in an area that you might be cutting off . Alcohol and some other solvents and clear plastics dont mix . Once I "cleaned" a clear lighter with alcohol once it dried there was spider web cracking all the way thru the lighter . Dont know if alcohol will cause the same problem with plexi but better safe than replacing your free sheet . Thats was a nice gift . It would be a shame to accidentally ruin it . Best luck and I hope there is no reaction between the two .

**Minkness** · 05-25-15, 10:12 AM

Soak it in hir water? Like in the shower or something?

DDW · 05-25-15, 10:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Princess-dad

Sasha please do me a big favor . Do a very small test area with alcohol , in an area that you might be cutting off . Alcohol and some other solvents and clear plastics dont mix . Once I "cleaned" a clear lighter with alcohol once it dried there was spider web cracking all the way thru the lighter . Dont know if alcohol will cause the same problem with plexi but better safe than replacing your free sheet . Thats was a nice gift . It would be a shame to accidentally ruin it . Best luck and I hope there is no reaction between the two .

My bad lol thanks for correcting me, I will remember this.I forgot about the solvent thing when i posted.

you might be able to just use warm /hot water I guess. Good luck.

Princess-dad · 05-25-15, 10:32 AM

DDW I had to learn it the hard way , by messing my brand new lighter up in 1 day. Those lesson tend to stay with you .Sasha , sorry all I did was say what not to try . So try a commercial glass cleaner , read label for any warnings , I dont think it will hurt the plexi . or some good old vinegar and water . Either one should be able to soak thru the stuck paper and loosen the bond . Or simply call your friendly local glass glazer /glass shop , bet they know the fastest and easiest method to remove stuck paper from plexi with no damage .

that1guy · 05-25-15, 10:40 AM

Goo Gone will work and I've used it on tons of stuff, glass and plastic, and never had any problems with it.

DDW · 05-25-15, 11:27 AM

it took a while to remember gas was a solvent too lol

Sasha2 · 05-26-15, 06:21 AM

Thanks everyone. I certainly dont want to ruin it, the thicker pieces of plexi are expensive.
I may try soaking in the shower first, sounds messy though. If that doesnt work Ill go with the alcohol(trying a corner first)..Thanks again.

Any ideas on cutting?
I probably will take down to the glass people to get it cut.

Princess-dad · 05-26-15, 07:01 AM

If your gonna get it professionally cut leave the paper for them to remove . It keeps the Lexan protected until after its cut . I tried to just lightly score a thin piece the other day for the top of a critter cage . I didnt get out all,the right toys and tried to use a very sharp stiff bladed.knife .And tried to do it all by myself , I ended up getting lucky and it didnt brake across the part I wanted . So I agree , take it to the pros , unless u have a glass scoring/layout table in your pocket lol. the thin piece broke at the score for about 1/3 of cut the rest I had to use a crescent wrench along the score line to pop the rest off. Lots of hand filling to clean the edge up .There has to be a better way , but I dong know what it is .

Sasha2 · 05-27-15, 12:03 PM

This is the really thick stuff so dont think I can score it and break it. I will leave on the paper then. I dont think they will be able to get it off either its coming off in little strips and leaving sticky stuff behind.
It was sitting in someones garage for several years.

herplover · 05-27-15, 12:09 PM

For cutting it you want to keep the paper on until its cut (to prevent scratches and cracking). then use a saw with fine teeth to cut it. Any type of saw will work coping saw, jigsaw, hand saw, as long as it has fine teeth youre good to go.

Sasha2 · 05-29-15, 10:14 AM

Thanks, I would rather cut it myself but probably wouldnt get it straight.

reptiledude987 · 05-29-15, 12:32 PM

With the paper still on just do your measurements and mark the paper then cut. Its not that hard you should be fine.

Sasha2 · 05-30-15, 07:27 AM

I do have a jigsaw. IDK I may just go ask at the glass shop what they charge and if they will even cut it first.