Material Deep Dive: Acrylic

January 21, 2025

Michelle

Acrylic might just be the most exciting, versatile material in your creative toolkit.

In his comprehensive video “Every Laserable Material”, Glowforge owner John K. demonstrates the incredible possibilities of this material, from its signature flame-polished edges to its rainbow of color options.

Let’s dive in!

Getting Started with Proofgrade®

Glowforge's Proofgrade Acrylic takes the guesswork out of creating with this versatile material. Each sheet features a QR code that your Glowforge automatically reads to determine the perfect settings, ensuring beautiful results every time.

All Proofgrade Acrylic is cast (rather than extruded) for superior laser compatibility and features:

  • Premium cast construction for smoother, more polished results
  • Choice between 1/8" or 1/4" thicknesses
  • Protective paper masking
  • Range of vibrant colors including Fluorescent Pink and Teal

Looking to work with other materials like Wood or Veneer? We’ve got Material Deep Dives on both! Check out our Wood blog and Veneer blog for all the info.

What makes acrylic so good for laser projects?

For starters, it's stronger than glass and completely waterproof, making it perfect for both decorative and functional pieces. And you can find a ton of fun, specialty options! Two-tone acrylic (perfect for name tags and plaques), holographic patterns, mirrored finishes for elegant centerpieces, and even speckled varieties for unique effects.

However, there are important differences in how various Glowforge models handle acrylic:

  • Performance Series machines can cut and engrave any color of acrylic, giving you complete creative freedom.
  • If you're using Glowforge Spark or Glowforge Aura, you'll want to stick to colors that work well with diode lasers — white and clear acrylic aren't compatible with these Craft Series lasers.

Tips and Tricks for Creating with Acrylic:

Acrylic isn't just versatile — it's also incredibly fun to experiment with! Here are some of our favorite techniques that'll make your projects truly stand out:

Photo Engraving Magic:

Want to transform your favorite photos into illuminated art pieces? Start with clear acrylic, add a coat of black spray paint, and watch as your Glowforge reveals your image through the paint. The contrast is stunning, and the depth gives your photos an almost holographic quality!

Two-Tone Transformations:

Two-tone acrylic might be our favorite "wow factor" material. As your laser etches away the top layer, it reveals a contrasting color underneath — perfect for creating signs and name plates that look professionally manufactured. The precision of the laser means your text and designs will be crisp and clean every time.

Playing with Layers:

Ready to add some dimension to your work? Try combining multiple pieces of acrylic to create stunning 3D effects. Stack different colors for visual drama, create depth in shadowboxes, or design pieces that seem to float in space. Just be sure to use acrylic-safe adhesive to keep your masterpiece together!

Here are some other ways to put this amazing material to work:

  • Waterproof bathroom or kitchen organizers
  • Eye-catching jewelry in bold shapes
  • Unique business cards with lasting impact
  • Wedding centerpieces using mirrored acrylic
  • Layered shadowboxes with 3D effects
  • Decorative elements for your deck or front porch Professional-looking name plates and plaques

Ready to Explore More Materials?

To watch a seasoned Glowforge creator take on acrylic projects (and dozens of other materials), check out John K’s video!

Ready to explore more materials? Check out our other Material Deep Dives to learn about creating with Wood, Veneer, and other exciting materials in your laser crafting journey!

We can’t wait to see what you make!