How to Cut Plexiglass

Step 1

1

Lay the plexiglass flat on a work surface. For thin sheets of plexiglass that are up to 3⁄16 inch (0.48 cm) thick, scoring the sheet and then snapping it is an easy way to cut it. Place the sheet down flat on a table or a work station so you can measure and cut on a stable surface.

Make sure the surface is clean and clear of any objects that could impede your work or potentially mark or damage the sheet.

Use an even and stable structure that doesn’t wobble.

Step 2

2

Draw a line with a dry-erase marker where you want to cut the board. With the sheet laid flat on the work surface, use a ruler as a guide and draw a straight line where you want to cut the sheet. Make the line visible and be careful not to smudge the marker.

Use a dry-erase marker so you can erase it after you cut the sheet.

Tip: If you make a mistake while you’re drawing the line, erase the mark fully so you can draw it again. Use a wet cloth or paper towel to remove the marker.

Step 3

3

Use a utility knife to cut along the line you marked on the board. Make sure the sheet is flat and stable on the surface. Apply firm pressure and use a ruler to guide your utility knife as you drag it across the line you marked to score the sheet of plexiglass. Run the knife over the line 10 or 12 times, until you’ve made a deep groove in the sheet.

You can also use a scoring tool to make your cuts if the blade is sharp enough to cut the plexiglass.

The deeper you can make your cuts, the easier it will be to snap the board.

Step 4

4

Flip the sheet over and score the other side. After you’ve formed a deep groove in 1 side of the plexiglass, grab the sheet by the sides and flip it over to expose the other side. Cut along the same line that you cut on the other side to further score the sheet. Score the plexiglass until you’ve formed a groove in the sheet.

Be careful when you pick up the sheet so it doesn’t bend or warp before you’re ready to snap it.

Step 5

5

Position the sheet so the portion that you cut is hanging over the edge. Once you’ve finished scoring the sheet, move it into a position that will make it easier for you to snap it off. Move the sheet so the portion that you plan to snap off is hanging over the edge.

Be sure the entire portion that you plan to break off is hanging over the edge of the work surface.

Step 6

6

Clamp the sheet in place to the surface. Use a spring or a C clamp and apply it to a part of the sheet that you don’t plan to cut. Apply the clamp so it’s attached to the sheet of plexiglass and the surface that you’re working on so the sheet doesn’t move.

Be careful not to tighten the clamp so much that it puts a dent or divot in the sheet.