IQS Newsroom Articles on Acrylic
Acrylic
Acrylic is a type of plastic that derives its name from the chemical compound of which it is composed. It is made of clear, thermoplastic resins that are found in acrylic acid and natural sources like petroleum. Like all thermoplastics, acrylic becomes pliable when heated and rigid when cooled.
Acrylic is half the weight of glass and resistant to sun and salt damage. Acrylics can be formed into many shapes. Stock shapes, including sheet, rod, tube, film, and plate forms, are most common, although acrylic material can be special ordered to fit any need.
Acrylics can also refer to paints used by artists that contain acrylic resin. Acrylic paints are desirable because they can take on a variety of looks when diluted but become water-resistant when dry. Artists have been using acrylic paint since the 1950s. Sometimes the artworks created with these paints are called acrylics as well.