How to clean acrylic displays, plinths and cubes without scratching them

Acrylic (Perspex) is lighter and far tougher than glass, which is why we use it for display stands, plinths, cubes, cake stands and protection screens. The one thing it does not like is the wrong cleaner. Here is how to keep it looking new.

Do

• Use warm water and a mild detergent – washing-up liquid is ideal. Rinse and dry with a soft, clean cloth (microfibre or cotton).
• Dust with a damp cloth, not a dry one. Dry wiping drags grit across the surface and is the usual cause of fine scratches.
• Rinse off sugar, salt and food on cake stands and food guards promptly, then dry.
• Keep the protective film on until a new piece is in position – it is there to take the knocks in transit and during fitting.

Don't

• No abrasives – scouring pads, abrasive creams and 'magic' sponges all scratch acrylic.
• No solvents or strong cleaners – bleach, acids, glass cleaners containing ammonia, alcohol wipes and solvent sprays can dull the gloss or cause tiny surface cracks (crazing).
• Not in the dishwasher – the heat and detergent cloud the surface. Cake stands and cupcake stands should be hand-washed.
• No paper towels on polished edges – they are coarser than they feel.

Scuffs and light scratches

Very light scratches on clear acrylic can often be reduced with a dedicated acrylic polish applied with a soft cloth in a circular motion; test on an edge first. Deeper scratches need professional polishing, so prevention is the better plan.

Storing display stands between events

Store plinths and stands flat or standing on a padded base, ideally in their original packaging, and keep acrylic out of long periods of direct sunlight when it is not in use. Flat-pack plinths and cubes are easiest to store dismantled.

Why acrylic rather than glass?

Cast acrylic transmits more light than glass at half the weight, and it is many times more impact-resistant, so it is the safer choice for shops, exhibitions and homes with children. It is also fully recyclable. If a piece ever does get damaged, our Norfolk workshop can usually make a replacement to the same size.

Questions about a particular product? Get in touch and we'll advise.