Acrylic Sheets vs. Glass: Which is Better for Your Project?

Acrylic and glass are two of the most commonly used transparent materials in construction, interiors, and signage but they serve very different purposes. When choosing between them for your project, it’s important to weigh their performance across four key factors: durability, clarity, cost, and safety.

Whether you’re outfitting a retail space, designing home interiors, or installing protective panels, this guide will help you decide what works best. At Jeewa Plastic, we stock a full range of acrylic sheet options at various sizes and thicknesses to match your needs.

Durability: Which Material Lasts Longer?

Glass is known for its hardness and scratch resistance, but it is also brittle. Acrylic sheets, in contrast, offer far greater impact resistance up to 10 times more than glass. This makes acrylic the better choice for areas prone to accidental bumps or rough use, such as children’s rooms, public installations, and commercial display setups.

Acrylic is also more weather-resistant than standard glass, making it ideal for outdoor applications like signboards, protective panels, and roofing.

Verdict: For impact resistance and longevity, acrylic sheets win.

Clarity: Which Offers Better Transparency?

Both materials are impressively clear, but acrylic sheets actually allow slightly more light transmission than glass—92% compared to glass’s 88–90%. Acrylic also retains its clarity over time without yellowing, especially if you’re using UV-stabilized sheets.

This makes acrylic sheets a top choice for display cases, photo frames, and windows where maximum clarity is key.

Verdict: Acrylic sheets offer better light transmission and long-term clarity.

Cost: Which Material Is More Affordable?

Acrylic is generally more affordable than tempered or laminated glass, especially when considering installation and transport costs. Since acrylic is lighter about half the weight of glass it’s easier to handle, ship, and mount. This can reduce labour costs, particularly for large-scale signage or partition projects.

Verdict: Acrylic is cost-effective, especially for large or custom-cut panels.

Safety: Which Is Safer in High-Traffic Areas?

Glass can shatter into sharp fragments, which poses a safety risk in homes, schools, or public areas. Acrylic, while not unbreakable, tends to crack or break into dull-edged pieces, significantly reducing the chance of injury.

For safety screens, sneeze guards, or any application where people come into direct contact with the material, acrylic is a smarter and safer alternative.

Verdict: Acrylic provides greater safety for high-contact environments.

Best Use Cases for Each

Where to Buy Acrylic Sheets in Sri Lanka

At Jeewa Plastic, we offer a wide selection of high-quality acrylic sheets in multiple finishes clear, coloured, frosted, and mirror suitable for both indoor and outdoor use. Visit our Acrylic Sheets section here:
🔗 Shop Acrylic Sheets at Jeewa Plastic

You can also explore our range of cutting tools, adhesives, and mounting accessories to complete your setup.