Choosing the right acrylic sheet thickness can make or break your project. Go too thin, and it may bend or crack. Go too thick, and you might overspend or struggle with weight. That’s why this acrylic sheet thickness guide is designed to help you make the right decision whether you’re building signage, furniture, or protective barriers.
At Jeewa Plastic, we supply a wide range of acrylic sheets in various thicknesses. Here’s how to decide what’s best for your use case.
Common Acrylic Thicknesses Explained
Acrylic sheets are available in a range of thicknesses from ultra-thin to solid panels. These are the most commonly used:
- 1.5 mm – For craft, model making, or low-impact décor
- 2 mm to 3 mm – For indoor signs, basic panels, DIY lightboxes
- 4 mm to 5 mm – For medium-strength displays, protective covers
- 6 mm to 8 mm – For furniture inserts, sturdy signage, dividers
- 10 mm and above – For load-bearing shelves, structural covers, aquariums
Each thickness comes with its own balance of flexibility, durability, and clarity.
What Thickness Suits Signage?
Indoor signage typically uses 2 mm or 3 mm acrylic sheets. These are light, easy to mount, and ideal for vinyl overlays or direct UV printing.
For outdoor signage or panels exposed to wind or heat, 4 mm to 6 mm sheets are recommended. These resist bowing over time and provide more stability when mounted to poles, fences, or freestanding structures.
Jeewa Plastic stocks both matt and gloss acrylic sheets in signage-ready thicknesses for Sri Lankan businesses, event planners, and DIY decorators.
When to Use Thicker Sheets for Furniture & Displays
For tabletop inserts, partition panels, or acrylic furniture accents, 6 mm or thicker sheets are ideal. These offer better rigidity and maintain shape under moderate pressure. At 8 mm to 10 mm, the sheet becomes strong enough for short shelving or display stands—especially when supported with a frame or brackets.
In applications like display cases or shopfront branding panels, clarity and edge finish matter. Jeewa Plastic offers sheets with polished edges and scratch-resistant finishes for projects that need a refined look.
Barriers and Safety Shields
Post-COVID, acrylic barriers have become common in schools, offices, and restaurants. For sneeze guards or protective dividers, 4 mm to 6 mm acrylic sheets strike the best balance between visibility, strength, and easy mounting.
Thicker sheets (8 mm and up) are reserved for high-impact areas, such as cashier zones or booths where public contact is continuous.
When Not to Go Too Thin
While 1.5 mm to 2 mm sheets are affordable, they are only suitable for lightweight, non-structural uses. If used unsupported, thin sheets can flex, warp, or crack over time especially in warmer weather or under mild pressure.
Avoid using thin acrylic sheets:
- As standalone signage outdoors
- For partitions taller than 3 feet
- In any load-bearing furniture or display use
Tips for Choosing the Right Thickness
- Know your environment (indoor, outdoor, high-traffic?)
- Consider the mounting method (frame-supported or freestanding?)
- Account for load (is the sheet bearing weight or simply acting as a cover?)
- Think about appearance thicker sheets offer more edge clarity and polish
If unsure, Jeewa Plastic’s team can advise on the best thickness based on your application and budget.
Where to Buy Acrylic Sheets in Sri Lanka
Jeewa Plastic supplies clear, coloured, frosted, and textured acrylic sheets in standard and custom thicknesses. Whether you’re outfitting a storefront, building a divider, or crafting at home, you’ll find the right acrylic sheet and the right thickness for the job.
Selecting the right acrylic sheet thickness depends on where and how you’ll use it. Lighter sheets work well for crafts and signs, while thicker ones are essential for furniture, barriers, or structural applications. With the right choice, you get strength, clarity, and cost-efficiency exactly where you need it.
For the widest range of acrylic thicknesses in Sri Lanka, visit Jeewa Plastic and get expert advice tailored to your project.