Acrylic Overview
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The Design Challenge
An interior space well lit by either natural or artificial lighting, potentially high traffic, that competes for attention with a variety of distractions – visual, mental, or emotional. Or the durability of the artwork is a priority and it needs to be able to withstand constant cleaning, curious fingers and hands, or environments that see greater heat and humidity. From a purely aesthetic perspective, an organization that wants to communicate a modern and innovative, but still human-centric, personality. Something that blends ‘traditional’ with ‘contemporary’.
The Impact
All artwork can have an impact. But the intensity of that impact is determined by the nature and context of the environment the artwork is placed within. The longevity of a piece is another important consideration, especially if one is looking to maximize the return on their investment in art. Certain substrates like canvas are by nature more delicate and ill-suited for spaces that put the artwork in danger of exposure to liquids, heat, or physical interaction. The look-and-feel of canvas also strays much more towards ‘traditional’, while a sturdy substrate like aluminum is decisively and unapologetically modern and contemporary.
The Solution
Acrylic offers durability, versatility, and brilliance. Made of a synthetic polymer material, acrylic art is able to handle both heat and humidity without trouble. Acrylic is also resistant to liquids and can stand up to frequent cleanings and wipe-downs. Aesthetically, acrylic art possesses unique properties that amplify and enhance the interplay between light and the artwork. When light enters the translucent material it reflects and refracts, enhancing the vibrancy and luminescence of colors, while emphasizing details and imagery. Ultimately, this produces a clean, transitional look of exceptional clarity and style.
Design Recommendations
Acrylic offers a variety of options, each well suited for specific looks, concepts, and different interior spaces.
Thickness
The thicker the acrylic, the greater the interaction between light and the artwork. ¼” acrylic is a fantastic all-purpose solution that balances cost with performance. 3/8” acrylic is however recommended for signature pieces installed in prominent spaces like lobbies or entrances, or conference rooms.
Backing
For areas that have a great deal of natural light, clear acrylic with no backing and mounted using stainless steel standoffs (“pucks”) can create a luminescent ‘back-lit’ look. For areas with less light, or for when one wants colors to really ‘pop’, acrylic with white backing is the perfect solution.
Product Specifications
Acrylic art offers a wide variety of thickness, backing, material, and mounting options. Technical specifications and requirements are however consistent across all acrylic art pieces regardless of selected options. All edges are polished by default, and the artwork is typically mounted using 4-6 (depending on size) holes/standoffs. All artwork is giclée printed.
Thickness and Size Availability
Acrylic art is available in 1/8”, ¼” and 3/8” thicknesses.
Acrylic art can be ordered in a wide range of sizes from 12” x 12” to a typical maximum of 48” x 96”. For larger sizes, contact Great American Art directly to inquire about availability and quotes.
Finish Options
Acrylic art is available in glossy and matte/non-glare.
Presentation Options
Acrylic art can be ordered ‘clear’ (no backing), or with white backing.
Corners can be specified as square, or round 1/8”.
Sandwich Acrylic Option:
‘Sandwich’ options are also available, which places the selected artwork print between two acrylic panels. Sandwich acrylic artwork is changeable, as prints can be easily removed and installed from between the panels.
Sandwich Acrylic Material Options:
- Polycarbonate front, PETG back (only PETG gets polished edge)
- Acrylic front, acrylic back (both sheets have polished edges)
Sandwich Acrylic Material Thickness Options
- 1/8" front, 1/4" back
- 1/4" front, 1/4" back
Mounting Options
Acrylic art can be mounted using:
- 1” brushed stainless steel standoffs (“pucks”)
- 1” brushed stainless steel locking standoffs
- Cleated with 1/2” rigid PVC (only available for acrylic with white backing, or “sandwich” acrylic)
Behavioral Health Option
Great American Art offers an acrylic art solution specifically designed to meet the federal guidelines and standards for art installations in behavioral health facilities. All acrylic art for Behavioral Health features:
- Shatter-proof Lexan substrate
- Beveled and rounded frame corners
- Beveled and rounded frame edges
- Sits flush with wall
- Artwork-to-Wall Installation: Counter-sunk tamper-proof screws, 2 top and 2 bottom.
- Installed with edges sealed to wall with silicon
Surface Burning Characteristics
Does not exceed 115 Flame Spread, 550 Smoke Development, when tested in accordance with ASTM E-84. Has a Flammability rating of 1.02 in/min (ASTM D-635) and a Self-Ignition Temperature of 833 Fo (ASTM D-1929).