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The surfaces of plastics explained: glossy, matte, Structure & technical

The surfaces of plastics explained: glossy, matte, Structure & technical

Our different plastics have different surfaces. Learn about the differences so that your laser-cut plastic stays looking good with use.

All of our plastics can be cleaned with water, all-purpose cleaner or glass cleaner. Alcohol-based cleaners (such as isopropyl) are also safe to use.

Note: Never use acetone to clean plastics, as it will dissolve them!

Glossy

Example of a plastic with glossy surface

Glossy steals the show so is particularly intended for aesthetic applications. But beware; glossy plastics are prone to scratching. Care should be taken when cleaning: use a soft microfiber cloth. You can usually repair any scratches with polish. Glossy plastics always come with a protective film so they arrive at your door perfectly.

Glossy plastics at Snijlab:

 

matte

Example of a plastic with matte surface

A matte surface has microscopic bumps that cause light to refract in all directions. matte gives a calm image because you don't see reflections in it. Moreover, it is somewhat more robust than glossy because grease stains and small scratches are much less noticeable. Therefore, a matte surface often stays looking nice longer. However, deep scratches can be made on it, so caution is advised. You can clean matte plastics with a damp cloth with detergent or glass cleaner. Our matte acrylics come with protective film so they arrive at your door perfectly.

Matt plastics at Snijlab:

 

Structure

Example of a plastic with textured surface

A textured surface has small bumps on purpose, small but just visible. It often feels a little smoother because you make less contact with the surface. A textured looks neat and is even less prone to scratches and stains than a matte surface. Think about a car dashboard, which is also often textured so that it stays looking good even if you don't clean it for a change. So textured is ideal for surfaces that are often touched and used.

Structured plastics at Snijlab:

 

Technical

Example of the surface of an engineering plastic

Sometimes appearance is of less importance. For example, for mechanical and structural application. This surface has some glossy, but is already supplied by the factory without protective film. As a result, it may contain small scratches.

Engineering plastics at Snijlab:

Whatever plastic you are having laser cut, now you know which surface to choose for your next project.

Blog posts

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POM (Delrin) vs PA6 (Nylon): Engineering plastics compared

POM (Delrin) vs PA6 (Nylon): Engineering plastics compared

POM and Nylon (PA6) are very similar and both can be laser cut. Why do we keep POM in stock and not PA6?

InfoThe surfaces of plastics explained: glossy, matte, Structure & technical

The surfaces of plastics explained: glossy, matte, Structure & technical

Our different plastics have different surfaces. Learn about the differences so that your laser-cut plastic stays looking good with use.

Sample chains: new and yet not so new

Sample chains: new and yet not so new

From now on you can order sample necklaces at Snijlab. You may have already known about the samples, but that you can order them in a necklace is new.