Painting acrylic sheet

NeverTooLate

I have had some clear acrylic sheet cut to size to fit my wooden dining table to act as a table protector. I wanted the acrylic to be a specific colour but the options were limited so I've bought a clear one and intend to paint the back as you would for a glass splashback.

Was hoping for some advice on the best way to go about this. Below is my plan at the moment, would welcome suggestions etc.

1. Lightly sand the acrylic with very fine grade sand paper to key it.
2. Paint with matt emulsion mixed to the colour I want - probably 3 coats
3. Stick 1.5mm thick strips of foam tape over the paint to raise the protector slightly from the table to prevent it scratching

plumb1_2

You could vinyl wrap it

NeverTooLate

plumb1_2 said:

You could vinyl wrap it

It's an oval shape, not sure how I'd get the edges looking neat? Does it come in any colour - I have to match an existing wall colour.

grumbler

It will look nicer if you paint only the bottom side without damaging it.

I don't know how thick is your sheet, but thin ones are very flexible and brittle, so I don't think your strips will work in this case. Instead, add some vinyl film over the paint - it will protect both the paint and the table from scratches.

flashg67

Vinyl trimmed to fit as suggested, or if it's thick and not likely to flex, then paint,  then a clear lacquer to protect?

NeverTooLate

It's 5mm thick and not too flexible. The clear lacquer's a good suggestion, although as the paint will be underneath it shouldn't get any wear.

NeverTooLate

Thought I'd report back with pic.



Pretty pleased with it. Just lightly sanded, then matt emulsion (several coats). I didn't bother with any protective layer as it will get no wear. And I just used the foamy type table protector we already had, cut it a bit smaller all the way around so that the acrylic doesn't scratch the table.
It's a big table and the cover is pretty light - it would have been too heavy in glass.

GrubbyGirl_2

looks great - will be interesting to see how it fairs after a bit of use

ThisIsWeird

NeverTooLate said:

Thought I'd report back with pic.



Pretty pleased with it. Just lightly sanded, then matt emulsion (several coats). I didn't bother with any protective layer as it will get no wear. And I just used the foamy type table protector we already had, cut it a bit smaller all the way around so that the acrylic doesn't scratch the table.
It's a big table and the cover is pretty light - it would have been too heavy in glass.

Dude! That's really nice! Stunning colour.

The top surface's gonna scratch like 'uggery, tho'. Perhaps some large, soft-backed place mats for use? Lots.

badger09

ThisIsWeird said:

NeverTooLate said:

Thought I'd report back with pic.



Pretty pleased with it. Just lightly sanded, then matt emulsion (several coats). I didn't bother with any protective layer as it will get no wear. And I just used the foamy type table protector we already had, cut it a bit smaller all the way around so that the acrylic doesn't scratch the table.
It's a big table and the cover is pretty light - it would have been too heavy in glass.

Dude! That's really nice! Stunning colour.

The top surface's gonna scratch like 'uggery, tho'. Perhaps some large, soft-backed place mats for use? Lots.

@ThisIsWeird
Your username is strangely appropriate to my next comment😊
I really dislike that colour (sorry) but the table top does look stunning. Well done OP!

I would also be very concerned about surface scratches. 

ThisIsWeird

badger09 said:

ThisIsWeird said:

NeverTooLate said:

Thought I'd report back with pic.



Pretty pleased with it. Just lightly sanded, then matt emulsion (several coats). I didn't bother with any protective layer as it will get no wear. And I just used the foamy type table protector we already had, cut it a bit smaller all the way around so that the acrylic doesn't scratch the table.
It's a big table and the cover is pretty light - it would have been too heavy in glass.

Dude! That's really nice! Stunning colour.

The top surface's gonna scratch like 'uggery, tho'. Perhaps some large, soft-backed place mats for use? Lots.

@ThisIsWeird
Your username is strangely appropriate to my next comment😊
I really dislike that colour (sorry) but the table top does look stunning. Well done OP!

I would also be very concerned about surface scratches. 

Ha-ha. To clarify, it's too bold a colour for me, but it strikes me as being, well, striking in the OP's setting. I 'admire' it more than would actually 'have' it.

I'd like to have more of that type of judgement, but don't.