Acrylic looks stunning when it's clear and spotless — and tired when it's smeared, dusty or cloudy with fine scratches. The good news: acrylic display maintenance is simple if you use the right tools and avoid a few common mistakes.
Why acrylic needs special care
Acrylic is softer than glass. Paper towels, rough sponges and household glass cleaners can leave micro-scratches or a cloudy haze. Acrylic also builds static, which attracts dust — especially in the UAE's dusty environment.
What to use
- Microfibre cloths — soft, lint-free and non-abrasive.
- Dedicated acrylic or plastic cleaner — designed to clean and reduce static.
- Mild soap and lukewarm water — a safe alternative for most displays.
What to avoid
| Avoid | Why |
|---|---|
| Paper towels and tissues | Wood fibres can scratch the surface |
| Glass cleaners with ammonia | Can cause clouding and crazing (fine cracks) |
| Alcohol and solvents | Can damage the surface and printed inks |
| Abrasive sponges and powders | Cause visible scratches |
| Dry wiping dusty surfaces | Drags dust particles across the acrylic like sandpaper |
Step-by-step cleaning
- Remove loose dust first. Gently blow or lightly flick dust away before wiping.
- Apply cleaner to the cloth, not directly onto printed areas.
- Wipe gently in straight lines rather than circles.
- Dry with a clean microfibre cloth.
- Check printed areas — especially face-printed designs — and wipe them very lightly.
Caring for printed acrylic
Reverse-printed acrylic (ink on the back) is protected, so the front can be cleaned normally. Face-printed acrylic has ink on the surface: clean it gently with mild soapy water and never scrub. Learn more in our acrylic printing guide.
Light scratches
Very fine scratches on unprinted areas can often be reduced with a plastic polish applied gently with a microfibre cloth. Deep scratches cannot be removed without professional polishing. Never polish over printed areas.
Daily and weekly routine
- Daily: Dust menu holders, QR stands and reception signs.
- Weekly: Clean with acrylic cleaner or mild soap.
- After events: Clean before storing so dust doesn't settle and scratch.
Storage and handling
- Keep the protective film on new items until installation.
- Store items separated with soft cloth or foam — never stacked face to face.
- Keep away from heat sources; acrylic can warp in very high temperatures, such as a car in summer.
- Handle by the edges to avoid fingerprints.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my acrylic cloudy?
Usually from ammonia-based cleaners or tiny scratches from abrasive wiping.
How do I stop dust sticking?
Anti-static acrylic cleaners reduce static build-up.
Where can I get acrylic displays?
Browse our acrylic displays and tabletop display guide.