Short answer: For a freestanding counter shield, 1/4 in. clear acrylic is the sweet spot: stiff enough to stand 24 to 30 in. tall without wobbling and light enough to move. Use 3/16 in. for small desk shields, and add a cutout at the bottom for passing papers and payment.

What size and thickness to choose

Measure the counter where the shield will sit (our cut-to-size service takes any width and height), then subtract a couple of inches on each side so it doesn't overhang. Most counter shields are 24 to 36 in. wide and 24 to 32 in. tall, standing on the counter so the top is around face height for a standing customer.

  • 3/16 in. for desk shields up to about 24 × 24 in.
  • 1/4 in. for most counter shields up to 36 × 32 in. It's the best balance of stiffness and weight.
  • 3/8 in. for very tall or wide panels, or ones that get bumped a lot.

Feet, mounts, and cutouts

A shield is only as good as what holds it up. We can cut slotted acrylic feet that slide onto the bottom edge, bend a foot into the panel itself, or drill holes for wall, ceiling, or clamp mounts. See acrylic bending for bent feet. A pass-through cutout at the bottom (often 12 × 4 in. with rounded corners) lets you hand over papers, cards, and change.

Tip: round the outside corners with a 1 in. radius. Sharp corners at face height are easy to bump into, and rounded corners also resist chipping.

Acrylic or polycarbonate?

Acrylic is clearer, stays clearer, and costs less. Polycarbonate is far tougher, so it's worth it where shields will be hit or leaned on hard. For most counters, acrylic is the better choice. Compare acrylic and polycarbonate.

Keeping it clear

Clean with mild soap and water or a plastic cleaner such as Novus 1 or Brillianize, and a soft microfiber cloth. Avoid Windex-type window sprays and solvents, and don't wipe with full-strength alcohol sanitizers all day: they can cause fine cracks called crazing over time. For disinfecting, Acrylite approves isopropyl alcohol diluted to 30%. How to clean acrylic safely.

Questions

How do freestanding sneeze guards stay up?

With two or three acrylic feet that slot onto the bottom edge, each about 8 to 12 in. deep. Wider, deeper feet are steadier. We cut the feet with matching slots so the panel stands upright without glue.

Do you make sneeze guards in bulk?

Yes. Quantity discounts apply automatically in the instant quote, and multiple sizes can go in one order.