Short answer: Acrylic resists water, mild soap, dilute acids and alkalis, household bleach, hydrogen peroxide under 40%, and most oils and fuels like kerosene and diesel. It is attacked by acetone, MEK and other ketones, esters such as ethyl acetate, aromatic solvents (toluene, xylene, benzene), chlorinated solvents (methylene chloride, chloroform), lacquer thinner, and concentrated alcohols. Isopropyl alcohol, gasoline, and dilute ethanol have only limited resistance: brief contact is usually fine, soaking is not.
Key facts
- Safe for long contact: water, mild dish soap, dilute acids and alkalis, 5% bleach, hydrogen peroxide under 40%, mineral oil, kerosene, diesel, turpentine, glycerine.
- Brief contact only: isopropyl alcohol, gasoline, 30% ethyl or methyl alcohol, 5% acetic acid (vinegar strength).
- Avoid: acetone, MEK, ethyl and butyl acetate, toluene, xylene, benzene, methylene chloride, chloroform, lacquer thinner, 95% alcohol, ethers, concentrated sulfuric and nitric acid.
- Stress multiplies attack: a laser-cut, flame-polished, bent, or screwed part will craze from chemicals that don't touch a relaxed flat sheet.
Chemical resistance table
Ratings are from the ACRYLITE premium (FF) data sheet, which tests clear sheet. R = resistant for long periods up to 120 °F (49 °C). LR = limited resistance, short exposures at room temperature only. N = not resistant: it swells, crazes, dissolves, or otherwise damages the sheet. Cast sheet generally does a little better than extruded, but use the same caution.
| Chemical | Rating | Chemical | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water | R | Acetone | N |
| Soap solution (mild dish soap) | R | Methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) | N |
| Detergent solution (heavy duty) | R | Lacquer thinner | N |
| Sodium hypochlorite 5% (bleach) | R | Ethyl acetate | N |
| Calcium hypochlorite (pool chlorine) | R | Butyl acetate | N |
| Hydrogen peroxide under 40% | R | Hydrogen peroxide over 40% | LR |
| Ammonium hydroxide 10% and concentrated | R | Toluene | N |
| Sodium hydroxide 1% to 60% | R | Xylene | N |
| Sodium chloride 10% (salt water) | R | Benzene | N |
| Hydrochloric acid | R | Methylene chloride | N |
| Sulfuric acid 3% and 30% | R | Chloroform | N |
| Battery acid | R | Carbon tetrachloride | N |
| Nitric acid 10% | R | Trichloroethylene | N |
| Citric acid 20% | R | Ethylene dichloride | N |
| Kerosene | R | Ethyl alcohol 95% | N |
| Diesel oil | R | Methyl alcohol 100% | N |
| Mineral oil | R | Diethyl ether | N |
| Transformer oil | R | Dimethyl formamide | N |
| Turpentine | R | Phenol solution 5% | N |
| Olive oil, cottonseed oil | R | Glacial acetic acid | N |
| Ethylene glycol (antifreeze) | R | Hydrofluoric acid 25% | N |
| Glycerine | R | Sulfuric acid, concentrated | N |
| Hexane, heptane | R | Nitric acid, concentrated | N |
| Isopropyl alcohol | LR | Dioctyl phthalate (a plasticizer) | N |
| Gasoline | LR | Aniline | N |
| Ethyl alcohol 30%, methyl alcohol 30% | LR | Chromic acid | LR |
| Acetic acid 5% | LR | Nitric acid 40% | LR |
Why does the same chemical craze one part and not another?
Solvent attack on acrylic is mostly stress cracking. A chemical that sits harmlessly on a flat, relaxed sheet can produce a web of fine cracks (crazing) in seconds on a part that is under stress. ACRYLITE lists the factors that change the result even for "R" chemicals: stress from sawing, sanding, machining, drilling, or forming; the length of exposure and any load on the part; temperature swings; and whether the chemical is wiped, sprayed, or left to sit. The Plexiglas fabrication manual makes the same point and recommends annealing parts that must survive solvent contact, such as parts to be painted.
That's why laser-cut and flame-polished edges are the usual place crazing starts. Both leave stress in the edge. Read why laser-cut acrylic cracks later and what crazing is for the full story, and how to anneal acrylic to relieve it.
What about everyday products?
- Glass cleaner: makers say not to use window cleaning sprays on acrylic. Dilute ammonia alone rates R, but many glass cleaners also contain alcohols and solvents, and the risk isn't worth it. Use soap and water or a plastic cleaner. See how to clean acrylic.
- Hand sanitizer: typically 60 to 95% alcohol, the range that rates LR to N. Wipe it off sneeze guards and displays promptly. See can you disinfect acrylic.
- Nail polish remover: acetone or ethyl acetate, both N. It will etch or dissolve the surface.
- Adhesives and sealants: ACRYLITE and Plexiglas both warn that some gaskets, sealants, tapes, and cutting emulsions can craze acrylic. Avoid products containing plasticizers, and test anything unfamiliar on a scrap.
- Fuel and oil: diesel, kerosene, and motor oils are fine; gasoline is limited, so wipe spills on boat and RV windows quickly.
Is acrylic or polycarbonate more chemical resistant?
Neither is a chemical-tank material. Acrylic tolerates bleach, dilute acids, and alkalis well, while polycarbonate is attacked by strong alkalis and ammonia. Both are attacked by ketones, aromatics, and chlorinated solvents. For real chemical containment, look at polypropylene, HDPE, or PVC; see acrylic vs HDPE and other plastics.
Questions
Can I wipe acrylic with isopropyl alcohol?
A quick wipe on a relaxed sheet is usually fine; ACRYLITE rates isopropyl alcohol as limited resistance, and Plexiglas recommends isopropanol for disinfecting. Don't soak, don't let it pool, and keep it off stressed edges and bends.
What happens if acetone gets on acrylic?
Acetone softens and dissolves the surface, leaving it cloudy or tacky, and it crazes stressed areas almost instantly. A small spill can sometimes be buffed out once fully dry; a deep etch can't.
Is vinegar safe on acrylic?
Household vinegar is roughly 5% acetic acid, which ACRYLITE rates as limited resistance. Plaskolite suggests vinegar for loosening old masking adhesive, followed by an immediate rinse. Fine for a wipe, not for long soaking.