Acrylic is a durable material, but it is not indestructible. A few simple habits will keep a printed acrylic plaque looking clear and bright for years. This guide covers general acrylic care, so you know what to do and what to avoid.
Know what you have
Our personalized plaques are solid acrylic about 0.59 in (1.5 cm) thick, cut to the outline of an illustrated design, with one name printed into the artwork. The 3D-look effect is printed on a flat surface rather than carved. Understanding this helps you treat it properly: it is a smooth surface that can scratch if rubbed with the wrong material.
Routine dusting
Most of the time, dusting is all you need. Use a soft microfiber cloth and wipe gently in one direction. Avoid paper towels, tissues, and rough cloths, which can leave fine scratches over time. A soft, clean brush can help with crevices on the outline.
Static and dust
Acrylic can attract dust through static. A lightly damp microfiber cloth can reduce this. Dry the surface afterward with a second clean cloth.
Deeper cleaning
For fingerprints and smudges, follow these steps:
- Dust the surface first with a dry microfiber cloth, so grit does not drag across it.
- Mix a few drops of mild dish soap into lukewarm water.
- Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with the solution and wipe gently.
- Rinse with a cloth dampened with plain water.
- Pat dry with a clean, soft cloth.
What to avoid
- Alcohol-based cleaners. These can damage acrylic and cause clouding.
- Ammonia-based cleaners. Many glass cleaners contain ammonia, so skip them.
- Abrasive pads and powders. They scratch the surface.
- Paper towels. They can leave micro-scratches.
- Hot water. Stick to lukewarm.
Keep it out of prolonged direct sun
As a general rule for acrylic, prolonged direct sunlight can affect the look of the piece over time. Display your plaque where it is bright but not in a spot that bakes in strong sun for hours each day. A shelf in the middle of a room or a table away from the window is a better choice than a south-facing sill.
Avoid heat sources
Keep acrylic away from radiators, fireplaces, stoves, and heating vents. Heat can warp or damage plastics. This is especially worth remembering for winter displays on a mantel.
Placement for safety
Stand your plaque on a stable, flat surface, away from the edge. If you have children or pets, choose a high shelf or a spot they cannot reach. A fall onto a hard floor can chip or crack acrylic.
Storing a seasonal piece
If you rotate seasonal decor, such as items from the Christmas and winter plaques, wrap the plaque in a soft cloth or microfiber wrap and store it flat in a box. Do not stack heavy items on top of it.
A quick monthly routine
You do not need a complicated schedule. Once a month, give the plaque a gentle dusting with a dry microfiber cloth and check that it is sitting level and away from the edge of its shelf. Every few months, or after a dusty season, do the soap-and-water wipe described above. Keep your cleaning cloth separate from ones used on kitchen counters or floors, so no grit or grease transfers to the surface. Taking a minute to do this means you will rarely need anything stronger.
If something goes wrong
If a plaque arrives damaged or misprinted, contact support@velmigood.com. We will remake it or refund you in full within 30 days. Personalized items cannot be returned for a change of mind. Our refund policy explains the details.
Tips for gifts
When you give a plaque as a gift, tuck a short note with care instructions into the card. It helps the recipient look after it from the start.
Looking to add to your collection? Browse All Plaques or the bedroom and living room plaques, and enjoy a piece that stays clear and bright with just a little care.