Acrylic is the broad term for a range of thermoplastics. Lucite is a type of acrylic that was produced originally by one manufacturer. There is no visual difference between the two and many use these terms interchangeably,
Yes and no. We use the highest quality acrylic that has been treated to protect against scratching. Having said that, a rambunctious pet, with sharp nails and determination, can scratch hard enough to leave scratches on your Hiddin product. For removing scratches, we recommend: QUIXX Acrylic Scratch Remover or Novus 7100 Plastic Polish Kit. The kits offer formulas to remove both light and medium scratches but are not always successful.
Never use Windex or any chemical cleaners. It deteriorates the acrylic slightly over time and makes it look cloudy instead of bright and clear. The best way to clean lucite is simply warm soapy water and a soft cloth. Then just wipe it down with a dry cloth and you're all done.
You can try using a commercial acrylic cleaner like QUIXX Acrylic Scratch Remover or Novus 7100 Plastic Polish Kit.. They can remove scratches from acrylic but are not guaranteed to work; it is dependent on the depth of the scratch etc. The kits offer formulas to remove both light and medium scratches but are not always successful.
Yes, the Hiddin all acrylic items like the pet gates or playpens can be used outside and will not yellow or break down. Acrylic can withstand heat and does not melt. Any of our items with metal, for example the pet crates or the feeding bowls, are not meant for outdoors and can rust over time.
No, acrylic is not meant to go in the dishwasher and should be hand washed. You must handwash your acrylic products but do not use Windex or any chemical cleaners, instead use warm soapy water on a soft cloth.
It's no secret that acrylic is much stronger than glass, it is extremely durable and shatter-resistant making it a great substitute for glass especially when it comes to pet furnishings and accessories. It is easy to clean and maintain. Fun fact: the weight required to break an acrylic sheet is about 30 times greater than glass of the same thickness.
Acrylic can be damaged by harsh solvents and cleaners. Use mild soap and water to remove dirt and debris. When cleaning, use a non-abrasive lint-free or microfiber cloth that won't scratch the surface.
No, Acrylic will not yellow in the sun. It is derived from natural gas and so will not discolor. Acrylic is one of the few plastics which is not affected by UV light. This makes it ideal for pet crates, gates, feeders etc that are placed in direct sunlight or used outside.