Yes, you absolutely can paint cast acrylic.
Painting on cast acrylic (GS) is a common practice, and it is often the preferred type of acrylic sheet when you plan to apply paint or use it as a canvas.
When working with acrylic sheets, especially if your project involves both painting and other types of fabrication like sawing or drilling, we advise not using extruded (XT) acrylic but opting for the cast version (GS) instead. This is because cast acrylic is more suitable for processing than the extruded type, making it a better choice for projects where painting is combined with cutting or shaping.
Why Choose Cast Acrylic for Painting?
Based on expert advice:
- Processing Suitability: Cast acrylic handles fabrication processes like sawing, drilling, and routing more cleanly than extruded acrylic. If your painted piece requires cutting or drilling after painting (or before), cast acrylic significantly reduces the risk of chipping or melting around the edges.
- Surface Quality: Cast acrylic often has a slightly harder and more uniform surface than extruded acrylic, which can sometimes lead to better paint adhesion and finish quality, depending on the paint used.
- Durability: It generally offers better scratch resistance compared to extruded acrylic.
Key takeaway: While painting is possible on both types of acrylic, the cast version (GS) is recommended, particularly if the project involves any form of processing alongside painting.
Choosing the right type of acrylic is the first step towards a successful painted project. Always ensure the surface is properly prepared for painting, which typically involves cleaning and sometimes light abrasion depending on the paint type used (though surface prep specifics are outside the scope of the provided reference).
