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We decided to try our hand at making our own glitter acrylic signage, and we’re obsessed with how they turned out! ✨ For our “Wicked” sign, we used a 12"x18" sheet of CMB 1/8" Matte Pastel Flamingo. We cut the letters on Dualtite, placed them onto the backer, removed the paper backing so the letters were sticky, and poured green glitter over them. After shaking off the excess and giving it a final clean with a microfiber cloth, the letters were sparkling and perfect. For the “Bulletproof” sign, we used a 12"x18" sheet of 1/8" CMB Matte Black. We engraved the wording into the backer and laser cut the letters from Orabonded FLEX. Once peeled and sticky, we poured black glitter on the letters, shook off the excess, and cleaned it up. And just like that — two trendy, glittery signs! Use this as inspo to create your own with different styles, colors, and glitter. This technique is super fun to experiment with! Shop CMB today to get started.

Looking for the perfect gift for the acrylic crafter in your life (or maybe just treating yourself)? We’ve got you covered with this go-to guide filled with ideas for every level of maker! ✨ Start with the Basics Every laser maker knows you can never have too much clear, white, or black acrylic. These classic core colors are essential for everyday projects — from signage to jewelry — and they’re always in high demand. 📦 Mystery Boxes & Curated Bundles Want to surprise your favorite creator (or yourself)? Our Mystery Boxes and Scrap Boxes drop once a month and are perfect for experimenting with new colors, textures, and patterns. They sell out quickly, so be sure to turn on restock alerts! You can also shop our themed acrylic bundles — curated with complementary sheets in seasonal or trending tones. These are perfect for themed projects like holiday earrings, keychains, and more! 🛠️ Tools & Accessories Take your acrylic game to the next level with some of our most-loved tools and accessories. Some must-haves include: Riley Black Keychain Thingies Monarch Pine Jewelry Sampler Acrylic Sheet Standoffs And if you want to level up your process, we also offer: Heat Activated Adhesive DualTite Sheets & Rolls Scraper & Focus Tools Frog Juice UV Sealant Novus Polish (Steps 1, 2 & 3) These extras not only make your workflow smoother — they add polish and professionalism to every piece. 🖨️ Custom Patterns & UV Signage For a more personal touch, consider gifting one of our custom printed acrylic sheets or signs.Upload your own design, choose a core color (standard options show through the print!), and we’ll take care of the rest. It’s a unique way to bring someone’s vision to life. Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned pro or someone just getting started, we hope this guide helps you find the perfect gift. 🎨 Explore over 1,000 styles of acrylic sheets and materials at CMB — and give the gift of creativity this season!

Beginner’s Guide to Acrylic: Tools & Equipment You Need to Get Started If you're just getting started with acrylic, it’s easy to feel like you need a long list of tools before you can even begin. The reality? You don’t need everything right away. In this guide, we’re breaking down the essential tools and equipment you actually need to start working with acrylic—plus a few upgrades you can add as you grow. The Most Important Tool: Your Laser Machine If you’re planning to cut or engrave acrylic, your laser machine is the foundation of everything. CO2 lasers are the most commonly used for acrylic and provide the best results for cutting and engraving. Popular machines include Glowforge, Thunder, Aeon, Mira, Trotec, and One Laser. If you already have a machine, the key is learning how it interacts with acrylic—something that improves quickly with practice. If you're still learning the basics of cutting, check out our Laser Cutting Acrylic Guide. Material Matters More Than You Think Your results are only as good as the material you’re using. High-quality acrylic—especially cast acrylic—will cut cleaner, engrave better, and give you more consistent results. Different finishes also behave differently, so choosing the right one is just as important as your settings. If you’re unsure where to start, our Acrylic Finish Guide can help you compare options quickly. Basic Tools You’ll Use Every Day You don’t need a huge setup to get started. These are the tools most beginners use regularly: Masking or Transfer TapeUsed to protect acrylic during cutting or to help with painting and layering. Paper Masking or Painters Tape Cleaning SuppliesA microfiber cloth and acrylic-safe cleaner will help you remove dust, residue, and fingerprints without scratching the surface.  Novus Cleaner Equipment Swabs Latex Gloves Microfiber Cloth Lint-Free Towels Weeding Tools or PicksHelpful for removing small pieces after cutting or working with detailed designs. Weeding Tool Tweezers Ruler or Measuring ToolsAccurate measurements make a big difference in how your final product fits together. Understanding MaskingMost acrylic comes with a protective masking layer—either paper or plastic. This helps prevent scratches and protects the surface during cutting. Leaving masking on while cutting is one of the easiest ways to improve your results and reduce cleanup. When you're ready to remove the masking, it is best to use the Scraper Tool to quickly peel away masking, vinyl, and everything in between. If you're looking to apply your own, check out our how to, and look into a Vevor Cold Roll Laminator.  Adhesives & Assembly If you’re creating layered or assembled products, you’ll need a way to attach pieces together. Acrylic CementCreates a strong, permanent bond by chemically fusing pieces together. Weld-On for Acrylic to Acrylic Bonding Glue or Adhesive OptionsUsed for quicker assembly or when working with mixed materials. The right adhesive depends on your project, but having at least one reliable option is key. Double Sided Adhesive such as: 3M Sheets, Orabond, or Dualtite Optional Tools That Make Life Easier As you grow, a few additional tools can improve your workflow and results: CalipersGreat for measuring thickness accurately—especially important when working with layered designs. Digital Caliper Jigs or Alignment ToolsHelp with consistent placement and faster production. Storage SolutionsKeeping your acrylic organized and protected prevents scratches and saves time. What You DON’T Need Right Away One of the biggest mistakes beginners make is overbuying tools before they even start. You don’t need a fully built-out workshop to create great products. Start with the basics, learn your process, and add tools as you go. The most important thing is understanding your material and your machine—not having every tool available. Final Thoughts Getting started with acrylic doesn’t require a huge investment in tools—it requires the right foundation. Focus on learning your machine, choosing quality materials, and building your skills step by step. As you grow, your setup will naturally grow with you. The goal isn’t to have everything—it’s to know how to use what you have. We've curated a list of what we consider must have's when starting with acrylic, but feel free to let us know in the comments what we're missing!