How to adhere acrylic sheets to windows?

[Oopsee]

I'm told that double glazing of windows is a very good way to keep the heat in if you are in a cold climate where it can snow.

I stumbled across Suntuf 900 x 600 x 5mm Clear Acrylic Sheet in Bunnings recently and had an idea...

Would it be possible to adhere (on the internal side of a window), this material just using silicone? I understand that specially made glues will do the job, but I would like to remove the sheeting once the weather starts warming up. I could slice the silicone off to remove the acrylic sheet, but the special glues seem to be permanent, by design. 

If it came to a pinch I wonder if bluetak could even be used as a temp measure?? Maybe even a clear double-sided tape?? 

 Can these sheets be cut to size? What's the best way to cut them and keep a clean edge rather than a "furry" plastic edge which I imagine a handsaw would make? 

I'm thinking just two windows in a particular room, not the whole house. 

Pls feel free to point out problems.  It won't be the last crazy idea I have 😀😀

Thx

[MitchellMc · Accepted solution]

Hi @Oopsee,

That’s not a crazy idea at all—temporary double glazing with acrylic is actually a fairly common DIY method for improving insulation during winter.

Using silicone could work, but as you guessed, removing it later might be tricky. Even if you slice it off, it can leave residue or pull off paint or finishes from your window frame. A cleaner, more removable option would be to use something like self-adhesive Velcro. Stick one side to the frame and the other to the acrylic sheet—this way, you can easily take the panels off when the weather warms up and reattach them next winter if needed.

Blu-Tack or double-sided tape might also work temporarily, but they may not hold as well, especially over time or if there’s any condensation involved. The Velcro solution tends to be more reliable and neater.

As for cutting the sheets, yes—they can absolutely be trimmed to size. A fine-toothed handsaw will do the job, but it can leave that slightly “furry” plastic edge, as you mentioned. A quick sand with fine-grit sandpaper will smooth it out nicely. If you're confident with a circular saw, that can give you a cleaner, straighter cut, especially if you clamp a guide rail to keep the line straight. 

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

[Prof]

Hi Oopsee...

One thing I can help you with is not to try cutting the acrylic yourself...It can only be cut successfully by using a very fine tooth circular saw..otherwise it will split or crack..

I suggest you take the panels to a Plastics Fabrication Company and they will cut them for you for a reasonable price..

As far as fixing them to your windows..I would either use clear silicone (non setting type) or double sided Alien tape..Either would allow removal fairly easily..

Prof..

[Oopsee]

@Prof @Thx for the tip! 

[Oopsee]

@MitchellMc Very good ideas. Thx for the help.

I think I now have 6 projects going at once... At least it feels like it! Never a dull moment! 🙂