Plexiglass

[Apollo]

Hi All,

Does anyone know where I can obtain decent plexiglass/styrene/acrylic/whatever at ok prices. I approached Glass&Mirror but they were a bit sniffy and wouldn't even send a sample as I didn't have an account.

Obviously got too many customers already!!!

I really need it for sending frames by post/carrier.

Thanks in advance, friends.

[JFeig]

Appollo

i do not know your business makeup as you did not indicate any addition information for us to analyze. Maybe you were turned away due to you not giving them any info as well as a full fledged ongoing business. There are a "to the trade" supplier and not open to the general public.

[Apollo]

JFeig,

I sent a standard form request from their website asking for samples and a price list for plastic glazing. They emailed back informing me that they do not supply the general public and can they have my account code. Fair enough.

As as start up business, I purchase all my supplies cash up front from a couple of decent sized trade suppliers. I wasn't looking for an account. I have been around manufacturing and business long enough to know that we all need a hand in the early days. Some even go on to make it!

So, I explained that I was a start up and that I only wanted samples and a price list. I also stated that I am hoping to use good amounts of plastic glazing as I hope to send most stuff by carrier.

Never even got a reply.

So, If anyone knows where I can get decent plastic glazing at ok prices..................

[framejunkie]

I'm surprised by G&M's attitude - they've always been good to me even when i was starting up and only ordered about £200 worth of product in my first year. You should be on one of their regular van routes, so i don't understand why they don't seem to want your custom.

Regarding sending glazed items by post/courier I'd personally say don't use styrene - if you stress it, it tends to craze and look awful, so a badly handled package will look shoddy on arrival. Go for acrylic(AKA plexiglass; perspex etc). It'll cost you more but IMHO its worth the extra

[Jonny2morsos]

Why not try approaching Wessex Pictures in Croydon. Wessex now own G&M and it would be in their interest to get business from you for moulding, glass etc.

Gary White is the manager there.

John.

[JFeig]

Hi Apollo

You stated that you did not fill out their credit application and that you prefer to pay in cash. I would assume from their point of view, you were not really serious potential customer in their mind when you did not complete a credit application. Remember that none of us were directly listening to the conversation that transpired between you and a supplier to hear both sides of the story.

Once a credit application is completed, there is no problem with paying with cash, check, etc as the merchandise is delivered (COD).

My suppliers would be of no use to you nor would the prices I pay due to me being on the other side of the pond. As a footnote, my last order in Sept. for 3mm 48x96 extruded acrylic sheet with a plastic film cover was about $60us each(6 sheets).

[framejunkie]

Once a credit application is completed, there is no problem with paying with cash, check, etc as the merchandise is delivered (COD).

I've always paid for my Glass & Mirror goods at the time of delivery - not least because they give 2.5% discount. Its worth opening a credit account with them to show you're serious, but then never taking advantage of the credit

[Apollo]

Thanks for all the info, guys, much appreciated.

Framejunkie - Do you take any plastic glazing from G&M? If so, I would be interested to know what you recommend and an indication of price, if possible.

Thanks again.

[framejunkie]

I use a fair bit of acrylic. Various types, and almost always from G&M.

So, list prices and a few personal opinions - all the prices are the cut-to-size prices per square metre - i only order it that way because i don't have a table saw(yet!).

Normal clear acrylic - 2mm £24.95 - ok for small stuff, say less than 2 feet, tend to be a bit wobbly when larger
- 3mm comes as extruded(£34.50) or cast(£39.50). The cast stuff has better light transmission and i reckon its worth the extra. It has no effect on colours like float glass does. I use this when frames are going to be sent through the psot or taken abroad or whatever.

Art Shield Scratch-resistant - comes in 3mm, either normal(£62.50); or with 99% UV filter(£78.50). These are both good stuff - although worth pointing out that they are not scratch-proof - just a bit more resilient than the normal stuff, which is painfully easy to damage.

UV Acrylic - 2mm is £26.50; 3mm £47.50. I use lots of the 3mm - it comes in bigger sizes than any UV glass i know of, so when i frame a biggun i often use this. They also sell to special order - ie they don't stock it but can get it - in 5mm. I have a piece they delivered on Weds which is 172x232cm! Only set me back £400 ! I might post a pic of the finished frame if i can find a wide angle lens.

Tru Vue Anti-reflective UV - I've never used this stuff - 3mm is £350/sq m; 4.5mm is £395; they do 6mm but if you have to ask the price you can't afford it baby. Anyone got any obsessive millionaire customers who prefer this stuff? What's it like? Can you hear angels singing when you look through it?




I'd want that, at the very least