Acrylic is a strong yet delicate material that looks fantastic when cut and installed correctly, but it can be prone to cracking if drilled without proper care. Whether you’re mounting a sign, creating a display, or attaching panels for cladding, learning how to drill acrylic the right way will help you achieve a clean, professional result every time.
Here’s a quick guide to help you drill acrylic (including mirrored acrylic) safely and without cracks.
🛠️ What You’ll Need
- Your acrylic panel (cast acrylic is generally better for drilling than extruded)
- Painter’s tape or masking tape
- Sharp drill bit (preferably a step bit or specially ground acrylic/plastic drill bit)
- Power drill with variable speed
- Clamp or non-slip mat
- Safety glasses
- Scrap wood backing board
✅ Step-by-Step: How to Drill Acrylic
1. Choose the Right Drill Bit
The most important part of the job. Standard metal bits can work, but plastic-specific drill bits or a step bit reduce the chance of cracking dramatically. Avoid spade bits or masonry bits.
Tip: If you only have a standard bit, you can modify the cutting edge slightly with a file to make it less aggressive.
2. Secure the Acrylic Panel
Use clamps or a soft, non-slip mat to hold the panel in place. Acrylic can shift easily, which leads to chipping or splintering. Place a piece of scrap wood under the drilling area to support the panel and reduce breakout.
3. Mark & Tape the Drill Spot
Use masking or painter’s tape over the spot where you plan to drill. This helps prevent slipping and gives extra surface protection. Mark your drill point clearly over the tape.
4. Drill Slowly – With Light Pressure
Set your drill to a low speed and start slowly. Let the drill bit do the work – don’t push too hard, as too much force can crack the material or catch the bit. Pause if the acrylic starts to heat up.
5. Allow the Bit to Cool
Acrylic melts with friction, so if you're drilling multiple holes, allow the drill bit to cool down between holes, or use a small amount of water to cool the bit as you go.
6. Deburr the Hole (If Needed)
After drilling, check the hole edges. You can lightly sand them or use a deburring tool to clean up any sharp edges.
⚠️ Bonus Tips for Success
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Avoid drilling near edges — stay at least 15mm away to reduce the chance of cracking.
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Use cast acrylic rather than extruded where possible, as it handles drilling better.
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For mirrored acrylic, always drill from the front (reflective) side to avoid delaminating the backing.
💡 Need Acrylic Sheets?
At Wholesale Acrylic Panels, we stock a wide range of cast acrylic and mirrored acrylic panels, perfect for cladding, displays, and DIY projects. We’re also happy to provide pre-cut and pre-drilled panels for convenience, just ask!