If you're putting up a splashback, there are all kinds of materials that can work. Two similar looking options are glass and acrylic, such as Perspex. Although these two options may look similar, there are huge differences between them. Here are five signs you should choose glass instead of acrylic:

1. You Want as Much Resistance to Scratching as Possible

If you want to avoid scratches on your splashback, you should opt for glass over acrylic. Glass can scratch, but typically, it only scratches if someone purposefully tries to scratch it with a piece of sharp metal or a rock. It won't scratch with normal everyday use. Acrylic, in contrast, is very prone to scratching.

2. You Want It to Look Great for as Long as Possible

Because of its resistance to scratching, glass tends to look better long than acrylic. In addition, acrylic may develop clouds or blemishes that glass doesn't. It may even be more likely to stain.

3. You Want to Put Lights Behind It

Technically, you can put backlights behind either an acrylic or glass splashbacks, but it tends to look better with glass. As acrylic scratches and clouds more easily, that just ends up being showcased by backlighting. In contrast, backlighting on a glass splashback tends to showcase how smooth and beautiful the glass looks.

4. You Want Something That's Easier to Clean

If you do a lot of cooking, your splashback may have to weather a lot of splashes. In most cases, if you grab a cloth right away, you can wipe grease or food off of any surface easily. However, if the splatters go unnoticed, that's when you need a material that is easy to clean.

With glass, you can actually use a razor blade to scrape off stubborn bits of food or oil, and you don't have to worry about scratches as long as the blade is smooth and you keep it straight. That approach will scratch acrylic, so you have to spend a lot more time applying cleaners and scrubbing with a soft cloth.

5. Your Wall Can Hold a Heavier Splashback

Glass is heavier than acrylic, and if you can only anchor the splashback to plasterboard, you may need to opt for acrylic. Glass splashbacks generally need to be attached to studs or framing timber. However, as long as your wall can handle the weight, you may want to opt for glass.

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