Lucite vs. Acrylic — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 22, 2023
Lucite is a brand name for a specific type of acrylic resin used in transparent or translucent materials. Acrylic is a generic term for plastic materials made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA). Both are often used interchangeably.
Difference Between Lucite and Acrylic
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Lucite is a specific type of acrylic resin developed and trademarked by the DuPont Company. Known for its high-quality and clarity, Lucite often has a more luxurious appeal. Acrylic, on the other hand, is a general term referring to plastic materials made from one or more derivatives of acrylic acid, primarily polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA).
Acrylic can come in various qualities, but it generally has good optical clarity and is resistant to UV light and weathering. Lucite is considered a high-end variant of acrylic, often used in applications requiring superior quality, like luxury furniture and awards.
Both Lucite and Acrylic are popular for their lightweight, shatter-resistant properties and their ability to mimic the appearance of glass. While Lucite is a premium choice, Acrylic serves as a more generic, cost-effective option.
Lucite is often used in specialized applications like aircraft windows, luxury furniture, and brand name products. Acrylic is more commonly found in everyday items like signs, displays, and various kinds of containers.
Despite these differences, the terms Lucite and Acrylic are often used interchangeably due to their similar appearance and characteristics. However, if you require high-quality, optically clear material, Lucite is usually the go-to choice over generic Acrylic.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Brand name
Generic term
Quality
High-quality, high-clarity
Varies in quality
Usage
Specialized applications
Broad range of applications
Price
Generally more expensive
More cost-effective
Trademark Ownership
Trademarked by the DuPont Company
No specific trademark
Compare with Definitions
Lucite
Known for its high clarity and quality.
Lucite is often used in luxury products.
Acrylic
Used in various plastic materials.
Acrylic is common in household items.
Lucite
A brand name for a specific type of acrylic resin.
The award was made of high-quality Lucite.
Acrylic
Known for its good optical clarity.
This Acrylic display looks almost like glass.
Lucite
A premium form of acrylic.
For that project, only Lucite will do.
Acrylic
Available in multiple forms and qualities.
For this budget project, any form of Acrylic will suffice.
Lucite
A DuPont trademark.
Lucite is a brand owned by DuPont.
Acrylic
(of synthetic resins and textile fibres) made from polymers of acrylic acid or acrylates
A red acrylic jumper
Lucite
Commonly used in specialized applications.
Lucite is the material of choice for aircraft windows.
Acrylic
An acrylic textile fibre
A sweater in four-ply acrylic
Lucite
Alternative case form of Lucite
Acrylic
An acrylic paint
Washes of white acrylic
She paints mainly in acrylics
Lucite
A brand name for a transparent plastic based on methyl methacrylate esters; the term is often used generically to refer to any similar transparent plastic. It is sold in various forms, including rigid sheets which may be used as a substitute for glass in windows.
Acrylic
An acrylic resin.
Lucite
A transparent thermoplastic acrylic resin
Acrylic
A paint containing acrylic resin.
Acrylic
A painting done in acrylic resin.
Acrylic
Any of numerous synthetic fibers polymerized from acrylonitrile.
Acrylic
(organic chemistry) Derived from acrylic acid or acrylonitrile.
Acrylic
Containing an acrylic resin.
Acrylic
(organic chemistry) An acrylic resin.
Acrylic
(painting) A paint containing an acrylic resin.
When it comes to painting, I prefer using acrylics as my medium.
Acrylic
A painting executed using such a paint.
Acrylic
A thick sheet of plastic.
Acrylic
A liquid coating system based on an acrylic resin.
Acrylic
Of or containing acryl, the hypothetical radical of which acrolein is the hydride; as, acrylic acid. The characteristic residue in an acrylic compound is the carbonyl group attached directly to an ethylenic carbon.
Acrylic
Same as acrylic resin.
Acrylic
Same as acrylic fiber.
Acrylic
A paint in which the pigment is suspended in a solution of an acrylic resin, which dries to a hard film on exposure to air.
Acrylic
A painting made using an acrylic paint.
Acrylic
Polymerized from acrylonitrile
Acrylic
A glassy thermoplastic; can be cast and molded or used in coatings and adhesives
Acrylic
Used especially by artists
Acrylic
A synthetic fabric
Acrylic
A synthetic polymer made from acrylic acid.
The sign was made of durable Acrylic.
Acrylic
Resistant to UV light and weathering.
Outdoor signs are often made from Acrylic.
Common Curiosities
Is Acrylic the same as Lucite?
While similar, Lucite is a high-end version of Acrylic.
What is Acrylic?
Acrylic is a synthetic polymer made from acrylic acid, used in various plastic materials.
What are common uses for Lucite?
Lucite is often used in luxury furniture, awards, and aircraft windows.
Can Lucite and Acrylic be used interchangeably?
Often they are, but Lucite is usually chosen for higher-end applications.
Who owns the Lucite brand?
Lucite is trademarked by the DuPont Company.
Is Lucite more expensive than Acrylic?
Generally, Lucite is more expensive due to its higher quality.
How is Acrylic made?
Acrylic is made by polymerizing acrylic acid or its derivatives.
Can Lucite be recycled?
Lucite is not commonly recycled due to its specialized use-cases.
Can Acrylic be recycled?
Acrylic can be recycled, although it is not biodegradable.
What is Lucite?
Lucite is a brand name for a specific type of acrylic resin, known for high clarity and quality.
Is Acrylic UV-resistant?
Yes, Acrylic is generally UV-resistant and durable.
What are common uses for Acrylic?
Acrylic is commonly used in signs, displays, and containers.
Is Lucite heavier than Acrylic?
Both are lightweight, but the weight can vary based on the specific product.
How is Lucite made?
Like Acrylic, Lucite is made from polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) but is specially formulated for high clarity and quality.
What's the main selling point for Lucite?
Lucite is sold on its high quality and optical clarity, making it suitable for luxury applications.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
