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I use FF3 in both thicknesses. I use the the thinner in frames up to about 16x26 and the thicker on larger. I don't know of any official recommendations on when either should be used but would be interested if anyone comes up with any.
I have never bought acrylic thinner than .118" with the exception of a recent order when .090" was the only material in stock. I feel that is is just to thin for most jobs.
I must admit that most of acrylic usage is over 16 x 20.
Deciding on the thickness of acrylic to be used is really tough because size is not the only determining factor. When we manufacture acrylic frames the size and depth of the frame are both factors in whether we use 1/8 (.118) or 3/16. We never use 1/4 for our frames because it will not bend without splitting somewhere on the bend. Other factors we deal with are whether we are shipping or delivering the frame and how much experience the customer has in working with acrylic. We do not manufacture using .090 or .098. However we do sell both when dealing with cut sheet for glazing. I agree that .090 doesn't work well for frames over about 20 x 24 in my opinion unless it is a flush fit. See what I mean it just isn't easy to determine what material is okay. If you are framing a piece that has a two inch set back and a 3/16 rabbet and is 22 x 30 I would recommend 1/8 inch acrylic, however if you are framing a piece that is 26 x 30 with a nice rabbet and you are pressing the art work all the way to the face of the frame and it has a substantial backing then .090 could be just fine. Now that I haven't helped one bit but probably only confused you let me offer this information also. You mentioned two thicknesses of acrylic and there is another choice. When you're not completely sure that .090 is thick enough find out if the product you want is available in .098! Many of the CYRO products are available in that thickness. Let me explain. Cyro makes the boxed products that are sold by TruVue and the reason it is .090 is because it is not available to CYRO distributers and it must not interfere with the business of distributors. I was involved in this process years ago when Cyro developed the picture framing line and I lobbied for .098 material but I lost that battle because that is a product already available to regular distributors. So picture frames and ultimately TruVue got the .090 material. Too bad. When you are in doubt about the thickness of material needed contact your local Plastic sheet distributor and find out if they have the .098 material. Most of the speciality materials are available in that thickness and it is considerably less expensive than the 1/8 (.118) material. I have already intruduced many of my customers to this choice and it is a great alternative. If you have any questions about any of these materials PLEASE feed free to call me and I will happily give you any information I have and help direct you on what thickness of material is best suited for the job. If you are across the country I will still offer information even though it is not practical for me to cut and ship to you. I've been doing this a very long time and I am knowledgeable about the products and always willing to share this information with framers.
Cyro makes the boxed products that are sold by TruVue and the reason it is .090 is because it is not available to CYRO distributers and it must not interfere with the business of distributors.
I used to buy from a local Cyro distributor before TruVue got involved. Now it seems that my only source for framing acrylic is the framing distributors (LJ, MM, etc).
I use FF3 in the two thickness and OP3, P99 and OP3/P99 in the .118 thickness. Are there any other sources besides the framing distributors? My local Cyro distributor carries FF3 but nothing else. I use 5-20 sheets a month and would like to find better pricing.
Look in your phone book or on line for sheet acrylic suppliers. You should have at least one of the big ones near you. Regal is generally a good source. Just call me if you wish and tell me who's listed. I may be able to help with a name.
