Response to Query on Metallizing

                    Response to query “On Metallizing Onto Cell-cast Acrylic Sheet.”

                                        Eldridge M Mount III

                                        emmount@earthlink.net

I believe that the coating is a polyethylene (PE) layer applied to paper and adhered to the acrylic sheet and it must be pulling away from the paper when peeled from the acrylic sheet.  You may have to experiment on peeling the protective sheet from the acrylic focusing on the angle at which it is peeled off.  I would first try peeling at a sharp angle to make the PE/paper bend backwards from the surface of the acrylic and see if this minimizes the tearing of the PE away from the paper backing.  You might try a spray of the IPA at the peeling interface to help it, as the liquid will lower the peel force if it wets the interface.  You might also try backing the paper with an adhesive sheet to strengthen and perhaps change the peeling behavior of the PE layer

I would also try to remove it with a roller to help support the PE/paper during removal so that the tension is directed to the interface and not into the film.  It will be best if you can remove without tearing the PE layer as no amount of scrubbing can be done because it will scratch the acrylic as you observe.  Another approach to removing the last traces is to use a tape to pull the piece from the acrylic surface.  This will take some experimenting with various tapes to find one which sticks strongly to the pieces but not so strongly to the acrylic.  I would start with a scotch tape, in particular scotch 600 or scotch 610 tape.  You can find them at art supply stores.  Scotch 600 may be easier.  Scotch 810 can also be tried but I believe it is an acrylic adhesive so may not be good release from the acrylic.  At any rate it is impossible to guess and you will have to experiment.  But you have to remove by lifting and not wiping to avoid the scratching