Acrylic splashbacks are a popular choice for UK kitchens and bathrooms due to their durability, ease of cleaning, and extensive range of colours and finishes. For consumers considering this material, obtaining a sample is a critical step in the decision-making process, allowing for accurate colour matching and assessment of the product's quality and practicality in their specific space. This article provides a detailed overview of the availability, ordering procedures, and key considerations for sourcing acrylic splashback samples from UK-based suppliers, based exclusively on the provided source material.
Current Sample Availability and Ordering Procedures
The availability of free acrylic splashback samples varies significantly between suppliers, with some programmes currently suspended and others offering samples with specific conditions.
DualSplash provides a notable example of a temporarily suspended programme. According to their update, they are currently changing their sample production process, and samples are unavailable at the moment. Consumers are advised to check back in early 2025 for revised samples. When available, their programme limits customers to four samples per order. It is also noted that their glass splashback samples exhibit the same colour qualities as their acrylic panels, allowing customers to assess colours for both material types.
In contrast, Simply Plastics offers acrylic samples that are not entirely free but are linked to a future discount. Customers can order samples, and the price of the sample will be deducted from the final price of a full splashback order, provided the customer creates an account during the checkout process to receive the sample refund. This model positions the sample as a low-cost method to ensure colour and material suitability before committing to a larger purchase.
Aristech Surfaces, a manufacturer of materials including the ACRYSPA™ brand, provides a sample ordering service in partnership with Swatchbox for orders within the Americas. For UK-based consumers, the source material indicates that orders outside of the Americas require visiting the Aristech Surfaces Contact Us page, selecting the appropriate region and country, and contacting a sales representative directly. This suggests a more traditional, B2B-oriented sample request process for UK customers.
Other suppliers, such as ShapesPlastics and Custom-Splashbacks.co.uk, provide detailed information about their products and services but do not explicitly mention a free or discounted sample programme in the provided source chunks. Their focus is on the benefits of their acrylic materials, fabrication services, and installation guidance.
Key Features and Benefits of Acrylic Splashback Samples
Ordering a sample allows consumers to experience the key features of acrylic splashbacks firsthand. According to the source material, these features include:
- Ease of Cleaning: The hard, smooth surface of acrylic splashbacks is described as incredibly easy to keep clean, requiring only a wipe with warm water and washing-up detergent.
- Durability and Strength: Acrylic splashbacks are highlighted for their high impact strength, making them suitable for busy family kitchens and expected to last for many years.
- Versatility and Aesthetic Range: Samples enable customers to view an extensive range of beautiful colours, designs, and surface finishes. Suppliers like Simply Plastics and ShapesPlastics emphasise that their samples are engineered by splashback experts to ensure the final product is both beautiful and practical.
- DIY-Friendly Material: For DIY enthusiasts, acrylic sheets are noted as very versatile and easy to machine with basic tools. Ordering a sample can provide an opportunity to practice techniques before working with a full sheet.
Practical Considerations for Sample Ordering and Use
When ordering and using acrylic splashback samples, several practical points derived from the source material are essential for UK consumers to consider.
Ordering and Delivery: * Account Creation: For suppliers like Simply Plastics, creating an account during checkout is a necessary step to receive a sample refund. * Collection Option: Some suppliers, such as Simply Plastics, offer a free collection option from their premises in Colchester, Essex. This is available as a delivery option labelled "Collection/pickup" at the final stage of checkout. * Express Delivery: If urgency is a factor, express delivery services are available from some suppliers, aiming for delivery within 1-3 working days via a recognised courier, which may require a signature. * Minimum Order Charges: It is noted that some suppliers, like Simply Plastics, do not impose a minimum order charge or small order fee, treating all orders equally.
Installation Guidance for Samples: While samples are small pieces intended for assessment, understanding the installation process for a full splashback is valuable. The source material provides specific guidance: * Fixing Methods: Acrylic splashbacks can be fitted using non-solvent-based adhesive, double-sided tape, or screws. The choice depends on the material's transparency; screws are the only option for transparent materials as adhesive may be visible through it. * Heat Source Considerations: A critical safety note is that acrylic splashbacks must be fitted at least 300mm from a heat source. They are, however, ideal for electric or induction cooktops. * Cutting and Fabrication: Suppliers like ShapesPlastics offer professional fabrication services, including precise cutouts for wall sockets, switches, or power cables. For DIY projects, a gap of 1mm at the top and bottom is recommended, with a 3mm to 5mm gap around sockets and switches. * Installation Process: The installation requires minimal tools, with adhesive being the primary requirement. The process involves peeling the protective plastic, applying the adhesive, positioning the sheet, and allowing it to cure for 24 hours.
Material Specifications and Brand Information
For consumers seeking technical details, the source material includes specific information about acrylic splashback products:
- Brands and Stock Sizes: Simply Plastics stocks Perspex® in sheet sizes of 3050mm x 2030mm and 2030mm x 1520mm. Minimum panel size is 50mm x 50mm, and the maximum is 3050mm x 2030mm.
- Material Properties: Acrylic has a relative density of 1.19 g/cm³. Manufacturers' thickness tolerance is specified as +/- 10% plus 0.4mm.
- Manufacturer Ranges: Aristech Surfaces manufactures materials under several brand names, including AVONITE™, PLEXIGLAS™, ACRYSPA™, ACRYCLEAR™, ACRYSTEEL™, AVONITE™ FLEX, and ACRYSAN™, with samples available for these ranges through their Swatchbox partnership (Americas) or via direct sales contact (UK).
Conclusion
Obtaining a sample is a recommended step for UK consumers planning to install an acrylic splashback. The process, however, is not uniformly free or straightforward across all suppliers. While some programmes are temporarily unavailable, others offer samples with a conditional refund mechanism. The primary value of samples lies in verifying colour, finish, and material quality, and in some cases, practicing DIY techniques. Key considerations for consumers include checking current sample availability, understanding any associated costs or refund conditions, and utilising the installation guidance provided by suppliers to ensure a successful and safe application. For UK-specific requests, direct contact with sales representatives is often necessary, particularly for major manufacturers.