Acrylic FAQ
Bought some IKEA Cabinet Acrylic Shelves and Pegboards and are wondering and have some questions? See bellow some FAQ and care tips.
Why are my shelves/pegboards not clear? Why are there burn marks?
To protect the acrylic during the cutting process we leave the film on it. We also leave it on since it protects the piece from getting scratched during shipping. To make them clear peel the protection film on both sides until it is clear like glass!
Do the shelves come with brackets to support them?
Unless stated otherwise, the shelves don't come with the hardware to install them. Any of the standard shelves (U shelf, butterfly shelf, full shelf and corner shelf) are to be installed with the original IKEA brackets that come with the cabinet (where the original glass shelf would lay on top of).
How do I clean them?
To clean and mantain the acrylic shelves/pegboards make sure to use a plastic cleaner or mild soap with water. When applying the cleaner, use a non-abrasive/ lint-free or microfiber cloth that won't scratch the surface. Please DO NOT use alchool based cleaners, solvents or harsh chemicals (e.g., acetone) since those types of cleaner can cause irreversible micro cracks or fractures in the acrylic material.
What thickness are the shelves?
There is three shelf option thickness: 6mm/8mm/10mm. We recommend choosing the thickness based on what you plan to have inside the cabinet. If you plan to have small plants, ligher pots or progatations then 6mm is suitable for your cabinet. For ceramic/terracota pots, heavier substrate (like LECA or PON) or bigger plants, we suggest choosing either the 8mm or 10mm. If you unsure what thickness to choose feel free to reach out to us for any suggestions!
What precautions should I have with the magnets?
The magnets that are used to attach the pegboards to the cabinets are nickel coated and resistant to humidity. However, it is not recommended to have then in a VERY humid environment or in direct contact with water. Handle the magnets carefully, they are strong and if not handled correctly they might pinch the skin. Please keep them out of reach of children or pets that can swallow them or handle them and get pinched by mistake.
Why do the shelves have slots/holes?
The holes/slots promote airflow between the cabinet layers, which is essential for a healthy greenhouse cabinet! Even with shelves that don't cover the entire space between each layer (like the U or quarter shelves), the slots/holes allow for some extra airflow, but can also be used to attach grow lights underneath (e.g., with zip ties, magnet screws, strings/threads...). So besides looking nice, they are also functional!