Plexiglass on bathroom cabinet?

Question

I saw a mod somewhere where a guy had put a piece of plexiglass on the bathroom cabinet to protect it from water from the shower. I can't find that post to save my life. Has anyone done this? How did you attach the plexiglass or lexan? I'm hoping to attach the plexiglass with some type of adhesive such as lexel. I'm not sure I want to use lexel because it's pretty much permanent. If the plexiglass needs to be removed or replaced, I don't want to have to tear out the side of the cabinet and shower surround just to get the acrylic off. Also, I'd rather not screw the acrylic to the cabinet.
By the way, I have three small children, so it's nearly impossible to avoid splashing water onto the cabinet. Right now, I wipe the cabinet dry when we're finished. I'm looking for a permanent fix.

gbopp · Answer

Wouldn't a couple coats of varnish have the same result?It seems to me that if a couple drops of water got behind the plexiglass, it could be a breeding ground for mold.  JMO

beemerphile1 · Answer

I have done similar.You have choices.  Plexiglass (technically acrylic) is more resistant to scratching but more breakable than Lexan (technically polycarbonate).  Lexan is slightly less clear but due to strength is used as a bullet proof shield.  Lexan is also more prone to yellowing.I would suggest you stick with acrylic.It will get scratched and need replaced in time.  It is also likely to get dirt between the cabinet and panel.Attach using clear 3M Dual Lock in the corners so it is removable.

godawgs · Answer

gbopp wrote:Wouldn't a couple coats of varnish have the same result?It seems to me that if a couple drops of water got behind the plexiglass, it could be a breeding ground for mold.  JMOI'm not sure how the faux wood finish would react to the varnish. As for the mold, I agree, which is why I'm looking for some type of caulk to adhere it to the cabinet. I plan to cut the acrylic to fit as tight as possible and then caulk around the edges to make it as waterproof as possible to prevent mold/mildew. I was planning to just silicone all the way around, but from what I've read, silicone doesn't bond to acrylic. I'm sure I'll need to remove and clean, which is why I'm looking for a semi-permanent fix.

westend · Answer

Three light coats of Marine spar varnish and you're done. When the kiddys are splashing, drape a towel over it. You probably won't have to even wipe the cabinet down.
You could also try some coats of paste wax but spar varnish is made for this environment.

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Plexiglass on bathroom cabinet?

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