Wondering if anyone has recommendations for a plastic sheeting that I could use for shadow puppets. They need to be clear, although if anyone could suggest a white one too that would be great. Mainly I'm looking for something that's sturdy, recyclable (not necessary), easy to cut, and light in weight. I'm not necessarily looking for a seller, since I'll have to find a local supplier. I just want a name of a plastic so I can go looking for suppliers.

I've been looking at Plasticard, which is recommended by David Currell, but it looks overly expensive and hard to find here.

I've also looked at acetate but am not sure of thicknesses/durability. Something like this? http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Clear-Acetate-Sheets-A4-Size-/310252663311?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_15&hash=item483c7ff20f

My idea is to use a plastic that I can attach (using a glue or something) papers to the back of, cut and carve detail into, drill holes in for joints, etc.

Hoping someone here will have some ideas. Thanks!

I use two type plastics ............. a white .060 styrene and I also use acetate .005 I also save the bottom of Clorox bleach bottles. I get a bit confused on thickness measurements.

http://www.plasticworld.ca/Quick_Plastic_Reference.htm

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https://youtu.be/0Vk0eP0HqSU

http://www.dickblick.com/products/grafix-clear-acetate-sheets

Maybe you should ask Mucky Puppets?

Reminding of: http://puppetsandstuff.com/community/index.php/topic,6252.0.html

Thanks Billy - I'm thinking though acetate is way too thin for my needs. I'm hoping to use the plastic as is, no additional strengthening, just cut and attach rods. They're also going to be for puppets I sell, so they'll have to be very durable.

What's styrene like? And is it the same as Abutyly Styrene? I've found a company that sells a bunch of different plastics in sheet form, and that's one of the things they list.

Maybe you should ask Mucky Puppets?

Reminding of: http://puppetsandstuff.com/community/index.php/topic,6252.0.html

Great idea, forgot about Mucky! I'll ask them.

What's styrene like? And is it the same as Abutyly Styrene? I've found a company that sells a bunch of different plastics in sheet form, and that's one of the things they list.

The plastic I use is .040 white opaque high intensity styrene. The .040 has some bend to it but I prefer .060 with it being much sturdier however it is hard to ship in full sheets because they can not roll it up. So what I do is just glue to pieces of .040 together if I want something real sturdy. i found this site...comes in different sizes.

http://www.harborsales.net/tabid/130/Default.aspx?ProductTypeId=106&ProductFilter4=White

Ah, I see now - the stuff you use is what's known as Plasticard here and in the UK. Thanks for the info, I think I'll call up the supplier I found and ask them a few questions

I'll let you know what I find!