Tanning Bed Acrylic FAQ

What should I clean acrylic with?

You should only clean acrylics with an acrylic cleaner formulated especially for tanning acrylics. Household cleaners do not have the germ or bacteria killing strength to sanitize your bed. Likewise, most household cleaners are often irritating to the skin.

How can I clean off nail polish? 

You can use lighter fluid or another acetone type solvent to clean the polish off. Immediately after, you should wash the area with bed cleaner to remove all of the solvent. If any solvent residue remains on the surface, the acrylic may craze.

How often should I replace acrylic? 

Both acrylics should be replaced every 1500 hours (or every 2 lamp changes). Although an acrylic may look clear after 1500 hours, the transmission rate of the acrylic has dropped considerably. Why put new lamps in a bed if the full effect doesn't reach the customer?

What causes surface crazing in the bends? 

Excessive heat, excessive age, or using a non-indoor tanning approved cleaner will put crazing (cracks) in the bends. Since acrylic is a petroleum based product, any tanning lotions or cleaners containing oils will craze the bends.

What causes surface crazing? 

Surface crazing is usually a result of a non-indoor tanning lotions being used or an improper bed cleaning solution. Since acrylic is a petroleum based product any products containing oils will craze the surface.

Why did my acrylic break or crack? 

The major reasons are:

- Due to exposure to the radiation an acrylic only has a life span of about 1500 hours (or every 2 lamp changes). Excessively high UVB strength of modern lamps also accelerates the acrylic premature failure.

- The bed has been overheating due to cooling fans out or installed incorrectly.

- Excessive weight on the acrylic. Most beds will adequately support most people. However some beds lack an adequate support system for the acrylic. Extra supports can be purchased if an acrylic breakage problem continues.

What is annealing? 

Annealing is the process of reheating an acrylic to its molding point and then cooling it back down. This relieves the stress caused in forming.

Can I repair cracked acrylic? 

No, broken acrylics cannot be successfully repaired.

Where can I find replacement acrylic? 

You can browse and buy high quality replacement acrylic for tanning beds and tanning booths on our acrylic page here. You may also search for your bed on this page.