How artists, designers & makers are using third-dimensional acrylic
Plastic doesn't just have to be about fantastic sheets. Rods, tubes, and blocks are becoming essential for modern design—showing up in sculptures, retail displays, lighting installations, interior design and cosplay. Their optical clarity, strength, and sculptural presence make them perfect for anyone who wants dimensionality, color, and depth beyond flat sheet material.
At Canal Plastics, we stock one of NYC’s widest selections of clear, color, frosted, neon, and specialty acrylic rods, tubes, and blocks—cut to size with unbeatable turnaround.
Color Acrylic Rods. Canal Plastics©
Why Artists and Designers Love Our Stuff
Optical clarity similar to glass—but lighter and safer
Easy to cut, polish, drill, bond, and machine
Tons of finish options (clear, color, frosted, transparent, neon)
Ideal for both structural and decorative work
Our Acrylic Rods Are Hot!
Popular Rod Projects
Sculptures & installations
Stacked, suspended, or heat-bent rods for third-dimensional art.
Furniture legs & table components
Clear rods create a floating look; neon rods add accent color.
Retail risers & product props
Perfect for cosmetics, jewelry, eyewear and POP displays.
LED edge-lit rods
Edge-glow colors transmit light dramatically.
Curtain rods & hardware substitutes
Minimal, modern, and lightweight.
Recommended Rod Sizes:
½"–1" for decorative; 1"–2" for furniture load-bearing.
Acrylic Tubes. Canal Plastics ©
Acrylic Tubes? Totally Tubular!
Popular Tube Projects
Display cylinders & risers
Stackable display pieces for retail or event design, bakeries, cafés.
LED lighting tubes
Insert LED strips into frosted or neon tubes for futuristic lighting.
Floral and event design
Open End or closed end displays, logos, set designs.
Acrylic Tubes and floral display by our friends at Tin Can Studios
Vases, terrariums & water tanks
360-degree clear viewing for florals, art, sump-pumps, fish hobbyists or scientific displays.
Kinetic art & installations
Tubes can hold moving objects, liquids, or mixed media.
Architectural details
Columns, partitions, railing infills.
Our Acrylic Blocks Knocks The Competition
Popular Block Projects
Awards & engravings
Laser engraving glows beautifully inside thick blocks.
Dimensional signage & branding
CNC-routed block letters or logos.
Product staging for photography
High-end photo props for watches, fragrance, and cosmetics.
Optical prisms for installations
Blocks bend light, creating stunning shadows and refractions.
Furniture accents
Use as table legs, shelf supports, cubes, or pedestals.
Acrylic Block Photo prop. Canal Plastics©
Our Hottest Fabrication Tips for Best Results
Cutting
Use fine-tooth saw blades
Keep feed rates consistent to prevent melting
Bonding
Use solvent cements like Weld-On 3, 4, or 16
Use corner jigs for perfect alignment
Capillary action works best on rods/tubes
Polishing
Flame polish for rods and curved edges
Buffing wheels for flat faces
Sand in progressive steps (220 ->400 -> 600 grit)
Heat Bending
Use a strip heater or heat gun
Support the shape until fully cool to avoid distortion
Rods vs Tubes vs Blocks — What to Choose
| Material | Best For | Key Benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Rods | Lighting, props, sculpture, accents | Round profile + edge glow |
| Tubes | Displays, vessels, lighting housings | Hollow interior + lightweight |
| Blocks | Premium displays, furniture, signage | Weight + optical clarity |
Ready to Start a Project? Say When!
Whether you need long neon edge-glow rods, polished clear blocks, or custom-length tubes, our team can help you choose materials and fabricate precisely.