Anyone know anything about metal or plastic?

[kousagi]

Hi

I was wondering if anyone could help me out with some questions

I am currently making a lamp (if it works out will probably do the pics and stuff) I'm halfway through and the major bit is done but I just had a brainstorm for finishing it.

Which is:
a) good because it will look great, I think
b) bad because now I need to work with plastic and I don't know how 

I need to know where in PA/DE I can get 2 pieces of plastic/acrylicy thing maybe 0.5 cm thick, if the place can cut it to shape great (nothing too fiddly) but if not I also need to know the easiest way to cut it. I don't really have tools at my disposal.

Then I need to know how to put my planned image onto the plastic, I can't draw but I figured I could use a printout as a guide if it comes to just painting it on.
So what can I use is there a special plastics paint, will normal paint do? or some kind of transfer gel? 
Perhaps I should etch it on with a cream or something perhaps if I use black plastic will the etch come out white?
I guess things to think about are:
I don't want the image to melt, it will be on the outside of the plastic with the plastic between it and the bulb but that will still get warm
It will be indoors so doesn't need to be waterproof

If you know about working with metal I'm just interested it and was hoping someone in the area who knew woulkd be willing to chat.

Ok thanks for reading, I really hope someone can help. 

[hobbit54]

Arch Street Plastics
(215) 636-0890 1211 Vine St
Philadelphia, PA


i know they will cut you anything you want at any thickness in many colors

enjoy =)

[kousagi]

Oh thank you, i'm going into Philly later this month I'll make sure to look them up