How to Build Your Own 3D Glasses

3D glasses are made from blue and red plastic.

3D images have been used for many years to enhance pictures and movies. The 3D picture is created by forming a red and blue outline around the image which pops out when viewed through red and blue 3D glasses. A basic set of 3D glasses can be made right at home with just a few supplies. These glasses will work as well as any other red and blue 3D glasses that are sold in stores.

Things You'll Need

• Cardstock paper or sunglasses
• Scotch tape
• Scissors
• Red and blue acetate plastic
• Glasses template (see resources)
• Glue

Instructions

1. Print the glasses template onto a piece of cardstock paper. Cut out the pieces with scissors. Cut out the inside eye holes of each of the two glasses pieces with scissors.

2. Cut 2 rectangles from blue and red acetate plastic. If the plastic is partially translucent, cut 2 rectangles of each color. Make the rectangles large enough to fit over the eye holes in the glasses. If you are using sunglasses, then cut the paper a little larger than the eye holes on the sunglasses.

3. Fold the side flaps on the ear pieces of the glasses and on the sides of the glasses frame. Place a few drops of glue along both flaps and press them together. Make sure the ear pieces are facing in the right direction to fit over the ears. Hold the pieces of glasses together for about 30 seconds to allow the glue to become tacky.

4. Tape the red and blue plastic over the eye holes. Place the blue plastic on the left side, and the red plastic on the right side. Tape the plastic to the inside of the glasses. If using sunglasses, tape the plastic over the eye holes in the sunglasses. Make sure to keep the blue on the left and the red on the right.

5. Place a few drops of glue on the glasses. Place the second piece of the glasses over the back piece and press into place. Hold for 30 seconds until the glue starts to dry. Allow the glasses to dry for 1 hour before using. 3D images will now pop out from the page.

Tips & Warnings

• These glasses will not work with all 3D images. Some 3D images do not use red and blue coloring to make the images pop. This other kind of 3D image is activated with special 3D glasses that are impossible to make at home. If your glasses seem to not work with a 3D image, then it probably requires the more complex version of glasses.

References

• TV3: Making 3D Glasses

Resources

• Glasses template