Polishing scratched acrylic

returnofsid · Mar 2, 2011

I'm not sure if this is the right forum for this or not, but here goes.

SO, I have an acrylic "look down" box, that I really love. Unfortunately, I've got some scratches, smudges and even a tiny bit of super glue on it. Yeah, I've not always used it JUST for photography. It's been within reach, when I've needed something that holds water, to place a coral frag in, a time or two.

I promise, if someone can give me advice, on how to remove the scratches and smudges, I'll keep it out of reach and ONLY use it for photography!!!

Troylee · Mar 2, 2011

Start by wet sanding the deep one with 600 grit then 1000,1500,2000 and polish with a drill and buffing pad using novus number 2 scratch remover..

returnofsid · Mar 2, 2011

Troylee, thanks for the tips!! Looks like it's time to head to Home Depot or Lowes...lol. Can I find Novus at either of those or will I need to order it online? Is Novus some type of "rubbing compound?" Hmmm, I'm going to have to search for my drill as well...lol.

Troylee · Mar 2, 2011

You might be able to get it at those stores not sure... Most car polish will work to a extent... Try a automotive store for head light repair kits they have all ya need..

returnofsid · Mar 2, 2011

Troylee, on another forum, I've received very similar advice, with one difference, or addition. Someone said that with each change in grit, I should sand at a different direction. For instance, sand left to right, with one grit, up and down, with the next grit, creating a "crosshatch" pattern. What do you think?

Heck, without thinking about this, I'd have probably sanded in a circular motion, since there's no "grain" to follow...lol

Murfman · Mar 2, 2011

returnofsid said:
Troylee, on another forum, I've received very similar advice, with one difference, or addition. Someone said that with each change in grit, I should sand at a different direction. For instance, sand left to right, with one grit, up and down, with the next grit, creating a "crosshatch" pattern. What do you think?

Heck, without thinking about this, I'd have probably sanded in a circular motion, since there's no "grain" to follow...lol

You need to go 90* to the previous direction, to remove those scratches. You also overlap by 1/2 to 1", expanding outwards. This makes the scratches smaller and smaller, till they are not visible.

butts182 · Mar 2, 2011

home depot doesn't have sand paper in that high of grit, at least i didn't see it last time when i was there looking for it...maybe try an automotive store. I have the same problem with my little lookdown box so i'm gonna give it a shot.

Troylee · Mar 2, 2011

It helps but not a really big Deal iMHO.. Then again I do it every day so I know what to look for... Micro mesh is the best things hands down but it's gonna cost more than your top down box.. If you are restoring a tank or need to fix scratches with the tank running it's safe under water... The kit is nc-78

returnofsid said:
Troylee, on another forum, I've received very similar advice, with one difference, or addition. Someone said that with each change in grit, I should sand at a different direction. For instance, sand left to right, with one grit, up and down, with the next grit, creating a "crosshatch" pattern. What do you think?

Heck, without thinking about this, I'd have probably sanded in a circular motion, since there's no "grain" to follow...lol

goody · Mar 2, 2011

Here's the Micro Mesh kit I used to remove scratches both inside (no harm to fish/coral) and outside of tank. It is also a good way to get rid of coraline algae :bigsmile:
Micro-Mesh™ Cushioned Abrasives - Rockler Woodworking Tools