Acrylic aquarium scratch removal advice

[Pleco_Party]

Hey guys so i picked up an acrylic aquarium from Rick today. (Thanks again Rick) It has a lot of small scratches in it. He gave me a bottle of clear plastic cleaner and a bottle of plastic polish to help fix the scratches. I also went to walmart and bought a turtle wax 6 inch random orbital polisher, i wanted to know if you guys think it will work. It comes with a foam wax-polish applicator pad and a microfiber buffing pad. Here is a link to it http://www.bicwarehouse.com/random-orbital-polisher-tw9400.html?utm_source=Google&utm_medium=Base it was only 20 dollars at walmart. So let me know if you guys know if it will work and what can i do to prep the tank before i start. thank you!

 

[csund7863]

I use 1500, 2000, then 2500 grit wet/dry sandpaper with water first to remove all the scratching, then use a buffing agent to remove scratching from the sandpaper. If you have deeper scratching, it would take forever to buff them out completely.

1500 and 2000 are fairly common, but 2500 isn't. Fisheries Supply on Northlake in Fremont (right across from Gasworks Park) carries it, not sure in small quantities though. I bought mine in a large pack and it was around $35 wholesale, probably considerably more retail. Best bet would be to try out Auto Body suppliers and such.

When I have done it, I sanded the whole tank evenly - if you focus on where just the scratching is, you have to block it out through the grits otherwise it can distort the view through the Acrylic.

 

[Pleco_Party]

well all the scratching seems like it was done by sand.. they are tiny tiny scratches as if someone already sanded it, the whole front of the tank is cloudy so i am assuming they can just be buffed out. I am just not sure if my buffer will work and really how to get started.

 

[Pleco_Party]

or does anyone know a professional place that could do the work for me with out charging me an arm and leg. I am willing to pay but only for a really good job

 

[censeoflife]

I used the liquid stuff on all my tanks. Novus 123 and I used a cordless drill and buff pad kit.. With plenty of elbow grease everything came out beautiful. The deep scratches never came out but the white cloud diapered and the tanks looked great filled up.

Before using anything I would say most important thing is to make sure every last grain is out of that tank. Don't want to add any more scratches. lol.

 

[Rick]

Hi Chris
It was nicw meeting you guys, and I'm trying to forget that the 55 gal. is in the garage. I have several ideas on how to use' but to mant irons in the fire right now. Keep in mins when useing the buffer to keep it moveing because it will cause heat. I have heard good thing about Novus 123 that censeoflife is talking about. Do a search on Novus 123, they have some good info on there site. The only bad is that you can only get through the mail.

Thanks Rick

 

[Pleco_Party]

Thank you censeoflife, That kit looks good but i wanna try this stuff first since its here lol.

I wanted to know with the stuff i have now, what should i use first. I know i should use the Plastic cleaner first but should i just use a rag and wipe it on my tank first then use the buffer and buff on the clear plastic polish? Also the device that i have comes with a microfiber polish pad. Should i just pour the polish rite on the micro fiber pad?

Sorry for all the questions this is just my first time.

 

[Pleco_Party]

O yea and it was good meeting you to rick. Your tanks where awesome.

 

[Rick]

I would start with the fine scratchs first and put it on the pad just start buffing, then add more as you go. Be careful with the buffer it will send the paste all over the place if to fast. Then save the mico pad to polish the tank after you have used both of the paste. Let me know how it turns out.

Rick

 

[Pleco_Party]

I use 1500, 2000, then 2500 grit wet/dry sandpaper with water first to remove all the scratching

are you sure these are the exact grades of sand paper ill need? and what polish agent did you use?

I went to a place today looking to buy just a kit and they wanted 50 dollars for a small kit that would only be barely enough to get the front of my tank! Hmm i need to find good stuff that i dont have to order offline.


Also I am getting frustrated. I cut my elbow open trying to buff this tank. I need to be more careful.. Bahh