How do I remove sractches from plexi glass

[Anakin Starkiller]

So I was grinding down a piece of transparent plexi glass that will be a part of a project that I am working on, and I acidentally hit the face of the pexy with my dremel sanding drum, leaving a few scuffs in the face of the plex. Now I was wondering if anyone knew how I might polish these scuffs out .

Any help would be apreciated.

Thanks

Dan Stokes
DDStokes@aol.com

 

[hydin]

You can try future floor wax to polish it up.

It's a clear liquid acrylic, so it should work. Might want to try it on a test piece first.

If you REALLY are confident, you can also try heat/flame polishing with a butane torch. That is somewhat dangerous though (besides the fire bit, you can melt the plexi or cause big bubbles to appear).

 

[Rylo]

Been using it for years!

http://www.noscratch.com/novus/

 

[Ham Solo]

Novus is awesome!

 

[Sewbacca]

Novus seems to work pretty good.

 

[OdiWan72]

Yeah, Novus (or any locally available good polishing compound) as well as future could be an option....BUT it really depends on the depth of the scuffs/ scratches!

Surface scratches shouldn´t be a problem, deeper marks are pretty much impossible get rid off afaik.

Markus

 

[Anakin Starkiller]

Thanks everybody.

I've ordered a novus kit and am looking forward to seeing how it works.

Thanks

Dan

 

[PHArchivist]

How deep? I use Novus too, and it likley will not remove scuffs from a Dremel.

How larg is the piece> Details please - help us help you!

My recommendation is to sand out the scratches starting at about 300 to 400 grit all the way to 2500 grit or finer. Once you've sanded/polished, THEN soak it in the Future.

 

[swhite228]

I have the same problem almost.

I'm working on scratches in the plexiglass computer desk inlays from a local school. In all over 200 2x2ft pieces, scratches from fine to very deep.

As the school is cheap they want the work done for as little as possible, so I'm doing the following.....

1.Buffing the heck out of them with an electric drill and buffing wheel using cheap tooth paste/ tooth polish.

2. Applying a coat of Future when done to fill the deep scratches that didn't buff out.


As strange as it sounds cheap tooth paste makes a great polish, and leves the room smelling minty fresh!

 

[wetwarez]

I've had my own fair share of screwups with plexiglass. For some of the deeper scratches that just take too much time with the novus system, I use a paste of Bon Ami cleanser and a little water, then finish the process with the Novus products. I have gotten generally good results with this system. YMMV. Doesn't smell as good as toothpaste though.

 

[PHArchivist]

What does "YMMV" mean?

 

[wetwarez]

Should have added this to my last post: As obvious as it may be, it bears repeating that you need to be very diligent about thoroughly cleaning up between steps. Voice of unpleasant experience here.

 

[wetwarez]

What does "YMMV" mean?

Acronym for "your mileage may vary." I am a lazy typist.:rolleyes

 

[SaberFreak]

As strange as it sounds cheap tooth paste makes a great polish, and leves the room smelling minty fresh!

That's because the cheaper the toothpaste, the more abrasive substance they need to put in it to achieve the same 'cleaning' effect. You're essentially grinding all your teeth away when you use cheap toothpaste.

The best toothpaste are the ones that do not have any abrasive substance in them, and they can cost $5 and up for a 6.75oz tube.

 

[micdavis]

Sand it to 600 grit and flame polish it with an oxy/acetylene torch.