Buffing Acrylic
Printed From: Utah Reefs
Category: Specialized Discussion
Forum Name: DIY
Forum Description: Do it Yourself
URL: http://www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=13271
Printed Date: July 19 2026 at 8:12am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 12.03 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Buffing Acrylic
Posted By: RockStarFish
Subject: Buffing Acrylic
Date Posted: July 23 2006 at 6:10am
| OK so I have the chance to get a 240g acrylic tank for a good price but it has a ton of scratches in it.I know that you can buff out most scratches out of the acrylic but when is to many scraches to much? |
Replies:
Posted By: Mark Peterson
Date Posted: July 23 2006 at 9:03pm
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An acrylic tank like that has got to be free, because it takes so much effort to sand out the inside scratches with 3000-4000 grit emery cloth on a magnet algae scaper underwater, and for the outside, a buffing wheel and buffing compound. ------------- Reefkeeping Tips, & quick, easy setup tricks: www.utahreefs.com/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=9244 Pay it forward - become a paid WMAS member 
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Posted By: sivert55
Date Posted: August 10 2006 at 2:02am
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If you can drain it, you can start with 500 grit paper on a sander and get the big stuff, then work your way down to 1000 and 2000 grit. then buff it with the acrylic scratch buffing compound they sell at Regional supply and a buffing wheel. It's doable, but Mark is right. It's very time intensive and when I did my 120, I went through alot of sand paper and my arms got really tired. I definitely wouldn't even attempt it without power tools. ------------- Sold it all. Building a 285 with dedicated fishroom. |
Posted By: telomere
Date Posted: August 21 2006 at 11:46pm
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Using sandpaper might not be the best way to go. There are polishing compounds especially for acrylic. Novus is the one I'm familiar with, there are two grades - one takes out significant scratches, the other polishes it to look like new again. steve |
Posted By: sivert55
Date Posted: August 22 2006 at 1:24am
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"Sandpaper" may be misleading. I use both grades of novus after i use finishing sandpaper- the kind they use to smooth out paint on cars between coats. In fact, that's where I get the sandpaper. There's an autobody supply store on 39th south just west of I-15.
Some scratches have been pretty deep and I get better results when I start with 1000, then 1500, then 2000 grit paper, and then use the novus priducts to smooth it out. Then I finish with the acrylic buffing compound that puts that sweet shine on it. Last step is to wipe it down with Brillianize. Better than new! ------------- Sold it all. Building a 285 with dedicated fishroom. |