Board logo

polishing plastic
02GF74 - 13/9/07 at 10:43 AM

got some perspex(?) screens that have minor scratches, nothing to worry about but is there anything I can use to polish them out so they beoming invisibkle and screen are totally transparent?

& what would be best way to apply the abrasive?

DaveFJ - 13/9/07 at 11:07 AM

if they are fairly minor then duraglit does wonders!. if deeper then the usual process of working down through finer grades of abrasive paper then finish with abrasiove polish and then finally a fine polish like duraglit....
HTH

Hammerhead - 13/9/07 at 11:14 AM

seen scratches removed using a polishing wheel. I guess GRP and perspex workshops would have them available for a tea fund contribution.

DaveFJ - 13/9/07 at 11:16 AM

Just be very careful if using a polishing wheel that you don't generate too much heat and melt the perspex.

BenB - 13/9/07 at 11:52 AM

Toothpaste works quite well..... For something more abrasive I use autosol and a yellow duster
Polishing wheels are good (especially the dremel type mini wheels) but they do get hot..... melting plastic is a strong possibility.

Mark Allanson - 13/9/07 at 12:45 PM

quote:
Originally posted by DaveFJ
if they are fairly minor then duraglit does wonders!. if deeper then the usual process of working down through finer grades of abrasive paper then finish with abrasiove polish and then finally a fine polish like duraglit....
HTH


Duraglit contains ammonia which will make a clearcoat cloudy (perspex is chemically identical to clearcoat - just thicker!)

It is always best to use the products which are designed for the job - Farecla G3 & G7

DaveFJ - 13/9/07 at 01:16 PM

Been using duraglit for years with no problems....

Confused but excited. - 13/9/07 at 05:45 PM

I have always used Brasso for the last forty-five years, with excellent results.
I was taught to use this at ICI, the place where they make 'Perspex' or Ppolymethylmethacrylate if you are the fussy type.
Elbow grease is your friend, heat is not. If you use a power tool, be gentle or the plastic melts and drags. Then it is a bugger to polish out.

Moorron - 13/9/07 at 07:38 PM

The amount of times i suggest T cut for things like this looks like i own the company.

Ive used it for aluminum polishing, car polishing, Cellalose paint buffing and plastic polishing.

Requires some elbow grease tho. I use it to remove the flies on my perspex window and chrome parts on the car all the time.

If it works remember it comes in 2.5 litre bottles too so saves some dosh with the bulk buy.

[Edited on 13/9/07 by Moorron]