Scratch Removal - Acrylic (DIY)

[russelas]

I was wondering if anyone has found a good, reliable, and easy sratch removal kit for average scratches?

Also, has anyone heard of a DIY method?

 

[Jawbone]

Yes I think you can easily use a propane torch

 

[Anonymous]

hi.
Never try the blow torch myself, but I heard that the carbon smoke from it may discolor the acrylic. In addition, if not done properly, the acrylic may become more plastic, and flow down like a lava. Or even worst, start to burn. Acrylic is very flammable. Either way, you will end up with a bigger mess than a scratched one.

Hydrogen torch won't have the smoke problem, and I heard that's what the tank manufacturers use. Note that H2 torch is much hotter than propane...
bye -ck-

 

[bertoni]

You can buy micro-mesh online here.

Micro-mesh is the sandpaper included in the
aquarium kits I've seen, or at least very close.

They also sell a kit that includes the sanding
block you'll need.

[ April 17, 2002: Message edited by: Jonathan Bertoni ]</p>

 

[Anonymous]

Thank you for that link Jonathan Bertoni. Those are some good prices.

 

[yellow_dog]

Tartar control toothpaste (the gritty paste stuff not gel), a soft cloth, and some elbow grease.

 

[russelas]

Have you tried the toothpaste method before?

 

[yellow_dog]

Yup! Works great for the common shallow scratches and scuff marks, but not the deep gouges. I have only done it when the tank is empty and can't attest to the safety of using it for inside scratches while the tank is full.

 

[russelas]

yellow_dog-

Is there a certain kind of cloth that is safe or works best? I have heard that some paper towels and cloths with scratch.

andy

 

[bertoni]

Cotton cloth is fine if it's clean.

If you're looking for easier solutions than
micro-mesh you can also look at the Novus
products. I get mine from Tap Plastics, not
on-line.

 

[yellow_dog]

Cloth baby diapers work well and are cheap. Otherwise coral life makes disposable acrylic buffing sheets.