Safest way to remove paint from Acrylic Fish Tank?

Deezus

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Jun 3, 2014
68
42
36
Connecticut
I just bought an acrylic fish tank and the back side is painted. I was wondering what ways is there to remove paint without having harmful effects on the acrylic that could later harm my fish
 

jandb

Piranha
MFK Member
Jan 18, 2009
937
168
76
Lewis Center, OH
I just did the same. It took a ton of time ( the tank is 12'x3'x2') but it can be done. I used a random orbital sander with 120 grit until I could see the slightest of clear. I used wet dry for the rest starting with 320,600,1000 then 2000. After that I buffed with meguires ultra 104 then polish with 204. I'd be happy to explain any of the steps in greater detail. image.jpgimage.jpgimage.jpgimage.jpg

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that_fish_Guy

Peacock Bass
MFK Member
Jul 29, 2013
2,087
313
122
27
CA
Dang ur tank came out clear! I buffed my tank and sanded... it didn't come out that clear :(.... what's the secret I used plastix polish and started with 800 grit then 1000 then 1500 and then polished with a buffing wheel and that megures plastx or whatever it's called and still a little hazy you can see the side panel.

uploadfromtaptalk1422501333001.jpg

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jandb

Piranha
MFK Member
Jan 18, 2009
937
168
76
Lewis Center, OH
If you just have swirling and some haze I'd try meguires ultra cut 104. It works best with a variable speed polisher. It should take out anything less than a 1200 grit sandpaper scratch. If you follow up with the 204 it will even turn out better. I think that last picture I posted was just after the 104 cutting compound.
 

that_fish_Guy

Peacock Bass
MFK Member
Jul 29, 2013
2,087
313
122
27
CA
If you just have swirling and some haze I'd try meguires ultra cut 104. It works best with a variable speed polisher. It should take out anything less than a 1200 grit sandpaper scratch. If you follow up with the 204 it will even turn out better. I think that last picture I posted was just after the 104 cutting compound.
Didn't mean to jack the OP.. but I need to ask. With water in the tank won't it look a bit better?

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Deezus

Jack Dempsey
MFK Member
Jun 3, 2014
68
42
36
Connecticut
I don't know much about orbitals but is there a good brand orbiter i can get at home depot? I am familiar with wet sanding as i wet sanded some nano acrylic tanks and then polished everything by hand but would love to get something that can get the job done faster
 

jandb

Piranha
MFK Member
Jan 18, 2009
937
168
76
Lewis Center, OH
I don't know much about orbitals but is there a good brand orbiter i can get at home depot? I am familiar with wet sanding as i wet sanded some nano acrylic tanks and then polished everything by hand but would love to get something that can get the job done faster
I just used the orbital on the paint. When I saw acrylic I went to the wet sanding. If you have deep gouges try something like 600 grit and get a good sanding block. I found it worked best to use an overlapping cross hatch pattern and tons of water using a spray bottle. Work your way back up to 2000. If you're going to buy anything I'd get a variable speed polisher. It was amazing how it cleared the haze on mine. Just get a cheap one from Harbor Freight. I paid $39 I think.
 

Marlin Summerour

Feeder Fish
Nov 28, 2018
3
1
3
40
Franklin Ohio
I just bought an acrylic fish tank and the back side is painted. I was wondering what ways is there to remove paint without having harmful effects on the acrylic that could later harm my fish
hey i live an hour and a half away from lewis center do you think you can do something like this for me i just bought a 225 gallon peninsula tank and the back panel is painted black and want it back to original
 

Marlin Summerour

Feeder Fish
Nov 28, 2018
3
1
3
40
Franklin Ohio
I just did the same. It took a ton of time ( the tank is 12'x3'x2') but it can be done. I used a random orbital sander with 120 grit until I could see the slightest of clear. I used wet dry for the rest starting with 320,600,1000 then 2000. After that I buffed with meguires ultra 104 then polish with 204. I'd be happy to explain any of the steps in greater detail. View attachment 1056183View attachment 1056184View attachment 1056185View attachment 1056186

View attachment 1056183

View attachment 1056184

View attachment 1056185

View attachment 1056186
hey i live an hour and a half away from lewis center and just purchased a 225 peninsula tank and the back panel was painted black and trying to get it back to its original form i can easily drop tank off and pick up
 
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