Buffing and Fixing Acrylic

[Itsadeepbluesea]

Two questions for all you DIYers out there, how easy is it to buff out acrylic? Also how easy is it fix an acrylic tank that has a leak. I have my eyes on a 240 acrylic tank which is a bit scratched up and would need to be buffed and the guy says he has never filled it, but was told when he bought it that it held water. It's a bit of a gamble but the price is right. Just wanted to cover my bases in case I had to do a repair and buffing.

 

[millerkid519]

JK47

 

[JK47]

Two questions for all you DIYers out there, how easy is it to buff out acrylic? Also how easy is it fix an acrylic tank that has a leak. I have my eyes on a 240 acrylic tank which is a bit scratched up and would need to be buffed and the guy says he has never filled it, but was told when he bought it that it held water. It's a bit of a gamble but the price is right. Just wanted to cover my bases in case I had to do a repair and buffing.

Well these are two pretty big topics to cover. One could say yes it's "easy" or spend two pages typing out instructions.

Buffing: pretty straight forward. You need buffing compound like like novus #3, #2. #1 is really just a cleaning agent. A handheld drill, bag of microfiber cloths and proper buffing pads is all that is needed. If you are over 30 clear you calendar for your lower back lol..

Repair: this needs to be specific to the actual damage. In general acrylic is very easy to repair.

 

[JK47]

I would highly encourage you to jump on it if you can. Especially if the price is right. Most of my setups came via this route as well and I have really found a passion for restoring tanks. It's rewarding when you are all done. Something about saving a pile of money and doing it yourself is good for you

 

[Itsadeepbluesea]

Well these are two pretty big topics to cover. One could say yes it's "easy" or spend two pages typing out instructions.

Buffing: pretty straight forward. You need buffing compound like like novus #3, #2. #1 is really just a cleaning agent. A handheld drill, bag of microfiber cloths and proper buffing pads is all that is needed. If you are over 30 clear you calendar for your lower back lol..

Repair: this needs to be specific to the actual damage. In general acrylic is very easy to repair.

Thanks for the response. It's $150 for a tank that is 76" length 36" width and 21" high. I'll have to discuss it with the wife this evening as it is about 1.5-2 hours away, but I have two vacation days coming up Monday/Tuesday. I am over 30 (33 almost 4) but I'm a Physical Therapist luckily so I have plenty of tools to fix my back once I mess it up.

 

[Itsadeepbluesea]

JK47

Thanks for sending to jk47

 

[JK47]

Thanks for the response. It's $150 for a tank that is 76" length 36" width and 21" high. I'll have to discuss it with the wife this evening as it is about 1.5-2 hours away, but I have two vacation days coming up Monday/Tuesday. I am over 30 (33 almost 4) but I'm a Physical Therapist luckily so I have plenty of tools to fix my back once I mess it up.

Oh sweet you're all set then. That's a stellar deal and very unique tank dims. I would be trying to salvage that one too. Good luck man

 

[Itsadeepbluesea]

JK47 do you have other places you look besides craigslist?

 

[JK47]

JK47 do you have other places you look besides craigslist?

I frequent local salt water forums as well. I don't keep anything on the marine side but they use the same gear I do and usually spend a bit more than freshwater guys. Get in good with your local marine community and you'll have access to those that never get posted.

 

[clm08k]

Thanks for the response. It's $150 for a tank that is 76" length 36" width and 21" high. I'll have to discuss it with the wife this evening as it is about 1.5-2 hours away, but I have two vacation days coming up Monday/Tuesday. I am over 30 (33 almost 4) but I'm a Physical Therapist luckily so I have plenty of tools to fix my back once I mess it up.

Did you ever get the tank buffed and running? How did the restoration process go? I just bought a used 180, but have never buffed or restored an acrylic tank before. Let alone one that size. Also might have to PM you about being a PT. I got accepted to PT school but am having hesitations.