Best Buffing acrylic technique

  • We are currently upgrading MFK. thanks! -neo
J

jimyv1

Plecostomus
MFK Member
Feb 13, 2008
55
36
51
joliet, il
I recently bought a large 360 gallon acrylic aquarium. Before setting it up was wondering what the best brand and technique to giving a nice buff to the tank before setting it up.

appreciate everyones help. I am new to this.
 
ok will check it out.....any type of power buffer work well?

I got alot of surface to cover.
 
I just tested out Novus Plastic Polish and Scratch Remover for the first time the other day. Restored an extremely scratched 60g flat back hex to almost new condition using the Novus and just a 6" random orbit buffer. Couldn't be happier! Do a search for Novus in the DIY forum. Its highly recommended.
 
youll need one of these
MakitaRotaryBuffer9227C.jpg


and some of this
3%20part.jpg


and turn the buffer up on HIGH. dont be afraid to muscle it, youre not gonna damage the acrylic. those random orbit buffers are worthless IMO. you need a direct drive one
 
I'm with ya on that jcardona1! After using that random orbit I would have most definitely would have used a larger stronger buffer. For a small tank with limited room and access the random orbit buffer was better than doing it by hand though.
 
I got some Novus already....just gonna have to get a makita.

Any certain name for the buffer head? or are they pretty standard?
 
My buffer head has a Velcro attachment. I had to pay extra for this but it's worth it! Basically I can quickly change buffing surfaces. When you buy the buffer most likely it will come with a few types of buffing pads. These will be separated by abrasive level just like sand paper.

1) Random orbit is key! It's almost impossible to burn the acrylic with a random orbit. 2) Get a direct drive unit. Mine is not direct drive so when I press hard it just stops! *&%$#@@#$% I was worried about burning my acrylic so I went this route and now I wish I had the direct drive. You really gota get on the acrylic to make a difference.

The buffing process: If you don't have deep scratches just start with the Novus 3.

Deep scratches use wet type sand paper. HD sells it in the paint section. Just soak it before you use it and start out sanding by hand against/across the scratch. Go to the next grit and sand with the scratch. The acrylic will be almost white by now and your going to have a sick feeling like "what did I just do?". Then break out the Novus 3 with the most aggressive buffing pad you have and hit it till the Novus 3 is gone. Do this two or three times then go to Novus 2 with a softer pad and so on.
It's hard work but do-able. Nothing technical at all. It will buff out eventually, I promise. :)

Another tip: Novus is sold in 64oz. bottles too ;)
 
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