Micro scratches on acrylic tank

[knobhill]

Hi,
So i began restoring my 375g. It had a lot of deep scratches that i could catch my fingernail on. I have been using a dual action random orbit palm sander to do the sanding/polishing. I started with 220 to 400 to 600 to the 9 micromesh pads. I wet sanded everything. Then i used novus 3 by hand, then novus 2 with an orbital buffer. There are tiny crescent shaped scratches all over both the inside and outside surfaces. What gives? i did a repolish with novus 2 and the marks are still there. How can i get rid of them and make my tank crystal clear again? The only good news is that all the bigger, deeper scratches are gone. Whats my next move here?


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[aldiaz33]

I found that the random orbit sander is what causes the crescent shaped scratches. I don't know if it was that there may have been some dirt/grit on the application pad or if it was just too aggressive, but try buffing an area by hand using the novus #2 and see if the micro scratches come out (be sure to use a new microcloth- you don't want any residual of the novus #3 in there). That or get your hands on a buffing wheel or use a buffing pad drill bit attachment.

After doing my 240 and 270, I swore I would never buy a used acrylic tank again. Getting scratches out is tedious/time consuming work. Good luck!

PS- Those must have been some seriously deep scratches to start with 220. I don't think I've ever started with anything under 800.

 

[knobhill]

I'm thinking about doing another treatment of novus 3 and then buffing with the buffing wheel again. I have hit it with the buffing wheel twice now and have seen some improvement. The problem is that the higher grit sandpaper doesnt seem to be taking out the crescent scratches either but the surface is completely smooth to the touch.

 

[fish n chips]

guys can ye tell me why ye dont use glass...

 

[anarekist]

it's heavy

 

[knobhill]

anyone with another answer/ method? I really want this thing crystal clear...

 

[knobhill]

ttt...looking for some help here!

 

[coryjames]

could be crazing.....that will never come out.

 

[nfored]

I have a tank I will for sure have to use something more then 600 on the scratchs are more like gouges at least 1/8" deep.

 

[jcm707]

Im currently restoring a 100 i got, Ive been using the 3m headlight restore kit and its looking good, i was using mothers polish but i just bought 2 bottle of meguiras PlastiX and i heard that works pretty good. Buff the novus in with a drill attached buffer like the powerball maybe?