Novus 1-2-3 plastic polishing kit

[CWO4GUNNER]

I have a fairly scratched up 93 tank I purchased off CL that is made of acrylic. I want to restore it to like new clarity with no water inside and have purchased the 3 bottle 8 ounce kit by Novus.

My question to anyone who has had great success making an old acrylic look showroom, what besides the Novus kit is needed in preparation like wet/dry sand paper grits, and what type. for example would I use corpus cloth wet, sand embedded sponge, electric sander and what grits before using Novus 3? Also amount of material, will the Novus 8 ounce kit (largest) be enough for a 93 5' long x18 tall" tank?

Your expertise would be greatly appreciated as this is my very first attempt at plastic scratch removal.

 

[dawnmarie]

I would not use any abrasives other than the novus products at least at first. You could easily make it worse. I would go over the whole tank with #2 and #1 once just to see what you've got. If you have access to an electric polisher/buffer it will make the job a lot easier. Take your time, change polishing rags when switching between 1, 2, and 3 to avoid scratching. You will probably run out of #2 before you are done. The #3 goes a long way.I use the #1 routinely to keep tanks polished. I wound up purchasing #1 and #2 in 64 oz. bottles on Ebay

 

[Reptile88]

http://micro-surface.com/index.php?..._id=41&zenid=8ec44fc1df7bbf47ca7603a3197d093d

 

[CWO4GUNNER]

I have a new $6 puffing pad for attachment to a variable 1/2" drill , Im hoping I can maneuver it reaching inside those less that roomy access openings. Do you think working outside in the sunlight for this buffing project will be OK. I have this idea in my head that sun exposure is bad for acrylic but seem a few work hours of exposure can be that bad.

Also the previous owner extended the size of one of the back top filter access slots making a jagged cut and one corner has a small 1/4" crack starting. Should I correct this early by gluing in a small acrylic patch on the top and bottom and/or drill a hole to intersect and stop the crack from spreading like I used to on acrylic motorcycle windshields?

I think the suggestion to start with Novus 2 to see where Im at first. Perhaps maybe just one side panel and then if it appears I need to use something stronger, could use wet 1200-2500 sponge sand paper on the opposite side panel to see which is the better, does that sound OK?

 

[jsodwi]

I used the novus and it works great but the deep scratches didn't come out. The tank looks great with water in it. I didn't have the balls to take any sandpaper to it the only time I can see the scratches is when the sun blazes through the windows and the tank lights are off I can see a few. I personally wouldnt do it out in the sun just knowing what waxing a car in the sun does to the finish, It might have the same effect. Oh also I used a Craftsman orbital buffer with microfiber and cotton bonnets on it

 

[CWO4GUNNER]

Yeah I'm going to have to research the mechanical buffing options as I keep envisioning something that fits in the palm of my hand with a strap and vibrates like an orbital sander except for buffing.

Got any reasonable cost ideas in buffing tools? Maybe I van use it on other things like the care and motorcycle, or even cleaning hard water stains from glass. Anyone have any ideas with a link so I can see what it looks like?

 

[dawnmarie]

Do they have a Harbor Freight Tools where you are? what you are looking for is a cheap version of a buffer/ polisher. An orbital will work it just takes longer. The smaller the tool the longer it will take (OK NO JOKES). You shoud be able to find something for 30 to 40 bucks, maybe less. This may seem like a lot. but after a few hours of hand polishing you will realize it is a great timesaver and investment not to mention it will do a superior job.

 

[chesterthehero]

HD sells a 6" ryobi orbital polisher for less than $30.. its well worth it... while you are there pick up some very fine grit sand paper... 1000 should be the roughest you use 2000 is ideal.. use it over a sanding sponge and wet sand with it.. then used the novus 3 several times then the novus 2 several times.. then the novus 1 just once.. if its not good enough.. do it again...

be gentle with the buffer.. overdoing it can/has/will cause crazing and warping

 

[CWO4GUNNER]

PTL! I found it! See what happens when you ask ask around. Thank you all so much for the help this thing looks perfect for doing the job and the price is right. Robi buffer

I can almost see this tank package that I picked up locally for $70 crystal clear LOL. cabinet refinishing and glass tank repair I have experience with but this is my first acrylic tank and and as you can see even though it holds water well (tested) It look like quite a task to get transparent but now pointed in the right direction I cant wait to get started.

 

[jschall]

PTL! I found it! See what happens when you ask ask around. Thank you all so much for the help this thing looks perfect for doing the job and the price is right. Robi buffer

I can almost see this tank package that I picked up locally for $70 crystal clear LOL. cabinet refinishing and glass tank repair I have experience with but this is my first acrylic tank and and as you can see even though it holds water well (tested) It look like quite a task to get transparent but now pointed in the right direction I cant wait to get started.

How is it even possible to get an acrylic tank THAT opaque? Did someone really hate the guy and took sandpaper to the whole thing?