Buffing Acrylic Tanks

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G'day T.A.M. Crew...

Just wondering if those that have buffed scratches out of acrylic before would be so kind as to list the tools, equipment and the process you used? A friend bought a 150 gallon for a client but it has some deep scratches along the gravel line on the front panel that I would like to remove. I have never done it so any direction would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers matey's!

Danny

[GMtrophs]

Apr 12, 2016 18:50:28 GMT -5 ... said:

G'day T.A.M. Crew...

Just wondering if those that have buffed scratches out of acrylic before would be so kind as to list the tools, equipment and the process you used? A friend bought a 150 gallon for a client but it has some deep scratches along the gravel line on the front panel that I would like to remove. I have never done it so any direction would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers matey's!

Danny

You would need the following:

1. Electric Sander (orbit or sheet)...you can also use your hand but might take a while lol..
2. Sandpaper ( 600-3000) depends on how deep the scratch
3. Spray Bottle to keep the acrylic wet while sanding
4. Rags i highly recommend microfiber towels (use different towel for each step)
5. Novus Step 1,2,&3 ( awesome product for acrylic) however, i heard other people used Meguiars plastic polish with good result. But novus is fish safe.
6. Time...very time consuming & patience..take your time, do one panel at a time and you'll be happy with the result..
7. If you still having trouble, there's plenty of DIY on YouTube..Good Luck and hope this helps..

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Awesome GM! Thx heaps for taking the time to post. I appreciate it!

I actually just watched a YT vid profiling the Novus 3 step...next I need to see if the client is willing to pay for the time to buff the tank.

Is it possible to just spot buff? E.g. just focusing on the deep scratches? Or will it look odd unless the whole panel is done?

Thx again brutha!

[GMtrophs]

I'm sure you can do that but i did buff the whole panel on mine inside out...you can try it and see how it looks and go from there..oh one more thing i forgot to mention make sure u start on the inside first

[Mastiffman/ Duramax7Man7]

I agree. The steps he's listed are what I've done as well. 3 tanks that I've done this one. Novus is some awesome stuff. Wet sanding is the way to go also. If done by hand a 3M sanding block is highly recommended. And keep using water for sure.

Spot sanding is possible and on the inside is not a big deal as any distortion seen when dry will virtually disappear when filled. But on the outside spot sanding is very noticeable. The distortion will be seen from angles and straight on. So avoid that on the outside.

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Cheers for the great advice fellas! Awesome