375g tank acrylic buffing out

[bsagecko]

So I just picked up a 375g was wondering if it was you how would u buff it out?


I was thinking about novus 1,2,3 by hand but I was wondering if there is a better way as the acrylic surface area is huge.....


Also any good local sources for novus 1,2,3 that beats the internet?

Thanks
Zack

 

[Nwest]

I know TCwayne just got some 1,2,3 off line. Not sure how it was working for him but I know he was using a buffing wheel on his drill.

 

[tcwayne]

Nate is correct. I got it on eBay for $60 plus shipping. I'm using buffing wheels I got from home depot for the drills and dremel. It works just takes forever to get the deep scratched out. Light scratches=easy.

 

[GotSopranos?]

Plastics America on Adamo Dr in Tampa sells it. But ive come to the conclusion that if I ever buy another acrylic tank I will pay to have it cleaned up lol. It just takes to much time for the regular person with every day tools to do. I am sure the companies have other things that do it much quicker

 

[bsagecko]

Ok what are these buff wheels that people talk about? are you talking about like what ppl use to buff out there cars? (i couldn't find anything on acrylic buff wheels)

How much do you think I should buy? it is a 375g tank and two of the side (one long one short) needs to be buffed out the other two just need some touching up....I was thinking about either the 32 oz or the 64 oz not sure ?

Well as far as time goes I figured that about a week of going about 6~10 hours a day would probably be enough?

 

[tcwayne]

they look like this

They come in a pack of three. That's the biggest one. I also got a little one for the dremel for tight spaces.

I would get the 64 oz. for that size tank. Depending on the scratches, you may use a lot getting the deeper ones out.

 

[bsagecko]

Thanks for the info

 

[barfish]

hey chuck when you coming to buff the cube

 

[tcwayne]

hey chuck when you coming to buff the cube

As soon as I'm done with the shallow tank. It seems like every night I get lazy when I get home lately. I worked on it Sunday and plan for some time tomorrow. Problem, I'm out of town the next two weekends. So I just have to power up and getter done.

 

[Tampa Aquarium Service]

You guys work too hard. I use an acrylic polishing system that uses an air powdered or electric orbital sander with different grit wet-dry paper 1500-8000. Then if the tank you are polishing is dry a special buff pad and sponge pad with liquid polish. If tank is being polished while still wet of course you will not use the polish. My air orbital has been modified with a remote exhaust and uses veg oil so as not to harm livestock. Professional results and saves a ton of time.

 

[barfish]

i was going to use my orbital and wet sand it but i couldnt find any paper above 800. can you tell me where your getting your wet dry paper. i refinsh wood floors, ive got plenty of orbital sanders. i have a DA also. just need paper.

 

[tcwayne]

yea if I can find super fine paper for my orbital than I'll use that too. Not sure I'll have the room on the inside but worth a try.

 

[barfish]

i cant find the paper. i looked several weeks ago online. can find the sheets but not the 5 or 6 in.

 

[killerbee181]

http://www.championlighting.com/product.php?productid=21151&cat=877&page=1

heres a kit

 

[barfish]

thanks for the link but i only need the paper. i already have novus and the backing wheel. im looking for more than 2 sheets of each and im not paying 105 for 20 in paper.

 

[killerbee181]

well you could try calling everclear directly and see where you can get the pads since there site doesn't work anymore 512-301-7562

or try this
http://www.glasstechnics.co.uk/polishing-pads.html
or here
http://webcache.googleusercontent.com/search?q=cache:http://www.wingsandwheels.com/page37.htm

 

[killerbee181]

think i found a good place to get pads and a kit that should pork but looks like you'll have to buy the final grits seperatly
http://www.mirka-online.com/index.p...-in-mesh-grip-disc-assorted-grits-qty-35.html

the site has up to 4000 grit from what i've seen on there that should be high enough i think until you go to liquid abrasives

 

[PierAquarium]

Unfortunately, Everclear went out of business. They were my primary supplier. Micro-surface.com is the place to go now.

 

[killerbee181]

well that sucks guess that would explain why there site doesn't work anymore.
thanks for the link they have really good prices.

 

[bsagecko]

Ok i checked out that micro-surface sight and I have some questions

Will a power drill be enough to remove the acrylic scratches or should i use a random orbital sander?

Can I use a random orbital sander to also buff out the acrylic in the end steps or do I also need a rotary buffer? Or can I use a power drill at this point?

If I use novus 1,2,3 do I still need wet sand paper? How is novus applied in relation to using like wet sand paper