Acrylic Tank Scratch Removal
- Thread starter Honda619
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jjk_reef00
New member
micro mesh kit and novus polish
dream54ing
New member
Depending on the size of the tank and how deep the scratches are, anticipate a lot of time to do the job the right way.
If you dont put the time in to buff it and easily bothered by scratches, I suggest getting another tank, cause once you have everything in, your going to hate yourself
Buffing is a lot of work, even with a drill. I had a friend who spent 3 days (about 4-6 hrs a day) on a 150gal tank and it looked okay, but IMO not acceptable. It all depends if you can tolerate a tank some scratches.
If you want to hire someone, your better of getting a new one without scratches.
A professional will probably cost you more than what the tank is worth.
If you dont put the time in to buff it and easily bothered by scratches, I suggest getting another tank, cause once you have everything in, your going to hate yourself
Buffing is a lot of work, even with a drill. I had a friend who spent 3 days (about 4-6 hrs a day) on a 150gal tank and it looked okay, but IMO not acceptable. It all depends if you can tolerate a tank some scratches.
If you want to hire someone, your better of getting a new one without scratches.
A professional will probably cost you more than what the tank is worth.
That's ridiculous... I did my 8' 450g , hand sanding and cordless drill buffing, in 2 days/ 3-4 hours a day! Have also done 3 130g/ 48"x24"x27"h (1 tank is over 20 yrs old) in even less time and they look great!
Divide the tank into smaller 'quadrants', if possible position tank so that you are working down/not sideways, WET sand with at least 8 diff. grits, when 1 panel is complete, then use #3, then #2 Novus liquid buffers.
I suggest starting with a smaller side panel first, inside (and out if necessary) to see how well you are doing, and decide what adjustments/improvements you must make.
It's hard to see progress/results until you have gone thru all 'stages' of sanding and buffing, but if you're willing to put the effort in, it should work out fine.
dream54ing
New member
Rather than calling me ridiculous, chill and read my entire post, you can probably understand what I'm trying to point out. :facepalm:Here let me help you on what you missed on my post that you did not quote:
Not everyone have the skill set like you and might take longer or shorter, which still requires a lot of work. Sounds like you've done many tanks and have much experience, hence the quick turnaround time and great results. Explaining to someone new (in this case someone who don't even know what materials to use) to do the job might not be a easy task. Maybe or maybe not.
You also need to understand that there are many people who thinks this is a 5-10 hr job. They end up not doing the job properly and expecting amazing results. That is what I'm trying to point out.
Also deep scratches require more sanding and buffing, if sanding technique is not done right, it will creates ripples on the acrylic. You might be able get the scratches out, but the ripples are not that attractive.
Again, if one have the time to put into buffing and done right, it can result in a great final product. But don't expect this to be a walk in the park or perfect results!
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scott11
New member
I was a little concerned about doing it my self, but it really is not bad. As said, wet sand first. You may have to test out different grits depending on the depth of the scratch. Once the scratches are gone and you have a haze, then on to buffing. I used a foam buffing wheel from Oreilly auto with my cordless drill. Novus 3 then 2. Split it into sections. I had to do it a few times to get it looking good.
buffalobunch
New member
It's a lot of work but very rewarding once you see how much better it looks. It took me and my husband 2 days of working on our 300g to finish it. Here's what it looks like after you sand it with the different grits. I was just starting to buff in this picture. I used an auto detailer to buff.
My apologies... I was not calling you ridiculous...I was referring to the amount of time your friend spent on a 150g tank, only to receive unsatisfactory results.
Henchman24
Member
At least with Acrylic there is a scratch removal process (although time consuming) with glass the only scratch removal is a sledge hammer that I am aware of. Not that I am biased by an means LOL
tatuaje08
New member
They sell little kits that are similar to the acrylic kits. Not sure how good they work, I just know they will only work on the most shallow of scratches.
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