Buffing acrylic

[terri_ann]

I have some minor scratches(sand) and a couple moderate ones(rocks bumping it). It appears I may have some hazing/yellowing too. Can you give me specifics on what I can use I plan to use some kind of buffing tool vs' elbow-grease since it's a 135g. Help this lady out guys!

Thanks!:dance:

 

[fox2589]

im also looking for answers on clearing up acrylic..BUMP-Drew

 

[Losungen]

Even a pro can't buff it out perfect, just keep in that in mind.

 

[terri_ann]

If a pro can't buff it out perfectly, then why do they get big $$$$$$! I'm not worried about perfection....just need some experienced advice!

 

[naterealbig]

Ok, so you need 4 things to completely remove acrylic scratches, and yes, you can bring the acrylic back to the PERFECT "show room" finish you had when you first bought it. And yes, I have done it several times.

1)Rainbow/Lifeguard Acrylic Scratch Removal Kit
2)Novus scratch remover 3
3)Novus Scratch remover 2
4) Novus Scratch remover 1

Follow the directions which are included in the scratch removal kit. You can use it (and I have) inside the tank safely with fish/coral still inside running. If your working on the inside of the tank than once your on your final "grit" you can stop there. If your working on the outside of the tank (there will be a haze where you have used the sand paper cloths - for some reason this does not show up on the inside of the tank when it is filled with water) then you will have to use the novus polish with a rotary buffer (using your hand WILL NOT work). Start with the #3 buffing in a circular motion (use plain cloth buffer) work it in well. Do the same thing with #2, and then #1. If you didn't get the entire scratch out with the removal kit then you will have to start over, so make sure you are inspecting well every step of the process. If you have more questions let me know.

 

[naterealbig]

As an added note, you can buy absolutely everything that you need including the buffer and pads for less than $100. I used a cheap 6" dia Ryobi buffer which was about $25, the Novus polish you can buy (yes, all three bottles) for ~ $10, and the scratch removal kit will run you about $30 depending on where you buy it. See if a pro can beat that.

 

[terri_ann]

I have the R/L kit and have used that in the past. Sorry, I forgot to say that my tank will be empty and dry for the inside work that I need. As I have several long scratches the entire length(72") of the tank(from the sand), I am wanting to use something other than elbow-grease ;-)

 

[terri_ann]

As an added note, you can buy absolutely everything that you need including the buffer and pads for less than $100. I used a cheap 6" dia Ryobi buffer which was about $25, the Novus polish you can buy (yes, all three bottles) for ~ $10, and the scratch removal kit will run you about $30 depending on where you buy it. See if a pro can beat that.

Is there a specific buffing cloth to use? Can I use the Novus on the inside?

 

[fox2589]

1)Rainbow/Lifeguard Acrylic Scratch Removal Kit
2)Novus scratch remover 3
3)Novus Scratch remover 2
4) Novus Scratch remover 1

where can these be found at?-Drew

 

[Losungen]

Well I better tell the guys round here that do have doin it professionally for atleast a decade that's there is a hobbyist doing the unheard of... Buffing out acrylic to perfect, before scratch condition. That's damn near amazing.

 

[naterealbig]

terri-ann : That's fine if your tank will be empty and dry, but I would use the novus polish inside to buff it out perfectly. I imagine it is fine for use inside the tank, just make sure you wipe all of the residue clean first. The downfall to saving money here is that you will have to put in several hours of work (especially with deep scratches that run the length of the tank). The easy part is finishing with the novus polish, but using the sand paper cloths will be tedious and time consuming. I didn't say it was easy, but you said you wanted to save some $$$ . I got the buffer at lowes or home depot, just by the soft buffing cloth (nothing special), the same one you would use to buff the wax off a car.

Drew: When I was buffing out scratches I was working at a LFS, so I had the materials handy. You may be able to find the RL scratch removal kit at a local fish store, but the chances are probably slim that they have them in stock. I have never seen a local fish store carry the Novus polish. A quick web search found the following website, which carries the scratch removal kit and the novus polish. http://www.marineandreef.com/Novus_Polish_Scratch_Remover_s/177.htm

Losungen: I'm not fabricating this stuff, I didn't just go and Google it....I worked at a LFS in Jacksonville called Rob's Reef, and buffed out scratches on several acrylic tanks, to a PERFECT haze free, completely shiny finish. Ask these pro's what they are using, and if they aren't using a method similar to this maybe you might suggest it. If you have any questions, I'd be glad to answer them, hell, if I still have the stuff, I may just make a small tutorial video.

 

[jbird69]

hell, if I still have the stuff, I may just make a small tutorial video.

That would be fantastic! Thanks for the detailed info!

 

[sbleile]

Thanks for all the info, I am working on buffing out my 335 gallon tank

 

[naterealbig]

No problem for the info, I'm pretty good about not ranting on about stuff that I don't have any actual experience doing. I looked, and all I have is novus 3. I might get some 2 and 1 off of the net and put something together. And for everyone reading this thread: I AM NOT and do not claim to be an expert in acrylic fabrication. I simply have had to buff scratches out of acrylic tanks before, and I know exactly what worked for me.

 

[mborkush]

Theres always one thats a dis-beliver...Make the video and he will belive.
Im looking to buy a 150 acrylic but its very hazy. I would amagin that this method will remove the haze....correct?
Thanks,

 

[Enjoy]

I have a thread with items for sale:

Novus 1,2,3 big full bottles.
Ryobi 6" orbital buffer

Very possible to get acrylic looking perfect again.
Works great! :rollface:

 

[naterealbig]

mborkush: Yes, this method will remove the haze.

Enjoy: Hate to take this stuff from someone that will need a lot (sbleile) as I have a glass tank ( yes, I hated having to buff the scratches out of acrylic that much ).....How much for the package of three bottles of novus?

 

[Enjoy]

$10 for all 3. plus shipping.

$25 plus shipping for 6" buffer.

 

[sbleile]

Its alright naterealbig, I just bought a 64oz bottle of novus 1 and a big bottle of 2 and 3.

 

[terri_ann]

terri-ann : That's fine if your tank will be empty and dry, but I would use the novus polish inside to buff it out perfectly. I imagine it is fine for use inside the tank, just make sure you wipe all of the residue clean first. The downfall to saving money here is that you will have to put in several hours of work (especially with deep scratches that run the length of the tank). The easy part is finishing with the novus polish, but using the sand paper cloths will be tedious and time consuming. I didn't say it was easy, but you said you wanted to save some $$$ . I got the buffer at lowes or home depot, just by the soft buffing cloth (nothing special), the same one you would use to buff the wax off a car.

Thanks for the info! I was wondering if the buffing pad was a special one since we are dealing with acrylic here. I don't plan on using the sanding(grit) kit as too tedious and time-consuming as you stated:lolspin: I'm off to find the Novus online and learn more about it.

I'll get back with you if I have anymore questions. Appreciate your time:dance: