Removing scratches from acrylic tanks

[rigox2002]

Anyone have any experience or any good technics anyone can offer on how to remove scratches from acrylic tanks? I have a 120 gallon truvu tank that has a lot of scratches.


---
I am here: http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=33.314362,-117.302328

 

[gemini aquarius(t)]

I am in the process of buffing mine right now. It had a lot of scratches, and most of them were deep. I am using the Rainbow Lifeguard scratch removal kit. It has sandpaper from 1500-12,000 grit and a polish. It basically is just a TON of elbow grease. I am on day 3 haha

 

[fshRfrendsNTfod]

i have done it to 100 gallon before. i used 2000 grit mostly and tried some hand buffing and it was working pretty good then i tried a buffer for cars and it worked better. just kept it on low speed. takes time but its worth it in the end

 

[silverarrow27]

Tried with my 54 gallon and gave up after 3 days. Ain't worth my time, just pay See Clear(acrylicscratchrepair.com) to do it if your time is worth more. If I had found out about them before buying a glass tank, would have went that route instead.

 

[rigox2002]

thanks guys the advice. has anyone dealt with see clear? does anyone know if their prices are reasonable?

 

[tancho]

Jarhead Rigox 2002

My friend dropped off a 100 gallon acrylic tank at See Clear.
I dont know the condition of the tank prior to being buffed out.
Matt at See Clear charged him $300 to buff it out and drill 3 holes for overflow and returns.

 

[sunlitreef]

I use 000 steel wool and then Novus 321

 

[WayOfTheReef]

I just finished buffing my used acrylic buy.
First I used 1000grit sand paper
Afterwards, I used the 1500 grit sandpaper
You can buy the sanding papers from a car supply store. Make sure you wet the sandpaper and keep wetting it while srubbing your tank.
After sanding your tank will look very cloudy and that's okay.
Use Novus 2 to buff it. You can use those buffing pads that attach to a drill or good old fashion hand buffing until your tank clears up again.
Wait a day to let Novus 2 to fully dry, then you can use Novus 1 to kinda polish and seal the Novus 2 in.
Then youre done.

 

[scubasamdo]

I agree, 1000 grit, 1500 grit, I also use 2000/2500. Then Novus 2, then Novus 1. Drill buffing pad is the way to go. Be sure to let Novus 2 dry prior to buffing. Novus 1 you don't wait to dry. Also if your car head lights need a polish it is the same process or just Novus 2 & 1.

 

[scubasamdo]

If it is small scratches or you don't want to use alot of elbow grease you could use Novus 3 then 2 then 1. Novus 3 is a higher grit buffer.

 

[JohnnyAirtime]

I did a (quick) write up on how I polished my HEAVILY scratched 240 Gal... it also describes how to remove small scratches with a FULL tank of water and livestock;

Read up here;
http://www.sandiegoreefs.com/forums...ed-to-remove-inhabitants)&p=674839#post674839

 

[Matthewbrian316]

+on the novus 321 works great

 

[C Dog]

I would try novus 123 before sanding

 

[Jar*Head]

Novus 1,2, and 3 works very well for me. Just finished polish my friend's tank 96x48x30 take less than half a day. His tank has all kind of scratches some you can feel with your finger nail.

I ordered 8oz of each, the buffing kit, some cloth and speed adjustable drill set at 1000-1200rpm. If you are dealing with deep scratch that can't be remove using Novus 3 after 3-4 times, use 1500 grits sand paper and slowly sand it down.

Here is the finished product.

 

[gemini aquarius(t)]

Novus 1,2, and 3 works very well for me. Just finished polish my friend's tank 96x48x30 take less than half a day. His tank has all kind of scratches some you can feel with your finger nail.

I ordered 8oz of each, the buffing kit, some cloth and speed adjustable drill set at 1000-1200rpm. If you are dealing with deep scratch that can't be remove using Novus 3 after 3-4 times, use 1500 grits sand paper and slowly sand it down.

Here is the finished product.

WOW! Want to come over and buff mine? haha

 

[Jar*Head]

I am too far from you bro. I'm in Louisiana.