Removing scratches in acrylic

[Reefdiver77]

I bought the RR 60 corner bowfront from Tyson and now have to get the scratches out on the interior. I have the kit he gave me with the tank, but I am really not good at this sort of thing and my DH has no idea how to begin or wants to be of assistance!!
Anyone near Jackson ever had experience and success with this? If so and you would like frags in trade or prefer $, please let me know. I will be on vacation June 26- July 11 and will be ready to start this project after I return. I will be taking down my 38,20L and 12 nano and just have the 60 and 3 gal left. After everything is broke down, I will have lots of stuff to sell. Will post what I have when I get it all empty, cleaned and ready to sell. TIA. Vicki

 

[turtleman9100]

Its actually not that hard to do. It does that a lot of time and patiences though. If you end up doing it yourself, mapping out small sections at a time works best for me. I would first fill with water, put your lighting on and use a crayon to mark scratches you can actually see when filled. Determine whether they are inside or outside the aquarium, remove the water then, start to buffing.

 

[OneReef]

Yes, 'turtleman' is the guy to consult on this. He has buffed out some huge acrylic tanks.

 

[tgriffin]

Vicki

Just like turtleman said......TAKE your time. From the little experience I have from the tank I did, I feel like that the micromesh kit is more of a buffer/polisher. The 320 and 400 grit water proof sandpaper will be be doing all the work. make sure you get the scratches out with the sandpaper. But, I would definitely listen to someone else's opinion that has more experience in this.

Good Luck

 

[Mako Shark II]

Hey Vic, I know I've mentioned this before, and even to Tyson when he first got the pair of corner tanks, but this stuff works:

http://www.sisweb.com/micromesh/aircraft_kits.htm

For heavy scratches, it's best to use a 1/6th sheet sander.

Procedure:
(Side to side and Up & Down Movement. NO Circular patterns!! You're not waxing a car.)
http://www.sisweb.com/micromesh/reference/acrylic_finishing.htm