How to Remove Scratches from Plexiglass/Acrylic? A Brief Guide!
Plexiglass (commonly known as acrylic) is a good alternative to standard glass. It is quite inexpensive and can last for a long time. However, maintaining a plexiglass can be tough for some people. Even a tiny scratch (if overlooked) could lead to some serious damage.Therefore, removing scratches from acrylic becomes necessary to avoid further damage. There are many ways to remove scratches from plexiglass. This article shares some practical ways to get rid of scratches from plexiglass. Let us dive in.
Table of Contents
How to Remove Scratches from Acrylic?
Plexiglass can get scratches from various sources. But, the good part is that you can pretty much remove all types of scratches from its surface. Now, not all scratches will require a similar removal process. That’s because the depth and type of scratches will determine how they can be removed. So, here is how to remove all types of scratches from acrylic.
For Light Scratches
Light scratches are quite common on acrylic. You can get rid of them without too much effort. Here is the list of items you’ll need to remove light scratches.
- Acrylic/Plastic Polish
- 800 And 1200 Grit Sandpaper
- Water For Soaking The Sandpaper
Before you begin, ensure that the acrylic surface is free from dust particles. Next, use a clean cloth (preferably a microfiber cloth) to remove all the dust particles. Now, you have to use the 800 grit sandpaper. Soak it in water and start rubbing it on the Plexiglass surface.
Rub the sandpaper with uniform force and in one particular direction. During the rubbing process, the acrylic surface would appear frosted. This is natural, as rubbing the sandpaper creates this frosted effect. It will vanish away once the process is complete.
Next, take a 1200 sandpaper and rub it the same way. Apply equal pressure and rub it for 3-4 minutes. The minor scratches will disappear. Next, take a soft cloth and clean the residue left. The glass won’t have any more scratches.
Apply some acrylic/plastic polish using a microfiber cloth. You may have to apply plastic polish a few times to get the desired shine.
For Moderate Scratches
Homeowners can also remove moderate scratches from plexiglass. The process remains pretty much the same. Instead of using the 800 grit sandpaper, you should start rubbing the Plexiglas surface with 600-grit sandpaper. Repeat this process for 2-3 times. Then simply follow the same process (as for the light scratches).
For Deep Scratches
Deep scratches can be somewhat challenging to get rid of. But don’t worry, they can be removed with some effort. Here is what you’ll need for the remaining deep scratches from acrylic.
- A Variable-Speed Rotary Polisher
- A Foam Buffing Pad
- A Wool Buffing Pad
- Super Duty Rubbing Compound
We’ll split the whole process into three steps which are as follows:
Step 1: Compounding the Surface
First, you have to compound the surface of acrylic. For this, use the rotary polisher. Apply some compound on the wool pound. Now, gently start rolling the pad over the surface of the plexiglass.
Be very gentle at the start. Keep the RPM around (1000 max). Note that you have to compound 2-3 times to smooth out the scratches.
Step 2: Drying Time
Now, use the foam pad that comes with the speed rotary polisher. First, apply a layer of an acrylic protectant on top of its surface. Then, buff the Plexiglas surface with the foam pad. Keep on buffing until the surface gets fully dried.
Step 3: Minor Detailing
The whole compounding and buffing process will help you remove even some deep scratches. In case some scratches are left, you can use a heat gun to give a brand-new look to the plexiglass.
Grab a heat gun and apply some heat over the left-out scratches. This will soften the surface of the plexiglass and will fill the scratch.
Final Thoughts!
So, that’s how you can remove scratches from plexiglass. It is quite a durable material. You only have to keep it nice and clean. We’ve shared some easy tips to remove scratches from acrylic. Most of these tips don’t require any additional tools.
However, you must use a variable-speed rotary polisher for deep scratches. No matter which type of glass you choose, always buy it from a reputable glass distributor.