removing scratches from acrylic tank (empty)

J. Shepard · 03/07/2008, 02:01 PM

I have an acrylic tank that has a lot of scratches in it. Not deep ones but they are noticeable. I bought the Novus polish #1 #2 and #3. I tried it out in one spot first with the #3 and it removed the scratches

I then used the #2 and it came out really nice but there is still swirl marks. They are very very light but you can still see them. Is this the best I should expect? Should I polish more with the #2? or is this a waste of time?

pikachusalad · 03/08/2008, 12:01 AM

I got a kit with 7 grades of sandpaper - was told the chemicals in polish would be bad for reef animals (...was told).

I filled the tank with water and sanded for days. I couldn't move my arms for awhile. But got it looking good (except for the deep scratches).

But it only looked good while water was in it - has something to do with how light is refracted...water and acrylic. Anyway - point is, filling with water can hide scratches in an acrylic tank. BUT, these scratches are a perfect place for algae to grow.

I ended up getting rid of the stupid thing because of how much it bowed out - it was thin acrylic and when full of water distorted too much for me.

OK...so...to answer your question...sorry - I don't know. have you looked at it with water in it?

bertoni · 03/08/2008, 12:16 AM

I used Micro-Mesh abrasives, up to 20,000# and Novus polish to redo my 75g tank. It was a lot of work, though.

erichatesmice · 03/08/2008, 01:39 AM

Brasso also works, but you need really fine sand paper grit (bare minimum 2000) to start off.

Remember, it takes LOTS of elbow grease. If you don't see improvement, it means you didn't do it enough.

03/08/2008, 01:39 AM	#4
erichatesmice Registered Member Join Date: Sep 2007 Posts: 325	Brasso also works, but you need really fine sand paper grit (bare minimum 2000) to start off. Remember, it takes LOTS of elbow grease. If you don't see improvement, it means you didn't do it enough. __________________ mint wuv wubabio!

03/07/2008, 02:01 PM	#1
J. Shepard Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Long Island NY Posts: 5	removing scratches from acrylic tank (empty) I have an acrylic tank that has a lot of scratches in it. Not deep ones but they are noticeable. I bought the Novus polish #1 #2 and #3. I tried it out in one spot first with the #3 and it removed the scratches I then used the #2 and it came out really nice but there is still swirl marks. They are very very light but you can still see them. Is this the best I should expect? Should I polish more with the #2? or is this a waste of time?

03/08/2008, 12:01 AM	#2
pikachusalad Registered Member Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Saint Paul, MN Posts: 402	I got a kit with 7 grades of sandpaper - was told the chemicals in polish would be bad for reef animals (...was told). I filled the tank with water and sanded for days. I couldn't move my arms for awhile. But got it looking good (except for the deep scratches). But it only looked good while water was in it - has something to do with how light is refracted...water and acrylic. Anyway - point is, filling with water can hide scratches in an acrylic tank. BUT, these scratches are a perfect place for algae to grow. I ended up getting rid of the stupid thing because of how much it bowed out - it was thin acrylic and when full of water distorted too much for me. OK...so...to answer your question...sorry - I don't know. have you looked at it with water in it? __________________ -- Mike Current Tank Info: 60G reef

03/08/2008, 12:16 AM	#3
bertoni RC Mod Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Mountain View, CA, USA Posts: 88,616	I used Micro-Mesh abrasives, up to 20,000# and Novus polish to redo my 75g tank. It was a lot of work, though. __________________ Jonathan Bertoni