Cleaning Acrylic Side Panel

Emphacy · 31 Jan 2011 at 10:06

Howdy Gents.

It hasn't been a problem before but now it's really starting to irritate me.
The side panel now though is covered in little scratches, hairline scratches almost, you don't notice them from a distance but I do when casually looking into my system.

Anyone know of any cleaner/ method to remove the scratches? Googled it yesterday, brings up... "Lemon Pledge" ? Never even heard of 'lemon' pledge.

UnworthyBean · 31 Jan 2011 at 12:51

You've never heard of lemon pledge?!?!

Anyway, that wont get rid of scratches, you'll need to sand them out.

Deepish scratches:-

1. Start off with "Wet & Dry" paper (say grade 600) using a soapy water as a lubricant. (The water is vital to keep the paper grains free.) Gently "grind" away at the area until you cannot see the original scratches. (The area will go like frosted glass, but don't worry at this just yet!);

2. Change grade of Wet & Dry to 800 and do the same;

3. Change to grade 1200 wet & dry. do same grinding... (The basic principle behind this is to substitute deep scratches with shallower and shallower ones.);

4. Once you have got through the 1200 grade process, thoroughly clean &dry the area;

5. Use "Duraglit" or "Brasso" BRASS polish to remove the "frosted" effect;

6. Once this looks nice and shiny, use a SILVER polish to give a final finish.

For fine scratches, start at 4) above.

SECRET: Take time; don't rush it. Even when you think the scratches have gone, give the process a bit longer. There are NO short cuts to polishing, but it can be done in less time that one thinks....

Most DIY or car maintenance stores now stock the finer grades of "Wet & Dry" papers. (Tip: I keep a penknife razor sharp using 600 & 800 grade!) Don't forget: Soapy water is ESSENTIAL.

mast3r · 31 Jan 2011 at 15:12

good post, just what i was looking for too!

Emphacy · 1 Feb 2011 at 10:10

Thanks for the info Bean.
I'll giver this a good go when I can be properly bothered. I've heard of pledge, just not 'lemon' pledge... Anyhow, bought some pledge for wood and it's done a decent Job so far...

Not perfect, but it's much better than what it was ;D

Cookeh · 1 Feb 2011 at 11:12

I've used the above for my case panel.

Works a real treat, and will be doing it again soon, as the blighter is scrathed to hell AGAIN!