Acrylic tank polishing question.

Ron S. · Nov 1, 2008

I'm in the process of polishing an acrylic tank. I wet sanded down to 2000 grit, the finest I could find localy. Then buffed with Novus 2. How clear should the tank be when I am done? There are some very, very fine lines will they be noticable when done.

Thanks Ron

Saltysteele · Nov 1, 2008

i'm tagging along on this one. are you polishing the inside or outside (assuming inside, from what you said).

mine has some scratches and other imperfections i need to sand out, but i'm worried to try it.

Ron S. · Nov 1, 2008

Inside, outside, top, ect... The tank was in good shape to begin with but want it to look as good as possible before setting it up. Not hard to do so far just very tiring on the arms.

Saltysteele · Nov 1, 2008

how many different grits did you have to go through to get to the 2000 grit?

the novus didn't polish it smooth?

AlexStinson · Nov 1, 2008

Defenatly tagging along on this one... I think my acrylic tank was previously cleaned with steel wool

Ron S. · Nov 2, 2008

The tank was pretty good to start with. I spot sanded the bad scratches with 1000, then 1500, and finished with 2000. Then buffed with Novus 2. Think I need to resand with 2500-3000 grit. I may get some Novus 3 and then rebuff with Novus 2.

Ron

Hypertek99 · Nov 2, 2008

Depends on how deep the scratches are on what grit you start with. But to get rid of the fine swirls you need to go up to 4000 grit and polish. It will look brand new again.

thincat · Nov 3, 2008

Hypertek99 said:
Depends on how deep the scratches are on what grit you start with. But to get rid of the fine swirls you need to go up to 4000 grit and polish. It will look brand new again.

I'm coming in late but this link should help:

http://www.micro-surface.com/default.cfm?page_id=90&id=3kaqk&storeid=1
T.
Ron, I believe that you must sand in one direction, not in circles for best results. At least that's what this link says to do.

Ron S. · Nov 3, 2008

Well I wasn't happy with the first round, so I'm doing it a second time. Started with 800,1000,1500,2000, then 2500. Buffed with a coarser grade polish followed by Novus 2. Haven't finished both sides of any of the panels yet, hope to do so in the morning. Hope for the best.

Ron

Saltysteele · Nov 4, 2008

How'd it turn out, Ron?

AlexStinson · Nov 5, 2008

Where did you get all this stuff from?

Ron S. · Nov 5, 2008

Well I have been working on this at work in between jobs. Fortunatly I have gotten busy lately, my pay is somewhat commisioned based. So not a lot of time to work on it. As far as where to buy the supplies, all the sandpaper came from a local body shop supply. The Novus con be ordered many places online. The guy I work for thought it would be funny to take some pics while I was working. It's all fun till someone gets laughed at.:snicker:

Saltysteele · Nov 5, 2008

Wow! That's going to be AWESOME!! :haha:

AlexStinson · Nov 5, 2008

Just curious are you sanding the back of the tank to test it? Or do you just strive for 360 degree perfection?

Ron S. · Nov 6, 2008

Started with the back for practice but wouldn't mind having both sides viewable. If your are going to do this much work you mine as well do it right.

Ron