Can't sand out the haze

Rookums Reef · Jul 7, 2022

I've been messing with this 90, using the Novus 3 step, wasn't satisfied. So I brought it out for some 1000g/2000g wet sanding and the right side looks like this! Some help would be greatly appreciated

RedoubtReef · Jul 7, 2022

I just did this myself recently. You may need to do a lot more wet sanding. I went in this order: p500,600,800,1500,2000,2500. You use each grade and sand one direction, then go back over going perpendicular to your previous direction. Then I did Novus 2 and three with a polishing ball on a drill.

Rookums Reef · Jul 7, 2022

RedoubtReef said:
I just did this myself recently. You may need to do a lot more wet sanding. I went in this order: p500,600,800,1500,2000,2500. You use each grade and sand one direction, then go back over going perpendicular to your previous direction. Then I did Novus 2 and three with a polishing ball on a drill.

I guess I assumed there's some residue from the novus? It wasn't hazy when I started. I'll pick up a few different grits and see what I can get accomplished! Thanks!

RedoubtReef · Jul 7, 2022

I think this was one of the threads I looked at before attempting it. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/need-advice-of-wet-sanding-acrylic.800990/

I'd say I spent around 8 hours on my 80 gallon. You can see pics in my build thread.

SteveMM62Reef · Jul 7, 2022

3M Headlights Polish. Triple wash the Aquarium with Dawn Dish Detergent and Cold Water, to get rid of the Polishing Compound. BTW, sanding with 1200 and 2000, wet and soapy. Then with the 3M, I was able to get the table sawed cut edge on 1/2” Acrylic Crystal Clear.

Rookums Reef · Jul 7, 2022

RedoubtReef said:
I think this was one of the threads I looked at before attempting it. https://www.reef2reef.com/threads/need-advice-of-wet-sanding-acrylic.800990/

I'd say I spent around 8 hours on my 80 gallon. You can see pics in my build thread.

Apparently the 7 minutes I spent watching a video on YouTube isn't gonna cut it?! Lol. I know I've scratched it just cleaning with a CC. And then with the harbor freight "buffing wheel" using #3 Novus. The 16$ palm sander is a pain to get the paper on, let alone using it standing in a pool of ! Some advice there would be greatly appreciated! Lol! I could kick myself at this point! But nevertheless, I read your link and I have a better idea of which direction to head in, thank you!
I attached a picture or 2, maybe I don't know the difference between the varying depths of scratches, if you can even see them?!

Rookums Reef · Jul 7, 2022

SteveMM62Reef said:
3M Headlights Polish. Triple wash the Aquarium with Dawn Dish Detergent and Cold Water, to get rid of the Polishing Compound. BTW, sanding with 1200 and 2000, wet and soapy. Then with the 3M, I was able to get the table sawed cut edge on 1/2” Acrylic Crystal Clear.

How "wet and soapy?!" I'm not trying to get shocked! I've seen the "Mothers" version do some nice scratch removal, shouldn't the Novus do that? I might have the wrong buffing wheel?

RedoubtReef · Jul 8, 2022

Rookums Reef said:
Apparently the 7 minutes I spent watching a video on YouTube isn't gonna cut it?! Lol. I know I've scratched it just cleaning with a CC. And then with the harbor freight "buffing wheel" using #3 Novus. The 16$ palm sander is a pain to get the paper on, let alone using it standing in a pool of ! Some advice there would be greatly appreciated! Lol! I could kick myself at this point! But nevertheless, I read your link and I have a better idea of which direction to head in, thank you!
I attached a picture or 2, maybe I don't know the difference between the varying depths of scratches, if you can even see them?!

sand by hand with the paper on a sanding block. You also don't need a lot of pressure. Rinse and remove water/debris after each stage. lots of patience required but you will get there.

SteveMM62Reef · Jul 8, 2022

I hand sanded the Edges, I didn’t keep track of the time, but it went quickly. About 13’ x 1/2” Acrylic when you count the edges and some glued on pieces. The Sanding Block I use, is called a “Preppin Weapon,” blows away, the sanding blocks with the nails in it. If it’s an edge, I use double up blue masking tape to protect the flat piece. You don’t need it dripping, just re-dip, in the soap solution and shake off the excess. BTW, I Try avoiding touching the flat pieces, as it’s hard to correct, any Sandpaper scratches, no matter how tiny.

Falcar · Jul 8, 2022

I did this on a tank and it takes FOREVER. The end result is good but it takes forever.

Not sure if I'll do acrylic again, I'm finding keeping it clear of coralline to be a real pain. I'd love to be able to just take a razor blade to it.

Rookums Reef · Jul 8, 2022

Falcar said:
I did this on a tank and it takes FOREVER. The end result is good but it takes forever.

Not sure if I'll do acrylic again, I'm finding keeping it clear of coralline to be a real pain. I'd love to be able to just take a razor blade to it.

Agreed! I thought what I did to the stand was a pain!

Rookums Reef · Jul 8, 2022

RedoubtReef said:
sand by hand with the paper on a sanding block. You also don't need a lot of pressure. Rinse and remove water/debris after each stage. lots of patience required but you will get there.

I'm lazy and this seems like more work! Lol! But sound advice, thank you! Been sanding for 2 hours already today before I saw this! Was about to move on to 1500g. Did 800 and 1000 already!

Rookums Reef · Jul 8, 2022

SteveMM62Reef said:
I hand sanded the Edges, I didn’t keep track of the time, but it went quickly. About 13’ x 1/2” Acrylic when you count the edges and some glued on pieces. The Sanding Block I use, is called a “Preppin Weapon,” blows away, the sanding blocks with the nails in it. If it’s an edge, I use double up blue masking tape to protect the flat piece. You don’t need it dripping, just re-dip, in the soap solution and shake off the excess. BTW, I Try avoiding touching the flat pieces, as it’s hard to correct, any Sandpaper scratches, no matter how tiny.

I'm either messing this up real bad or it'll end up working out! This is kicking my butt after a couple hours! I'm gonna keep going with the 1500g and then 2000 before I get the mothers or use the novus I have and buff the heck out of it!

Rookums Reef · Jul 11, 2022

Just about finished! Thanks for your help everyone!

RedoubtReef · Jul 12, 2022

that looks great!

SPS2020 · Jul 12, 2022

Falcar said:
Not sure if I'll do acrylic again, I'm finding keeping it clear of coralline to be a real pain. I'd love to be able to just take a razor blade to it.

I thought I was the only one!! I've fought coralline growth for years on my Clarity Plus.

SPS2020 · Jul 12, 2022

Rookums Reef said:
Just about finished! Thanks for your help everyone!

That looks great!!

Can I drop off my Clarity Plus now?

SteveMM62Reef · Jul 12, 2022

They sell Plastic Razor blades on Amazon, named FOSHIO. The Material is a bit softer than Acrylic. BTW They will cut you just like a regular razor blades, also if you pick up sand with them, you can scratch Acrylic and Glass. Be sure and watch their video, on how to set and release the blade from the holder.