Build Your Own Arcade Controls Forum

Main => Main Forum => Topic started by: rchadd on May 26, 2005, 10:35:55 am

Title: Remove fine scratches from plexi glass
Post by: rchadd on May 26, 2005, 10:35:55 am
I have bought a plexi glass bezel for my Centipede machine - unfortunately it had some scratches which i pretty much managed to polish out using brasso. however i notice lots of fine fine "swirl" scratches on the surface. I really would like to get to completely clear if possible.
 
I am wondering if Novus plastic polish (as used for pinball tables) could be used to remove them?
 
Have you used Novus before? is it any good?
 
Is it even feasible to get rid of the fine scratches and get back to completely clear?

Is an electric buffer/polisher required?

would appreciate your advice
Title: Re: Remove fine scratches from plexi glass
Post by: NY_in_TX on May 26, 2005, 11:00:03 am
yup, Novus will do the trick.  Manual polishing should work, you only need powertools if it's really deep.

now I actually use a cheaper alternative.  a product for cars called Mequire's Scratch X.  It's for removing overspray, swirlmarks, and fine scratches from clearcoat finishes.  I put a bit on a microfibercloth and it buffs everything off. 

Overall I think Novus works better, but Scratch X is a little cheaper.

cheers

Title: Re: Remove fine scratches from plexi glass
Post by: IntruderAlert on May 26, 2005, 11:19:24 am
where can you buy that?
Title: Re: Remove fine scratches from plexi glass
Post by: fl0yd on May 26, 2005, 11:21:25 am
http://www.happcontrols.com/amusement/pinball/25132800.htm

Meguires could probably be bought at an auto parts store, they make lots of car waxes.
Title: Re: Remove fine scratches from plexi glass
Post by: lustreking on May 26, 2005, 11:55:37 am
Check out a motorcycle shop for the novus.  I've always wanted to try it, but it is quite expensive.

I have used the McGuires on plastic headlights, and it made a dramatic difference.  I bought it at AutoZone (don't know if they have those near you), but it was a trial sized packet for 99 cents or something like that.  Anyway, it should definitely be enough for what you need.

So I'd recommend trying the McGuires first just because of the cost....   Although I do want to hear how the Novus works.... ;)

-Steve
Title: Re: Remove fine scratches from plexi glass
Post by: NY_in_TX on May 26, 2005, 12:04:22 pm
Oh yeah, sorry Mequire's Scratch X should be anyplace that sells car washing and polishing stuff.  In the US  you can find it in Target, Walmarts and any autoparts store.  in the UK I'm not sure , only place I remember shopping was ASDA.  ;D

http://www.speeding.co.uk/acatalog/Meguiars_.html

shows 9 pounds.  I bought it at Walkmart here in the US for $7. so it might not be as cheap over there. 

Novus has 3 stages so I think it does a better job on deep scratches, but again this mequire's stuff is what I use because it's cheaper and works great on swirlmarks and light sratches.

ny
Title: Re: Remove fine scratches from plexi glass
Post by: rchadd on May 26, 2005, 01:06:03 pm
novus buynow on ebay is 6 quid + pp

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=3947&item=6181553714&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW

pinball suppliers should have it under there cleaning products section

think it comes in a number of differnt grades
Title: Re: Remove fine scratches from plexi glass
Post by: rchadd on May 26, 2005, 01:13:00 pm
whats the difference to using something like T Cut (not sure what called in US)?
Title: Re: Remove fine scratches from plexi glass
Post by: NY_in_TX on May 26, 2005, 02:58:40 pm
I googled T-cut and I think it's a colored wax.  probably has some abrasives, but the Novus and the scratch X are pretty much all abrasive with no residues or coloring.  so it makes them perfect for polishing out clear plexi and glass.

ny
Title: Re: Remove fine scratches from plexi glass
Post by: rchadd on May 26, 2005, 03:51:32 pm
I googled T-cut and I think it's a colored wax.
Title: Re: Remove fine scratches from plexi glass
Post by: Scoobie on May 26, 2005, 05:48:45 pm
Would either of these products remove light scratches in 1/8" smoked plexi?
Title: Re: Remove fine scratches from plexi glass
Post by: NY_in_TX on May 26, 2005, 06:18:17 pm
Would either of these products remove light scratches in 1/8" smoked plexi?

you bet!


Title: Re: Remove fine scratches from plexi glass
Post by: rchadd on May 26, 2005, 06:29:27 pm
http://store.yahoo.com/plastic-polish/
Title: Re: Remove fine scratches from plexi glass
Post by: IntruderAlert on May 26, 2005, 09:56:49 pm
hey.. is any of that stuff good for cds and dvds?
Title: Re: Remove fine scratches from plexi glass
Post by: DrewKaree on May 27, 2005, 01:35:36 am
I'm not positive, but I was under the impression that T-cut was a rubbing compound.

For just "giving it a go", try some plain old car wax.  I use it a lot on my CD's that are scratched and don't read well in EAC, and if that by itself doesn't work, I run 'em through a Skip Dr and wax 'em, and that has yet to fail me.

AND I've used Meguiar's too on my cell phone display that keeps dropping and getting scratched.  Works PERFECT, other than the fact that I use my phone so much, I have to reapply it often.  With something that isn't handled as often as a cell phone, I'd bet you only need to touch it up once every 6-12 months, and you'll be thanking NY/TX for the tip.

I've used Novus too.  Just seems like a more abrasive/filling version of Scratch-X at a higher price.