Which is better and cheaper way to remove scratches in an acrylic tank?

[arkmann]

Which is better (time and effort) and a cheaper way to remove scratches in an acrylic tank, using the Novus system or wet sanding?

It's a small 40 gallon tank.

Thank you.

Edit: Upon further research, I guess it would be better if you do wet sanding first then try the Novus system.

Noah

 

[wednesday13]

Novus is more or less just a cleaner/finisher...it really doesnt take scratches out. No way around patience and going through all the grits wet sanding. U can use a radial sander to make it easier, i dont recommend mouse/palm sanders as they leave more scratches then u start with lol... U can get everything u need from a hardware/autoparts store. Mcguires polishes for cars are a close second to novus and can be cheaper. Ive also used the headlight type repair kits for acrylics...there decent/cheap and most come with components that fit on a hand drill.

 

[arkmann]

Thanks for the tip Wednesday. I was sold on the palm sander until I read your reponse. Orbital sander it is. I'll look into the headlight repair kit as well. I think thats the one that has the foam and other attachments to a drill.

Novus is more or less just a cleaner/finisher...it really doesnt take scratches out. No way around patience and going through all the grits wet sanding. U can use a radial sander to make it easier, i dont recommend mouse/palm sanders as they leave more scratches then u start with lol... U can get everything u need from a hardware/autoparts store. Mcguires polishes for cars are a close second to novus and can be cheaper. Ive also used the headlight type repair kits for acrylics...there decent/cheap and most come with components that fit on a hand drill.

 

[Kwidjaya]

Try to buy the Novus 1, 2 & 3 package. They sell it online includes the cloth.

 

[shookONES]

It really depends on the condition of the tank. The Novus pack is awesome for light scratches and fine polishing, but won't do much for deep stuff. Get yourself a good orbital buffer (I highly recommend the Porter Cable brand), and gauge how aggressively you'll be polishing and go from there.

 

[Ihsnshaik]

 

[Triathlete]

I followed these steps with a radial sander, wet sanding, then novus etc, and it didn't work. The acrylic that he's using maybe a really whimpy soft one. Or it could be that my tank has incredibly dense acrylic. I had to start with rougher sandpaper and then gradually get to 400, 800, etc.
My recommendation: don't attempt doing this yourself, unless your really low on cash, and you have TONS of extra time on your hands.

 

[that_fish_Guy]

I followed these steps with a radial sander, wet sanding, then novus etc, and it didn't work. The acrylic that he's using maybe a really whimpy soft one. Or it could be that my tank has incredibly dense acrylic. I had to start with rougher sandpaper and then gradually get to 400, 800, etc.
My recommendation: don't attempt doing this yourself, unless your really low on cash, and you have TONS of extra time on your hands.

I did those steps with pretty good success on a 450 gallon...started with a much higher grit and worked my way up to a 1200 grit. My tank was VERY scratched. Didn't get it store bought brand new looking but good enough to where you didn't notice scratches unless you really searched for them.

Before

After

 

[Triathlete]

Did you use a radial sander? What brand of sand paper did you use? I hear that is the most important thing (getting the right brand of sand paper)

 

[r45t4m4n]

Always start with the least aggressive process and work your way up. Why commit to sanding with multiple grits when a 2 step (cut & polish) with a dual action orbital will work.
I recently cleaned up my 300 gallon using my car detailing products (M105 and M205) and it took pretty much all the scratches (except for the really deep) out in about an hour or two.
If you want it to look perfect when dry sand and polish, most scratches disappear when filled anyway.