Protect Acrylic Plastic

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olf20
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Protect Acrylic Plastic

Post by olf20 »

I've been doing some edge lit clocks and just love the
way they turn out. The only problem I have is keeping the
acrylic scratch free. Not only in the building process but when someone
takes them home and wipes them off with windex it leaves tiny
scratches.
I purchase a cleaning, buff kit and it works good but I worry about
long term cleaning.
Is there something that you can coat the acrylic with to protect it???
Thanks for any help!!
olf20 / Bob
Heat with corn, Mach3, Bridgeport clone, VcarvePo, Photo VCarve, Craftsman Wood Lathe, Arduino Toys

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Xxray
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Re: Protect Acrylic Plastic

Post by Xxray »

I always leave 1 side of protective film on when I cut it and machine it, only take it off when the stand is made and ready to mount.

Nut much you can do once in leaves your hands, you can advise people there are cleaning products specifically for acrylics.
Doug

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Rcnewcomb
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Re: Protect Acrylic Plastic

Post by Rcnewcomb »

Is there something that you can coat the acrylic with to protect it???
Pieces of glass.

Otherwise look at Novus Plastic Polish
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martin54
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Re: Protect Acrylic Plastic

Post by martin54 »

Same as Xxray, I leave the film on one side as long as I can. You could try something like clear vinyl but to be honest almost anything you put on the acrylic is going to affect the look in some way :lol: :lol:

I can second Randalls suggestion for Novus Polish, I have been using them for quite a few years, started using them working as a signmaker before I had a CNC machine. Someone on a signmaking forum I use recommended them when I asked about something that would remove scratches from an acrylic faced display cabinet I was recovering for a customer :lol: :lol:

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dhellew2
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Re: Protect Acrylic Plastic

Post by dhellew2 »

Just like eye glasses, never touch them with anything until you have rinsed them off with hot water.
This removes any ultra fine grit and oils that causes the scratches just like sandpaper.
Like others that posted, I leave the protective cover on until the processing is finished.

Dale
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olf20
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Re: Protect Acrylic Plastic

Post by olf20 »

Thanks for the replies! I got the Novus kit.
It made quite a improvement. The last one
I just left all the paper on. Well see how that works.
Thanks again!
olf20 / Bob
Heat with corn, Mach3, Bridgeport clone, VcarvePo, Photo VCarve, Craftsman Wood Lathe, Arduino Toys

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FixitMike
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Re: Protect Acrylic Plastic

Post by FixitMike »

You can get acrylic with an abrasion resistant surface. I don't know how it cuts, but it works fine with a diamond drag tool. It is called acrylic sheet AR
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Re: Protect Acrylic Plastic

Post by Mobius »

As a side note, I always make sure to tell clients DO NOT USE WINDEX, or any ammonia based cleaners. It will ruin the piece, as I learned myself the hard way.
Connor Bredin
Distinctive Dimensional Concepts Ltd.
www.distinctive-concepts.ca

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