More scratches now, stupid kit! (maybe this is it)

[nbd13]

Well guys i got my scratch removal kit today and i read and re-read the directions. Its the Rainbow Lifegard Aquatics Scratch Removal Kit.

i then went ahead and started out doing the whole front pannel, due to the fact that there are tiny scratches.

the directions were unclear, but i went one direction, meaning i did not sand i went one way and then picked it up and did it again. The directions say to start out and use the a particular grade sandpaper in my case i think it was 4000. then i go in a vertical direction. after that i then go with 6000 BUT going horizontal. then 8000 vertical, then 12000 horizontal.

i also did this wet. if that makes any difference.

so anyway when i got done i used the final polish product, BUT

THERE ARE SO MANY SCRATCHES NOW!

they run horiztonal and vertical!!!

so basically i have scratched all over my front panel now! its SO bad you cant really see into the tank. i mean you can see into it, but its white looking, if that makes any sense.

is there anything i can do? or is the tank ruined.

if it is then i am done, just calling it quits. cant seem to do anything right. and i cant bare looking through a tank for the next 4 years thats all scratched up. the sides are perfect except for a few large scracthes which i was going to buff out, but not screw it. i might end up ruining that too! the front is really messed up.

there has to be something i can do right? i mean you can get scratches out of acrylic, so how do i get a WHOLE panel of scratches out? like i said they are going horiztonal and veritcal. they are very tiny and not deep at all.....

what should i do?

thanks guys.

Nick

[majesticangelfish]

what should i do?

Get the phone, call a pro, open a beer.

[Aged Salt]

Understandingly heartbroken Nick, actually Josh's recommendations is what I'd do at this point. In all likelyhood, the tank will need to be emptied & a professional acrylic craftsman sand the entire panel. For future reference, one does only a small area at a time, until your technique is perfected--it does take some practice & I'll had plenty of that from previous acrylic tanks Bob

[gqjeff]

Thats why I would personally never own another acrylic tank... Sorry to read this Nick...

Jeff

[o2manyfish]

This is an easy fix


You just need a couple of items -- A 7" power buffer, some buffing pads, and the Novus Heavy Scratch Remover Polish (red bottle), Scratch Remover Polish (green), and Polish (Blue).

Use a clean terry cloth bonnet, and polish with the red, then use a new bonnet and use the green bottle, the use a new bonnet and do the blue bottle.

Then take off th terry bonnet and use just the lambswool with the blue bottle.

You can lower the water in your tank and work in the tank. Polishes or rubbing compounds are just different density of clays.

So you can use this in your tank, get it in the water, and it will not harm your inhabitants.

It shouldn't take that long. Just be patient, and use the slow speed setting on your polisher.

Dave B

[OUinLA]

So you're saying that the whole front panel is now that milky white?

Ouch, I can see your frustration. Do what Dave suggested and see how that works. I have one other suggestion for you but i'll hold off telling you until you try something more conventional first.

[nbd13]

Dave- where can i pick those items up at? also you mind if i give you a call later so we can discuss it alittle further?

i put a call into Jame from Envsion Acrylics, he should be calling me back.

Bob- why do i need to empty the tank? the scratches are on the outside of the tank?

i dont want to anything that will cause my damage.....

anyway thanks guys i think i can do it, if not i will see if i can find someone local that can do it.

I think i still have your number Dave, so just let me know what time to call.

thanks again

Nick

[nbd13]

Hey Madison just read your post,

some spots are worse that others. its i mean its pretty bad in some spots.

i can still see through it but its very unclear.

also how many of these bottles do i need for my front panel? 5'x2'

thanks.

Nick

[o2manyfish]

Nick - I should be on cell phone around 10am - Call me while I sit in traffic. After that I have meetings throughout the day, and may even try to pick up some corals.

Email me if you need my cell number

Dave B

[nbd13]

Hey Dave- i am just about to go to class.

is there anyway i could call you later or something after i get out of school?

thanks.

Nick

[o2manyfish]

A bottle of Red, Green and Blue -- One set handled my 125 and my 240 (which was clear on all sides) - I pull out the buffer about once a year, and before big parties. And they have lasted years and years - They usually dry up before you run out.

Dave B

[nbd13]

Thanks Dave, can i pick them up online?

anyway i could give you a call about 7 your time? would that work?

also when you say terry cloth bonnet i assume this is the part you attach to the eletric buffer?

and i should use lambswool w/ blue bottle for the final finish so to speak?

i assume i go in circles with the buffer and when i hand polish it?

or do i use the lambwool on the buffer too?

thanks again Dave

Nick

[o2manyfish]

Nick,

I will not be available this afternoon/evening.

The Novus polishes you can buy at almost any plastic/acrylic shop.

You can also find them at some boat stores.

The way I do it - there is no hand polishing.

I don't have time to type everything out - Call my cell phone in ten minutes.

Dave B

[nbd13]

could you PM me the number?

Nick

[Aged Salt]

Nick, Premium carries these,Bob