Despite boasting a durable and scratch-resistant surface, acrylic Plexiglass sheets aren’t completely impervious to some damages. Plexiglass is typically used as a replacement for glass in countless architectural, automotive, and industrial applications. Not only is it 250 times stronger than glass, but it’s also incredibly heat resistant and can withstand a variety of environmental conditions. Unfortunately, as strong of a material as it is, even acrylic Plexiglass does have its limits and it can get scratched if a certain amount of pressure or heavy contact is applied.
Luckily, there are ways to remove scratches from acrylic sheets and make them look brand new again.
How to Get Rid of Minor Acrylic Sheet Scratches
Minor acrylic sheet scratches are superficial surface damages that don’t necessarily negatively impact the performance of the Plexiglass. However, they do tarnish the aesthetic appearance of your display or structure. Even the smallest scratch or abrasion can get worse over time if it’s neglected for too long while still exposed to the same environmental conditions that caused it in the first place. Acrylic sheet distributors recommend that you follow these steps to effectively remove minor scratches.
- Use a soft dampened microfiber cloth to carefully clean the surface.
- Soak a piece of 800-grit sandpaper in warm water and wipe the marked surface in a gentle circular motion. Then use a dry piece of the same sandpaper to go over the area again. Alternate between these two actions for a few minutes. It will start to look like you’re scratching the surface more, but this is normal.
- Next, use 1200-grit dry sandpaper to remove all of the scratches. This process should effectively remove light or minor surface scratches.
Moderate Scratches
To determine the depth of the scratch, try running your index finger across the mark. Moderately deep scratches can be removed or repaired using a slightly modified version of the abovementioned technique.
Simply switch out the 800-grit sandpaper for 600-grit sandpaper and soak it in warm water and then follow the exact same procedure that you would for light scratches.
Removing Deep Acrylic Sheet Scratches
If you’re able to fit most of your fingertip inside the scratch, then this indicates that the scratch is a lot deeper than it looks. Repairing deep scratches is a bit more of a complex process and requires having access to a heat gun. Plugin the heat gun and set it to the lowest temperature setting to avoid overheating or melting the acrylic.
Start by following the same acrylic sheet scratch removal technique for moderate-depth scratches. Once you’ve done that, hold the heat gun a few inches away from the scratched surface and move it back and forth a few times until the acrylic is soft enough to slightly liquefy and fill the gaps created by the scratches.
Quickly move the heat gun away from the surface of the acrylic Plexiglass to prevent it from overheating and blistering.
Acrylic Sheet Distributors in Toronto
If you need further assistance repairing damaged acrylic Plexiglass sheets or would like to replace them altogether, then Canada Plastics & Belting Inc. can help. As one of the leading acrylic sheet distributors in Toronto, we have a wide range of products available in an assortment of colors and textures that can be custom-tailored to your project specifications. Contact us today to learn more.