removing plexi glass scratches

roid450

Senior member
Sep 4, 2008
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Got too many results in google and everyone claims that their product removes scratches ann that the others do not.

So I was wondering if anyone here has had success at removing plexi glass scratches, I want to remove the fine long ones on my Antec 1200 case. I bought it new but for some reason it still had long fine scratches all over it, I have never handled the window until today when i cleaned it with a soft cloth.
 

DSF

Diamond Member
Oct 6, 2007
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I'm confused. Were the scratches present when you opened the box, or after today?
 

Andrew1990

Banned
Mar 8, 2008
2,153
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Try using wax, I know some people use it to get the scratches off their Ipod screens so that might work.
 

mpilchfamily

Diamond Member
Jun 11, 2007
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Any buffing pruduct will work. So will 200 grit sandpaper and a heat gun. Sand the window, then use the heat gun to melt the acrylic back to a clear finish. Just keep it a few inches away and constantly moving. Don't overheat the acrylic.
 

Andrew1990

Banned
Mar 8, 2008
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Originally posted by: mpilchfamily
Any buffing pruduct will work. So will 200 grit sandpaper and a heat gun. Sand the window, then use the heat gun to melt the acrylic back to a clear finish. Just keep it a few inches away and constantly moving. Don't overheat the acrylic.

Also dont direct the heatgun towards your body, thos things burn. I burn myself everyday at work with them. :)

They get to something like 600-800 degrees so where proper protection if using one.
 

roid450

Senior member
Sep 4, 2008
858
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Originally posted by: DSF
I'm confused. Were the scratches present when you opened the box, or after today?

they were there since day one. but I added 12 inch dual cathodes 2 days ago and now the scratches are even more evident.

I will try to see if I can get a hold of a heat gun, i know it works on some motorcycle plastics.
 

wwswimming

Banned
Jan 21, 2006
3,695
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it's a lot of work. i spent a summer at SLAC working on light pipes for particle
detectors. it involved working with scintillating plastic (a form of acrylic, i think)
and then normal acrylic light-pipes to get the signal to a photomultiplier tube.
scratches were forbidden, we got paid to take them out.

it might take less time with more assured results to just replace the acrylic
piece. does it use those plastic rivets like a micro-ATX case ? how is the acrylic
mounted in the case ?
 

MadScientist

Platinum Member
Jul 15, 2001
2,169
50
91
If the scratches are not deep, try toothpaste first. Rub in a circular motion while wet. Let dry and gently wipe off.
There are also commercial plastic scratch removal products, Meguiar's PlastX, and Novus polishes.
You can buy the Novus polishes in a 3 step kit. You can also buy a headlight lens restoration kit like Permatex's.
Except for PlastX, which goes for ~$6. for a 10 ounce bottle, these products are not cheap and it may be cheaper to buy, cut, and install a new piece of plexiglass; or contact Antec. If it came that way new you may be able to get them to send you a new panel.

If you have some Wet/Dry sandpaper left over from a HS lapping project then you may want to try Ragnarok's Official Headlight Restoration Guide . It greatly improved the appearance of the plastic headlights on my 2000 Ford Contour.
 

Thraxen

Diamond Member
Dec 3, 2001
4,683
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81
Have you thought about simply contacting Antec? I'd try that before I risked adding any damage of my own doing via heat guns, sandpaper, etc... If the case is very new they might send you a new side panel. At the very least you might see if you can buy a new side panel. I don't see any 1200 side panels currently listed on their site, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Just a couple of weeks ago I accidently broke one of the plastic tabs off of the air filter on the front of my P182. It still holds in place with the other 3 tabs, but I checked their site for a spare just in case. I didn't see any listed so I sent them an email about it and they mailed me two spares free of charge.
 

roid450

Senior member
Sep 4, 2008
858
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Originally posted by: wwswimming
it's a lot of work. i spent a summer at SLAC working on light pipes for particle
detectors. it involved working with scintillating plastic (a form of acrylic, i think)
and then normal acrylic light-pipes to get the signal to a photomultiplier tube.
scratches were forbidden, we got paid to take them out.

it might take less time with more assured results to just replace the acrylic
piece. does it use those plastic rivets like a micro-ATX case ? how is the acrylic
mounted in the case ?

It has 14 screws that pull it in place from the inside part of it. Thanks everyone else, I may just try to contact them and see how much a new panel is or if they are supposed to come all scratches. Some people said in the reviews for this case that they got cracked or some badly scratched side windows :Q
 

Zepper

Elite Member
May 1, 2001
18,998
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0
You should be able to get it at any motorcycle shop or parts place that caters to motorcyclists unless you prefer to order it. Perhaps the Meguiar's site has a "Where to Buy" page.

.bh.
 

TidusZ

Golden Member
Nov 13, 2007
1,765
2
81
you can find rubbing compound and polishing compound in any sorta automotive store, rub in with a soft rag and its just like sandpaper but more gentle. OT, heat guns are also good for vaporizing herbs for inhalation, an all around handy device to have.
 

JEDIYoda

Lifer
Jul 13, 2005
33,986
3,320
126
Originally posted by: Thraxen
Have you thought about simply contacting Antec? I'd try that before I risked adding any damage of my own doing via heat guns, sandpaper, etc... If the case is very new they might send you a new side panel. At the very least you might see if you can buy a new side panel. I don't see any 1200 side panels currently listed on their site, but it doesn't hurt to ask. Just a couple of weeks ago I accidently broke one of the plastic tabs off of the air filter on the front of my P182. It still holds in place with the other 3 tabs, but I checked their site for a spare just in case. I didn't see any listed so I sent them an email about it and they mailed me two spares free of charge.

Antec probably will not replace it! Everybody should know that in reality no matter how careful you are with plexiglas it will scratch anyways!!
 

Rabbits

Member
Oct 2, 2008
85
0
0
No big deal if it's a little scratched, no?
It doesn't matter, when you get it it'll be scratched, when you touch it it'll be scratched.
 

Big Lar

Diamond Member
Oct 16, 1999
6,330
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76
When I was a kid, I used to rig new boats, as well as clean/repair them. Anyhow, we used to rub the fine scratches out of the windshields with Tooth Paste. Worked like a charm.

Larry
 

Salvador

Diamond Member
May 19, 2001
7,058
0
71
Originally posted by: roid450
If Antec decides not to replace it, I will try the meguiars polish. Thanks
That's what I use. I bought it for the plexi shield on my motorcycle fairing and the helmet face shield. It works great for the clear plexi.