removing scratches from arcylic?

[ir_cow]

So my fancy new Thermaltake v71 has a nice scratch across the window and it really bugs me. Someone *glares* placed it next to not so soft things while moving. Anyways does anyone know good filler or something to remove the scratch? I don't want to have to buy another cases since Thermaltake doesn't sell replacement panels.

 

Any help would be great thanks

[IIxNullxII]

My friend who once worked in the acrylic buisness recommends Novus Plastic Polish, there are levels 1, 2 and 3 depending on how deep the scratch is.

 

Link: http://www.novuspolish.com/

[SpikeSoprano]

You can buy the clear acrylic and cut it to size. I have done that on quite a few case mods. A lot cheaper than a new case.

[ir_cow]

yeah a lot cheaper lol. I don't know if i'm skilled enough for that but I've found you can use 2000 grit sandpaper and it should take it out. I'll do that first than buy a new window if it doesn't work.

[l1il]

HI BlueCow,

 

the thing with sandpaper is that the plastic gets dull after sanding. Nullx having a friend in the domain I would tend to trust him. How much will you spend on polishes ? I can't say, but I have seen small bottles from 7 to 15$ for car lights.

 

I remember using a heat gun to get the shiny aspect of plastic after sanding. Take note that this was 16 years ago, at high school and I remember that acrylic melts and solidifies in a strange manner.

[Waco]

Headlight restoring paste works great. :-)

[paulktreg]

T-Cut.

[wevsspot]

Another vote for the headlamp paste.  Just make sure that you buy a reputable brand name  

 

And also be aware, while you may be able to buff out the big scratch, you'll likely be left with spider web fine scratches no matter how careful you are.

 

The only fool-proof method is to buy a replacement piece of acrylic and cut to fit.  In my neck of the woods many of the glass shops stock and will cut custom acrylic sheets for you.

[sword_fish]

The only fool-proof method is to buy a replacement piece of acrylic and cut to fit.  In my neck of the woods many of the glass shops stock and will cut custom acrylic sheets for you.

 

^ +1 here.

and by looking at v71's pictures; there's no complicated curves with it's side panel window so it's somewhat easy to cut/replace the acrylic.

[slick2500]

My friend who once worked in the acrylic buisness recommends Novus Plastic Polish, there are levels 1, 2 and 3 depending on how deep the scratch is.

 

Link: http://www.novuspolish.com/

I would also have to recommend this, the guy with aspergers at work collects Laser Disks and that is what he uses to clean and polish them.

[ir_cow]

Thanks guys, now I just need to find time to do this. I was thinking about modding the cases anyways and painting it. So I may not fix the panel right away.

[Master Binky]

I've cleaned up acrylic with a heat gun before. I looked into the novus stuff for cleaning up 3d prints too. Are most side panels actually acrylic or are some polycarbonate? I'd figure acrylic since it's shinier and less expensive, mostly the less expensive reason though. There are lots of youtube videos on smoothing either one with polish or heat guns. Might be worth the time to check there to see if your expections would be met with either method.