Polishing Acrylic fish tank???

[Still Learnin]

so i have a 60 gallon acrylic fish tank that of course has a bunch of swirls from the previous owner... and some light scratches, can i treat this like regular plastic? and just buff as if i was polishing some headlights? i have m105 m205 m83 and d151 on hand and a g110v2 and makita for the tools.. let me know what steps i should take? can i wetsand also?

Thanks guys i will be tackling this project after work tonite, any helps or tips would be greatly appreciated.

[Megafast13]

Re: Polishing Acrylic fish tank???

I personally wouldn't mess with wetsanding on this job. But you should go ahead and try buffing it out with some M105 and PlastX on the G110. Just make sure you don't press too hard!

1. M105 (Multiple Passes with agressive Pad)
2. PlastX (Multiple Passes with light pad)
3. Wax/Sealant

If you plan on doing the inside of the tank, I would be more cautious. The majority of polishes have oils and lubricants that are left behind. I don't know how those would affect the water/fish in the future. I probably would not wax it either.

I don't know the level of hardness this plastic is, but do a TEST SPOT first to see if M105 even makes a slight difference on the surface.

[Markus Kleis]

Re: Polishing Acrylic fish tank???

Acrylic can be REALLY difficult, if not bordering impossible to get perfect. Wet sanding can open a serious can of worms. If you try anything, definitely use test spots and try the least aggressive methods possible.

[Still Learnin]

Re: Polishing Acrylic fish tank???

yah definately had some test spots in mind on the top and bottom of the tank.. i wasnt wanting to wetsand but there are a few scratches that arent too bad that im hoping to be able to remove with the g110 as it doesnt generate much heat like the rotary. yah i have plastx i was gonna try that work my way up to see what needs to be done to get it where im satisfied. im planning on washing the tank multiple times to clean out any oils, product that was still left on the tank. just read plastx works for acrylic aquariums!

Mark, i think this should be in the clear plastic section, but i figured id get more responses here.. up to you if youd like to move it to the proper location.. will definately be a learning experience hahah

[Mary S]

Re: Polishing Acrylic fish tank???

I have had great results with PlastX on any kind of clear plastic. I just use it with a foam hand applicator pad, rub it for a couple of minutes and wipe clean with a microfiber. I have used in on my headlights and instrument panel window but also in my kitchen on the various clear plastic surfaces, and everything has turned out great. Unless you have deeper scratches, that may be all you need.

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: Polishing Acrylic fish tank???

I would try Plast-x first. wetsanding does not sound that appealing.

Good luck. Let us know how it turns out.

[Still Learnin]

Re: Polishing Acrylic fish tank???

yah polishing acrylic wasnt that fun. especially polishing out the inside haha. i used some m105 and 5" wool on some of the deeper scratches and m205 on 4" foam after on the entire tank! sorry no pics but big difference from before and after...

lost 2 bulbs from my halogen spotlights tho hahah