iPod + M86 = Perfection

[PorscheGuy997]

Everyone that owns an iPod knows how EASY it is to scratch the plastic covering over the screen. It's like taking the softest, most sensitive paint and multiplying it by a factor of ten. There are products that cover the screen, but dust and debrit do sometimes get through.

Well, I let a family member borrow my iPod last week. Before, it had some minor scratches and swirls, but nothing major. I got it back and it really did look like crud...

PlastX was too mild for what needed to be done. I stepped up to M80 and then M83 on a polishing pad on the rotary. Those worked, but they didn't remove the deeper scratches. So, I pulled out my trusty M86 Solo and another polishing pad. The results were fantastic! No scratches or swirls. I chose M86 because it works well on soft and sensitive paints. Sure enough, it works just as well on plastics, too.








I got tired of the polished back that attracts finger prints like crazy, so I used a special pad that's used to restore the brushed effect on watches and stuff.

[CWM3]

Re: iPod + M86 = Perfection

Looks good but...damn. Ever think of expanding out the hobby list?!

[Michael Stoops]

Re: iPod + M86 = Perfection

Nicely done Chris! So what was the technique - machine face up on the floor and the iPod in hand? Did you work the M86 into the pad by hand first to avoid slinging?

[Duneroller]

Re: iPod + M86 = Perfection

Looks great.

[TXShine]

Re: iPod + M86 = Perfection

Mike asked the question I wanted the answer to.... rotary secured, iPod secured, hand or what? Give us the process......

[BlueZero]

Re: iPod + M86 = Perfection

Okay, now I think I've seen everything! Great job Chris!

I would have just clamped the Ipod in a vise!

[PorscheGuy997]

Re: iPod + M86 = Perfection

Thanks guys!

Yes, I secured the rotary in the vice and had it plugged into an on/off switch. When polishing like this, it's impossible to pick up a bead, so you have to massage the product into the pad. It's really important to keep the speed down.

[yalerd]

Re: iPod + M86 = Perfection

Chris, amazing job!
I can't believe the results!

[RaskyR1]

Re: iPod + M86 = Perfection

Hahaha! Nice work! I've done that with CD's before too.

[3Fitty]

Re: iPod + M86 = Perfection

LOL!!! Nice work and I thought I was nuts for claying my barbecue.

[Mr Mustang]

Re: iPod + M86 = Perfection

wow, i need to polish out the back of mine, it's got a chrome like finish, but soooo many scratches!

[J. A. Michaels]

Re: iPod + M86 = Perfection

Looks great. Way to go.

[Jokeman]

Re: iPod + M86 = Perfection

Nice work. Thats good to know incase I ever scratch my ipod!

[dave40co]

Re: iPod + M86 = Perfection

Nice work, I have used plastX on my son's iPod.

[Brian Catalano]

Re: iPod + M86 = Perfection

Looks Great.

Your post prompted me to conduct an experiment of my own using my 2003 20GB iPod... which has really been put through the wringer. This faithful buddy of mine has been dropped, kicked, chewed on by babies, and covered in dirt offroad. I didn't like the cases that were available at the time and never bothered trying to protect it from the eventual harm that I'd just come to expect from an iPod that actually gets used and enjoyed!

Not wanting to subject my old buddy to *too* much, I tried it out by hand with good results.

M86 on the white front and screen (using cotton terry, then microfiber):





Then I turned my attention to the back (die-hard Apple guys get ready to cringe!):



Mike (Pennington) and I tried using Hot Rims Paste on a 3" rotary pad, but didn't have much success. Using Hot Rims Chrome Polish and then M105 by hand though (again with a cotton terry, then microfiber), I achieved this:



Not Perfect by any stretch of the imagination, but it's been a *very* long time since it's looked this good. Really, check it out:



Thanks to PorscheGuy997 (the Original Poster) and Mike Pennington for your help!