Removing Light Scratches in Lucite & Acrylic Plastic

 

polishing lucite acrylic collectibles with Novus Polish
NOVUS Polishing System w/ Dremel Tool
We recommend the Novus polishing system for removing light to medium scratches in Acrylic items.

Novus has a 3-step program for polishing depending on how deep the scratches are on your item. If the scratch is so deep that it catches your fingernail then you will need to start out with Novus #3. If Novus #3 is unable to remove the scratches then wet sanding and polishing will be required.

There are many other brands available that will get similar results.(Meguiar's Plastx Plastic Cleaner & Polish, Mothers Plastic Polish, Janvil Light or Heavy Duty Scratch Remover)
dremel acylic polishing tool
Dremel Tool Polishing Accessory Kit
 


The 3 step Novus Plastic Polishing Procedure



 Novus #1 - Plastic Clean And Shine 

cleaning acrylic plastics
Novus #1 used to clean item by hand with a soft cloth

Gently cleans all plastics without scratching. Leaves a lustrous shine that resists fogging, repels dust, and eliminates static.


  • Resists finger marking
  • Contains no abrasives or harsh chemicals
  • Leaves a smooth, clean, greaseless shine



  1. If the surface is extremely dirty, apply NOVUS No. 1 liberally and wipe using long, sweeping strokes. Do not use pressure at this time or large dirt particles may scratch the plastic.
  2. Re-apply NOVUS No. 1. Polish using short, circular strokes with a clean portion of the cloth.
  3. When surface is thoroughly clean and uniformly covered, buff to a slippery glaze with a clean portion of the cloth. Surfaces buffed to a high glaze are more resistant to dust and future scratching.
  4. Reapply NOVUS No. 1 regularly to maintain the antistatic, smudge and scratch resistant properties.


Novus #2 -  Fine Scratch Remover

scratch removal plastic
Novus #2 Fine Polishing with a felt buffing wheel on a Dremel Tool

 Removes fine scratches, haziness and abrasions from most plastics. With repeated use, NOVUS No. 2 restores faded and discolored plastics.


  • Removes the damage instead of filling it in
  • Buffs out quickly
  • After restoring, seals with a coat of polish



  1. Observe condition of the surface to be treated. The deeper the scratches, the greater the pressure required to remove them. If the surface is dirty, clean with NOVUS No.1 before applying NOVUS No. 2.
  2. Shake well. Test in an inconspicuous area.
  3. Apply NOVUS No. 2 liberally. Using a clean, soft cloth, polish with a firm back-and-forth motion at right angles to the scratches. Keep the cloth saturated with polish at all times.
  4. When the worst scratches have been polished out, reapply NOVUS No.2 uniformly in a circular motion to the entire surface using short, circular strokes and light pressure. Allow to dry to a light haze.
  5. Using a clean portion of the cloth, buff the surface to a slippery glaze using firm, short strokes. This procedure is imperative in achieving the best results.
  6. For heavy scratches, multiple applications of NOVUS No. 2 or application of NOVUS No. 3 may be required.
  7. Follow with NOVUS No. 1 for best results.

Novus #3 - Heavy Scratch Remover

polishing lucite plastics
Novus #3 Polishing with a felt buffing wheel on a Dremel Tool
                                  
 Removes heavy scratches and abrasions from most acrylic plastic surfaces. Use when damage is too severe to be restored with NOVUS No. 2 polish.


  • Requires use of NOVUS No. 2 for final finishing
  • Not recommended for use on coated plastics


  1. Shake well. Test in an inconspicuous area.
  2. Apply NOVUS No. 3 liberally. Using a clean, soft cloth, polish with a firm back-and-forth motion at right angles to the scratches. Keep the cloth saturated with polish at all times.
  3. Continue polishing until only fine scratches remain. Using cloth, remove all remaining polish, this is very important!
  4. Using a clean cloth, apply NOVUS No. 2 in a circular motion uniformly to entire surface. Polish using light pressure until NOVUS No. 2 dries to a light haze.
  5. Using a clean portion of the cloth, buff the surface clean. Follow with NOVUS No. 1 for best results.




 

VIDEO: How to remove scratches and polish plastics (2014)