Dry Polish Acrylic

[Frederick]

Hi all,

I have just cast some Acrylic picture embeded pen blanks and can not take the chance of water entering the ends of the tube during polishing. I think Mark mentioned something on this subject a few years ago.I have a 3 wheel buffing system and the relevent waxes.

I would like to know how members dry polish their blanks and any tips they might wish to share.

Cheers,
Frederick

 

[wm460]

Tripoli compound, White Diamond compound, Carnauba

Personally I find the Carnauba dulls the finish so stop at the White diamond.

Woodturning Tool Review: Beall Buffing System - YouTube

 

[Pierre]

I start with whatever grit is necessary to remove the tool gouge marks normally 180 and after 400 grit I use micromesh to 12000 grit using all of the grits; if there is still a dullness then I use white diamond, the Tripoli isn't necessary and it can in fact create gouge marks if some stray dust from the workshop sticks to the wax. Like Mark says the wax just dulls it and isn't really necessary for any protection on acrylic. Some people use a final T cut or brasso but I havent seen any real improvement having tried it.

One thing I do all of the time, is after each sandpaper usage, I blow the piece I have just used clean with compressed air; this ensures that the next time you use it there aren't any particles left to create sanding marks.

PG

 

[21William]

The compounds recommended for plastics are on this page:

Plastic Polishing kit 4"x1" mops with Menzerna Compounds Three Stage | The Polishing Shop

If any of you ever need more mops or compounds get them from these folks. They’re much cheaper than most places and carry a huge range. When I’ve ordered stuff the cost of postage was very reasonable and it arrived quickly and well packed. No association, just a happy customer that’s used them four or five times.

 

[Paul hd]

The compounds recommended for plastics are on this page:

Plastic Polishing kit 4"x1" mops with Menzerna Compounds Three Stage | The Polishing Shop

If any of you ever need more mops or compounds get them from these folks. They’re much cheaper than most places and carry a huge range. When I’ve ordered stuff the cost of postage was very reasonable and it arrived quickly and well packed. No association, just a happy customer that’s used them four or five times.

Agreed, it is a good company to deal with.

All my pen projects I now sand up to 1200 and then use the Beige and Yellow compounds in the above link.
I also have a White compound for finer finish , but I don't think it is needed.
They give a fantastic finish that lasts.

 

[Les ELm]

I have always dry sanded Acrylic, Epoxy and Resin and works great for me.

Les

 

[Frederick]

I have always dry sanded Acrylic, Epoxy and Resin and works great for me.

Les

Thanks Les

I have now made the pen which turned out OK. In fact I was so pleased with it that I am not going to wet sand again. I used to use Micro Mesh pads which gave a good result but are now very expensive and work better when wet. I now use wet and dry polishing paper, dry of course, down to 2500 grit followed by Beall buffing system. I didn't use the last Cabana wax though, dulled it a bit as meantioned earlier.

Thanks again

Frederick

 

[Bill Mooney]

I dry sand from 100 grit to 400 grit. I then use 0000 wire wool. I then polish with Farecla 300 & 500 cream.

 

[Frederick]

I dry sand from 100 grit to 400 grit. I then use 0000 wire wool. I then polish with Farecla 300 & 500 cream.

Hello Bill

I never thought of using wire wool. I use 0000 on wood a lot but never thought to use it on plastic. I will give that a try sometime.

Cheers
Frederick