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How to Remove Scratches From Acrylic Fish Tanks

Acrylic fish tanks are made of Plexiglas acrylic that is strong, clear and durable. However, even the toughest acrylic can get scratched. There are different measures to remove the scratches depending on how deep the scratch is. A light scratch that you cannot slide a fingernail into really just needs some polishing. But if you can slide your fingernail into a deeper scratch, it will take more effort to get the acrylic restored to a scratch-free surface.

Things You'll Need

Ammonia-free glass cleaner
Paper towels
Mild abrasive polish
Soft lint-free cloth
150-grit sandpaper
400-grit sandpaper
600-grit sandpaper
Buffing wheel
Buffing compound

Instructions

- 1
  Wash the exterior of the fish tank with ammonia-free glass cleaner and paper towels. Allow it to dry fully.
- 2
  Apply the abrasive polish to light scratches and polish away the scratch with the lint-free cloth. Follow the product label's instructions for how to clean away any remaining residue.
- 3
  Sand deeper scratches with 150-grit sandpaper until the scratch is nearly gone. Follow by sanding with 400-grit sandpaper and then 600-grit sandpaper. The scratch should be gone by this point.
- 4
  Use a buffing compound and buffing wheel to smooth out and polish the formerly scratched area. Follow the instructions on the buffing compound's label regarding how to remove any remaining residue. If no instructions are given, clean the buffed surface with ammonia-free glass cleaner and paper towels. Your acrylic fish tank's surface should now be restored.

Animals & Science