How to Fix Scratches on an Aquarium
Clean the outer surface., Keep the surface cool., Use 400 grit sandpaper to smooth out the scratch., Buff out the scratch., Let the tank surface dry.
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Clean the outer surface.
Spray the surface with acrylic safe cleaner.
Use enough cleaner so that the surface is sufficiently wet.
Wipe it clean with a soft cotton cloth, freeing it from dirt and dust.
Work with a clean surface so you don’t add additional scratches as you work.Wear rubber gloves while cleaning to protect your hands from the chemicals.
Use only a clean soft cloth, rather than one of your sponges that already has cleaning products on it.
Allow the surface to dry before continuing to the next step. -
Step 2: Keep the surface cool.
Dip your sandpaper in the bucket of water as you work.
It's also important to wet down the surface, to keep it from getting too hot.
Acrylic will melt at high temperatures.
As you work, touch the aquarium surface cautiously, to make sure it isn't too warm.
If it's hot to touch, take a break.
Add water to the surface, allow it to cool, and then continue. , Work in circles.
Remember to keep the paper wet.
The surface should now feel smooth.
Don't worry if the surface is hazy from the sandpaper creating tiny scratches.
You will remove these with the polish.
If the scratch is still visible, progress to 800, 1000, and then 2000 grit.
The higher the grit, the finer the sandpaper. , Squeeze NOVUS plastic polish or acrylic polish onto a clean, soft towel.
Work in a circular motion, polishing out the scratch until the surface is transparent again and like-new.
Use an electronic buffer to save time, and your arm.
Apply the polish to the buffer pad.
Keep your tool at a low setting, and apply even pressure., Check your work! Your tank should be clean and virtually scratch free. -
Step 3: Use 400 grit sandpaper to smooth out the scratch.
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Step 4: Buff out the scratch.
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Step 5: Let the tank surface dry.
Detailed Guide
Spray the surface with acrylic safe cleaner.
Use enough cleaner so that the surface is sufficiently wet.
Wipe it clean with a soft cotton cloth, freeing it from dirt and dust.
Work with a clean surface so you don’t add additional scratches as you work.Wear rubber gloves while cleaning to protect your hands from the chemicals.
Use only a clean soft cloth, rather than one of your sponges that already has cleaning products on it.
Allow the surface to dry before continuing to the next step.
Dip your sandpaper in the bucket of water as you work.
It's also important to wet down the surface, to keep it from getting too hot.
Acrylic will melt at high temperatures.
As you work, touch the aquarium surface cautiously, to make sure it isn't too warm.
If it's hot to touch, take a break.
Add water to the surface, allow it to cool, and then continue. , Work in circles.
Remember to keep the paper wet.
The surface should now feel smooth.
Don't worry if the surface is hazy from the sandpaper creating tiny scratches.
You will remove these with the polish.
If the scratch is still visible, progress to 800, 1000, and then 2000 grit.
The higher the grit, the finer the sandpaper. , Squeeze NOVUS plastic polish or acrylic polish onto a clean, soft towel.
Work in a circular motion, polishing out the scratch until the surface is transparent again and like-new.
Use an electronic buffer to save time, and your arm.
Apply the polish to the buffer pad.
Keep your tool at a low setting, and apply even pressure., Check your work! Your tank should be clean and virtually scratch free.
About the Author
Pamela Coleman
Enthusiastic about teaching crafts techniques through clear, step-by-step guides.
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