French Polishing and Bespoke Furniture
Lucite is a commonly used trade name for PMMA (polymethyl methacrylate), which is a synthetic polymer of methyl methacrylate. While very strong and harder to shatter than glass, Lucite tends to scratch quite easily and requires a little extra attention to remove scratches .
Luckily, there are a few great strategies for removing scratches and improving the general appearance of Lucite components – Lucite is the easiest plastic to polish so most items can be restored back to there original beauty & brilliance with just a little work.
Use only a very soft damp cloth when cleaning acrylic surfaces. It is possible to scratch acrylic , so NEVER use any scouring compounds or chemical cleaners such as Windex or other glass cleaners (even if they are environmentally friendly, organic or non-scented).
To buff and remove scratches and haze, use a plastic polish, car polish, or automobile wax with a clean , microfiber cloth. If the acrylic is still hazy , carefully sand the acrylic using a number of different grits, followed by a more abrasive polish.
In short there is no real difference between Acrylic and Lucite , Lucite is just the best version of acrylic on the market. While strength is a key factor in using Lucite , the material is also incredibly flexible, weighs less than glass, and is even clearer than glass.
Toothpaste. Toothpaste also works well to clean clear plastic surfaces. Use a white, non-gel toothpaste, rub directly onto the surface, and clean with a rag working in small circular motions. Wipe clean with a damp cloth, and any film or residue will disappear from the plastic , and restore the shiny plastic finish.
How to Clean Acrylic and Lucite . Look for a cleaning solution made especially for plastic, such as Brillianize, and soft cotton microfiber cloths. It’s important to use a product made for acrylic , because many household cleaners , such as Windex, 409, or Fantastik, will break down the material and make it look cloudy .
Wet one piece of 600 grit sandpaper – run it over the scratched area in a circular motion and repeat with a dry piece of 600 grit sandpaper too. Rub with both wet and dry sandpapers for around 3 to 3 minutes. Don’t worry if your acrylic looks more frosty or scratched – this will go away during the process.
If soap and warm water don’t wash it off then you need a cleaner /polish for acrylics and a polishing wheel. Do NOT use ANY kind of solvent… alcohol , denatured alcohol , acetone, mineral spirits, etc. to clean acrylic .
Never use vinegar to clean your acrylic windows. While vinegar is a strong and powerful cleaning tool that can safely be used on traditional glass or Plexiglas windows, it is too acidic for acrylic surfaces and will quickly damage your windows.
To get the maximum life out of your plexiglass, never, ever use cleaning solution that contains ammonia to clean your plastic. Cleaners such as Windex or 409 will do more harm than good. Use only products specifically recommended for cleaning acrylic such as Novus #1 or Brillianize, and a soft cloth.
Vinegar can be used to clean your tank , filter, heater and all decorations using a 1:1 vinegar /water solution. All items can be left to soak for several hours. Once the items are finished soaking, be sure to rinse everything off really well. Now your aquarium and equipment are ready for use .
Answer. Usually that is caused by the brush going into the liquid with acrylic left in it from the prior ball. Make sure to wipe the brush on a towel that will absorb the excess residue properly.
One of the best ways to clean cloudy plastic is with baking soda or toothpaste. Both of these common household cleaners are gentle enough not to scratch the cloudy plastic . Mix equal parts of baking soda with toothpaste in a good amount that will completely cover the item you intend to clean .
Wash Lexan Sheet with a mild soap or detergent (e.g., Joy** dishwashing liquid) and lukewarm water using a clean sponge or a soft cloth. Rinse well with clean water. Dry thoroughly with a chamois or moist cellulose sponge to prevent water spots.