Acetate/polycarbonate window scratches

[Bowlerhat]

Our new (to us) boat has a few small areas of berthing rash on the black (tinted) cabin windows. They look ripe for polishing out and there are a number of proprietary products on line that promise much, but the reviews often tell a different story. Has anyone had a good result using such a product, or used a tried and tested technique they could advise on please. Thank you.

 

[duncan99210]

I’ve used Brasso on Perspex with good results. Needs a fair amount of elbow grease but it will let you polish out shallow scratches.

 

[thinwater]

Acetate, polycarbonate, and Perspex (acrylic) are three different polymers. Just sayin'. Could be either polycarbonate or acrylic.

There is really very little difference between these products and gelcoat compound. Lots of work, keep it wet, keep the speed down (power buffer) and wax when you are done. Don't try to do it by hand.

BTW, if there is a surface coating, they will require more frequent pollishing and waxing after this polishing.

 

[Bitterend]

T Cut headlamp polish kit for dull UV degraded plastic covered ehicle headlamps. Other products on the market, T cut is the simplest solution, Agree use low rev buffer rather than elbow grease.

 

[Bowlerhat]

Thanks team. I‘ll give it a go - I have brasso, T-cut and wet and dry.

 

[Quandary]

If the scratches are even slightly deep you may need the wet and dry, you can start with 600 or 1200 grade then 2000 but you may still have to finish with the paste then Greygate acrylic polish to keep the shine.

 

[Bowlerhat]

If the scratches are even slightly deep you may need the wet and dry, you can start with 600 or 1200 grade then 2000 but you may still have to finish with the paste then Greygate acrylic polish to keep the shine.

Thanks Quandary.

 

[Bowlerhat]

By way of update, I took a punt and bought 3 bottles of staged compound/polish called the Novus system.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B00LL99T9W/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I have to say, it was brilliant and has completely transformed my windows. I used a foam polish pad on a slow speed drill and a couple of microfibre cloths and the results were excellent. A little patience needed, but very doable as a DIY job.