Polishing a Compass.

M

mikehibb

Well-Known Member
Joined
23 Sep 2007
Messages
1,994
Location
Bulcote
Visit site
My compass is not very clear to look at, it is slightly opaque. Well that is the best way to decribe it. Note: iy was like this when we blought the boat.

What could have caused this? UV or some one using an abrasive cleaning agent. It still has its cover so I would not have thought that it could have been due to prolonged UV exposure, but saying that it has its cover does not mean that it was used...

So the question, can the compass glass/acrylic be polished back to be more transparent. Cutting/rubbing compond etc?

It is a Plastimo 130, 6 years old.

(another question can one buy replacement covers for Raymarine ST autopilot screen, my one blew off, or was knicked)

As always, thanks in advance for any advice.
 
Hi there mikehib,

The acrylic windows of my boat became oppaque and the previous owner tried a number of products that were supposed to polish the surface. the result was dissapointing, initially the windows were better though never like new, and soon reverted to cloudy again. The answer was to replace them. So sorry I was not able to be positive. Ref:- the covers, I needed replacements for my NASA equipment and they supplied them for a few pounds, so give Raymarine a call I expect they will help.

All the best and good sailing
 
My compass is considerably older than yours. The opacity was on the inside. A greenish deposit had adhered to all surfaces, including the dome. Had to strip it and give it a good clean. I suspect this may have come from the aging rubber diaphragm.

If the opacity is only on the outside, then it is worth giving it a good polish. If you need to use an abrasive, keep all scratches in the same direction, and always polish across the scratches. (This removes the high points and leaves a flat surface).

Philip
 
I've polished our compass this winter (Plastimo), and its come up like new. Used metal polish (similar to Brasso, but a different brand), and elbow grease.
 
Thanks all,

The opacity is on the outside.

T-Cut Duraglit and Brasso all sound like good ideas, however the boat is in Turkey and I am in Azerbaijan.

I have a couple of ideas, T-cut or equivalent will be available in Turkey in any auto shop. Here in Azerbaijan we have an Indian run supermarket and I am sure that I saw Brasso on one of the shelves. Last resort, my sister is coming over for a sailing week with us in May so she can bring any of the above with her.

Thanks again.
 
I also commend toothpaste to the House - ask Morgana - I did his to his astonishment.

Use the 41p tube from Aldi, no need to go to Colgate Platinum /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif
 
I was going to suggest toothepaste - although I must say I havent tried it before. There are products around and a plastic cutting compound should alternatively do the job - although I am guessing the toothepaste would be less abrasive
 
[ QUOTE ]
If there are any scratches very fine wet and dry will remove them.

Then it is a matter of polishing with a rubbing compound (T-Cut or anything similar) followed by a metal polish (Brasso or similar). [OK in the weight of public opinion I'll add 'OR TOOTHPASTE']

You should get it to look like new with some elbow grease...

[/ QUOTE ]

The rest still applys...
 
Toothpaste is very fine and may take forever, so I first start with G3 (a cutting paste) and then toothpaste.

Take care not to use any paper or hard cloth. Best is plain (medical) cotton!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Top