Alexei Volkov
Scratches on plastic watch crystals can be removed by polishing, but deep scratches, cracks and chips may require professional help. Before polishing, cover the metal around the crystal with tape to protect the finish on the watch case. Use a rotary motor with a buffing wheel, applying light to medium pressure, and keep the crystal moving to avoid over-polishing. Alternatively, use wet sandpaper, moving the crystal back and forth over the paper, or a cloth with a small amount of toothpaste or metal polish.
Characteristics and Values Table for Polishing a Plastic Watch Crystal:
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Tools | Rotary motor, buffing wheel, handheld motor, polishing cloth, sanding sticks, soft cloth, safety glasses |
| Materials | Polywatch paste, multipurpose paste, toothpaste, Brasso metal polish, crystal polishing compound, wet sandpaper, water, penetrating oil, liquid metal polish |
| Process | Cover metal parts with tape, protect eyes, attach buff to motor spindle, apply polishing compound, hold crystal securely, move crystal against buff, check progress, adjust pressure, polish with circular motions, dry and check |
| Precautions | Do not polish if crystal is chipped, cracked, or very thin; avoid over-applying compound; do not polish watch case or bezel; do not polish gold plating, DLC or PVD coatings, or synthetic materials |
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What You'll Learn
Use a rotary motor
To polish a plastic watch crystal with a rotary motor, you will need a polishing motor or a handheld motor, such as a flex shaft or micro motor, a buffing wheel, a soft cloth, safety goggles, and a polishing compound.
Before you begin, protect the finish on the watch case by covering the metal around the crystal with small pieces of polyimide tape. If your watch crystal is curved or domed, be sure to always keep the buff moving against the crystal along the curve.
Now, set up your buffing system. If you are working with a polishing motor, attach a four-inch soft muslin buff to the motor spindle. If you are using a flex shaft or another handheld motor, attach a one-inch muslin buff to the hand tool of the motor.
Before you start buffing, apply a thin layer of crystal polishing compound to the spinning buffing wheel. Once the motor is operating at normal speed, you will apply the compound to the buff. Hold the compound and buffing wheel together with medium-light pressure for approximately two seconds to get an even coating of the compound across the wheel.
Hold the watch securely in your hand with the crystal facing up, keeping your fingers away from the edges. Bring the buffing wheel to the crystal and start polishing, checking your progress frequently. Increase the pressure between the wheel and the crystal gradually, and be careful not to let the crystal overheat. Continue polishing until the scratches disappear.
Finally, stop the rotary motor and remove the tape from the watch crystal.
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Protect the watch case with tape
To protect the watch case with tape, you will need to use polyimide tape. Cut small pieces of tape, about an inch and a half long, and cover the metal around the crystal. Overlap the pieces of tape to completely cover the metal. This will create the illusion of a mane around the watch crystal.
The tape will protect the finish on the watch case while you buff and polish the crystal. It will also help you to securely hold the watch in your hand, preventing it from slipping.
If you are using a rotary motor to polish the crystal, you will need to take extra care to protect the watch case. Before you start, cover the metal around the crystal with tape, as mentioned above. Then, set up your buffing system. Put on safety glasses to protect your eyes from flying debris. Attach a four-inch soft muslin buff to the motor spindle if you are using a polishing motor. If you are using a flex shaft or another handheld motor, attach a one-inch muslin buff to the hand tool of the motor.
Once you have set up your buffing system and protected your eyes, you can start buffing and polishing the crystal. Apply a thin layer of crystal polishing compound to the spinning buffing wheel. Start the motor and allow the buff to reach normal speed, then apply the compound to the buff. Hold the compound and buffing wheel together with medium-light pressure for approximately two seconds to achieve an even coating of the compound on the wheel.
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Apply a polishing compound
To apply a polishing compound to a plastic watch crystal, you will need a crystal polishing compound, a buffing wheel, and safety glasses. Before you begin, make sure to put on your safety glasses to protect your eyes from any flying debris. If you are using a polishing motor, attach a four-inch soft muslin buff to the motor spindle. For a flex shaft or handheld motor, attach a one-inch muslin buff to the hand tool of the motor.
Once your buffing system is set up, start by applying a thin layer of the crystal polishing compound to the spinning buffing wheel. You can start the motor and allow the buff to reach normal speed before applying the compound. Hold the compound and buffing wheel together with medium-light pressure for about two seconds to get an even coating of the compound on the wheel. Be careful not to over-apply the compound, as this can be detrimental and inefficient.
Now that your buffing wheel is ready, you can begin the polishing process. Hold your watch securely with the crystal facing up, being careful to keep your fingers away from the edges. Press the crystal against the buffing wheel lightly or with medium pressure, maintaining constant movement to avoid over-polishing any portion. Keep the crystal's top facing directly towards the buff to maintain its shape, but also change its position to avoid unnecessary wear and ensure even polishing on all edges.
As you work, stop frequently to check your progress and ensure you are not over-polishing any particular section. Once you are comfortable with how the buffing wheel is interacting with the crystal, you can increase the pressure to speed up the process. Remember that you can only polish away scratches, and if your crystal is chipped or cracked, it will need to be replaced. Additionally, if your crystal is very thin, be cautious about the amount of pressure and polishing you apply.
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Use a buffing wheel
To polish a plastic watch crystal with a buffing wheel, you will need a buffing wheel with a polishing motor or drill, painter's tape, safety goggles, and a soft cleaning cloth. You will also need a crystal polishing compound or a polishing paste such as Polywatch or Brasso.
Before you start, cover the bezel and the metal around the crystal with painter's tape to protect the finish on the watch case. Put on your safety goggles. Then, apply a thin layer of your chosen polishing compound or paste to the spinning buffing wheel. Start the motor and allow the buff to start spinning. Once it is operating at a normal speed, apply the compound or paste to the buff. Hold the buffing wheel and the compound/paste together with medium-light pressure for approximately two seconds. This should give you an even coating across the wheel.
Now, you can start buffing your plastic crystal. Frequently pause to take the buffing wheel away from the crystal to check your progress and ensure you are not over-polishing any particular section. If you are happy with the pressure, you can increase the pressure between the wheel and the crystal to work more quickly. Be careful not to let the crystal overheat while you work. Take breaks whenever the crystal starts to get hot to the touch. Continue polishing and checking your progress until you can no longer see the scratches on the surface of your crystal.
Finally, stop the rotary motor and remove the painter's tape from your watch crystal. Take your soft cleaning cloth and use it to remove any excess polishing compound from the face of the crystal and any remaining adhesive from the watch case. Your crystal should now look like new!
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Avoid polishing the watch bezel
When it comes to polishing a plastic watch crystal, it is important to note that you should avoid polishing the watch bezel. Here are several reasons why you should refrain from polishing the bezel:
Firstly, polishing the bezel can result in unwanted scratches. The bezel of a watch is prone to scratches due to its polished and shiny surface. By attempting to polish the bezel, you may inadvertently create more scratches or even damage the underlying metal. This is especially true for Sub bezels, which have a polished nature that makes them more susceptible to scratches.
Secondly, over-polishing the bezel can lead to excessive wear. When you apply too much pressure or polish for extended periods, you risk removing too much metal from the bezel. This can result in a warped or uneven appearance, detracting from the original aesthetic of the watch. It is a delicate process that requires a light touch to avoid over-polishing specific sections.
Additionally, polishing the bezel can affect the numbering or markings on the bezel. If you polish the entire bezel, you may wear down any numbering or markings, causing the paint to disappear or become less visible. This can alter the overall look of the watch and may be undesirable for those who appreciate the original design details.
Furthermore, polishing the bezel may not be necessary for the functionality of the watch. While scratches on the bezel may be unsightly, they do not typically affect the timekeeping abilities or performance of the watch. If the scratches are superficial and do not impact the crystal, it is often better to embrace the worn-in look or opt for a different watch design that suits your preference.
Lastly, for higher-end or intricate watches, it is generally recommended to avoid polishing the bezel or any part of the watch yourself. Polishing can be a delicate process, and attempting to do so without proper knowledge or tools can potentially damage the watch. In such cases, it is advisable to seek professional assistance or specialised services to ensure the watch is polished correctly without causing any harm.
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