Alexei Volkov
Plastic watch faces are known to scratch easily, but the good news is that they can usually be buffed out. If you want to restore your plastic watch face to its former glory, you can try using a special plastic polish, such as PolyWatch, and a soft buffing cloth. You can also try toothpaste, which has been known to produce pleasing results. For deeper scratches, you may need to start with sandpaper before applying the polish.
Characteristics and Values Table for Polishing a Plastic Watch Face
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Polishing tools | PolyWatch |
| Novus 3-step plastic polish | |
| Mother's Mag & Aluminium polish | |
| Toothpaste | |
| Sanding tools | Sandpaper (800, 1000, 2000, 3000 grit) |
| Cotton cloth wheel on a dremel | |
| Buffing tools | Microfiber cloth |
| Soft cloth |
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What You'll Learn
Sanding down the watch face
Start by choosing the right sandpaper grit for the job. For deep scratches, you can start with a higher grit, such as 800, 1000, or 1500. If the scratches are not too deep, you can start with a finer grit, such as 2000 or 3000. It is recommended to have multiple grits of sandpaper on hand, as you will need to work your way up to a finer grit to achieve the best results.
Before you begin sanding, it is important to remove the crystal from the watch, if possible. This will make the process easier and help you achieve a better finish. If you cannot remove the crystal, you can still proceed with sanding, but be very careful not to damage any other parts of the watch.
Now, you can begin sanding. Start with the lowest grit sandpaper and work in a gentle, circular motion. Apply light pressure and continue sanding until the scratch is no longer visible. It is important to take your time and not apply too much pressure, as you can always continue sanding with a finer grit if needed.
Once you have finished sanding with one grit, wipe away the dust with a soft cloth. Then, move on to the next finest grit and repeat the process. Continue until you have used the finest grit sandpaper.
After sanding, the watch face may appear cloudy or hazy. This is normal, and the next step, polishing, will restore clarity to the crystal. However, it is important to ensure that you have completely removed the scratches before proceeding.
Finally, it is recommended to clean the watch case and caseback, as well as rinse the crystal, to remove any remaining dust or debris from the sanding process. This will ensure that your watch is ready for the polishing stage.
By following these steps, you can effectively sand down the watch face, removing scratches and preparing the surface for polishing. Remember to take your time and work carefully to achieve the best results.
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Using a soft cloth to buff the face
Buffing a plastic watch face with a soft cloth is a simple and effective way to restore its shine and remove scratches. Firstly, it is important to clean the watch face thoroughly to ensure no dirt or debris remains, as this could inadvertently scratch the plastic during the buffing process. This can be done by washing the plastic with a mild cleanser and warm water, using a soft cloth or sponge to gently scrub the surface. Once clean, dry the watch face with a soft towel.
Next, choose an appropriate polishing compound. Toothpaste is a popular choice for buffing plastic as it is mild and effective at removing shallow scratches. It is important to use non-gel toothpaste and ideally one that contains baking soda, as this adds extra abrasive power. Apply a pea-sized amount of toothpaste to the soft cloth, ensuring the cloth is clean and free of debris that could scratch the plastic.
Begin buffing the watch face by gently rubbing the cloth in small, circular motions. Apply gentle pressure and work the toothpaste into the scratches. It may take some time and effort to see results, so be patient and persistent. Rinse the cloth and watch face occasionally with water to check your progress. Continue buffing until the scratches are diminished or removed entirely.
Finally, wipe the watch face with a damp cloth to remove any remaining toothpaste. Dry the watch face thoroughly with a soft, dry cloth. Your plastic watch face should now have an improved appearance, with scratches reduced and a restored shine. This method is a simple and cost-effective way to enhance the look of your plastic watch.
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$11.99 $19.99
Removing the crystal
If your watch has a bezel, the crystal can be removed using hand pressure and a bench knife or a watch crystal press. A bezel is an outer ring that surrounds and holds the crystal in place. If the bezel is a three-part type, you will need to press out the second retainer ring from the watch bezel as well. Be cautious if there is strong resistance when pressing the crystal out, as this may require specialised tools and techniques.
For watches without a bezel, compressed air can be used to pop off the crystal. This method involves removing the crown and stem from the movement, closing the back of the watch, and using a small plastic syringe to direct compressed air into the hole where the stem was. This air pressure will dislodge the crystal. Covering the crystal with a cloth before applying air pressure is recommended to prevent it from shooting off forcefully and causing damage or injury.
Another method for removing crystals held in place with a gasket or tension ring is to use hand pressure. If this does not work, a watch crystal press can be utilised. For crystals secured with glue, start by attempting removal with hand pressure. If this is unsuccessful, gentle heat or chemicals can be employed, but only if the watch case does not have additional metal embellishments.
It is worth noting that some watches may require removing all the inner workings from the case to safely remove the crystal. Additionally, certain watches may necessitate specialised techniques involving high heat or chemical processes. Always exercise caution and seek professional advice if you are unsure about any step or procedure.
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Using a Dremel to polish
Preparation:
Before starting, it is important to gather the necessary materials and tools. These include a Dremel tool, preferably with variable speed settings, polishing compounds or rouge, soft cloths, painter's tape or Scotch tape, safety goggles, and a loupe (for checking your work). It is also recommended to have a bowl of warm water and a soft-bristled toothbrush for final cleaning if the watch is waterproof.
Polishing Process:
- Protect the Watch: Cover any parts of the watch that you do not want to polish, such as the brushed areas and the dial, with tape. This will prevent accidental polishing or damage to these areas.
- Choose the Right Attachment: Select an appropriate attachment for your Dremel that is suitable for polishing plastic. A cotton wheel or a felt wheel can be used, but it is recommended to choose one with a larger diameter to avoid creating dips or concave surfaces.
- Start with a Slow Speed: Set the RPM of the Dremel to a slower speed, ideally around 1,000-2,000 RPM. This will give you more control and reduce the risk of damaging the watch face.
- Apply Polishing Compound: With a cue tip, apply a small amount of polishing compound or rouge to the watch face or the polishing attachment. You can use diamond paste, jeweler's rouge, or a specific plastic polish like Polywatch.
- Lubricate: Dip another cue tip in water and apply it to the part being polished. This will help with lubrication and enhance the polishing process.
- Polishing Motion: Gently polish the watch face by moving the Dremel in slow, controlled motions. Keep your eyes on the polishing area at all times to avoid overdoing it.
- Check Progress: Frequently stop to check your progress and inspect the watch face for any signs of overheating or uneven polishing. Remove the compound with a cloth and evaluate if further polishing is needed.
- Adjust Speed for Heavier Scratches: If you are trying to remove deeper scratches, you can slightly increase the RPM, but always be cautious and avoid applying too much pressure.
- Clean the Watch: Once you are satisfied with the polishing, clean the watch thoroughly with a soft cloth to remove any remaining compound or residue.
- Final Cleaning (if waterproof): If your watch is waterproof, you can submerge it in a bowl of warm water and use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently clean away any remaining residue, using a PH-balanced soap.
Precautions and Tips:
- Always wear safety goggles to protect your eyes from any flying debris or polishing compound.
- Practice on a scrap case or an old watch you don't care about to get a feel for the tool and the process before attempting it on your desired watch.
- Be cautious when adjusting the speed of your Dremel. If using a variable speed Dremel, do not hook it up to a speed control, as it can burn up the motor.
- Avoid overheating the crystal and the watch. Take breaks during the polishing process to prevent excessive heat buildup.
- Be gentle and patient throughout the process, as removing scratches and achieving an even finish can take time and multiple passes.
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Using a special plastic polish
Plastic watch faces are known to scratch easily, but scratches can usually be buffed out with a special plastic polish and a cloth. One such product is PolyWatch, which is available on Amazon. It is an abrasive with polishing features. You can also use Novus 3-step plastic polish, which is also available on Amazon.
To use PolyWatch, first, use sandpaper to sand down the scratches on the watch face. You can start with 1000 or 1500 grit sandpaper and then move on to 2000 grit sandpaper. The crystal will go completely blind at this stage, but that is normal. After sanding, wipe off the dust with a cloth. Then, apply a few drops of PolyWatch to the crystal, using a new cloth and applying some pressure. Keep buffing the watch crystal with light pressure in a circular motion for 2-3 minutes until the scratches disappear.
If you are using Novus 3-step plastic polish, you may want to start by sanding the crystal with 800, 1000, 2000, and 3000 grit sandpaper, in that order, before polishing.
Another option is to use toothpaste, which is a good, cheap alternative. You can use regular, non-gel toothpaste with a soft cloth to buff out the scratches.
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Frequently asked questions
PolyWatch is a popular product for polishing plastic watch faces and removing scratches. It is available on Amazon. Other products that can be used include Novus 3-step plastic polish, toothpaste, and Mother’s Mag & Aluminium polish.
In addition to the polish, you will need a soft buffing cloth, such as a microfiber cloth or a cotton ball. You may also need sandpaper of varying grit levels, especially for deeper scratches.
First, if there is dust or debris on the watch, clean it with a soft, dry cloth. Then, apply the polish to the watch face and use a soft cloth to gently buff the surface in a circular motion for 2-3 minutes.
For deep scratches, start by using sandpaper with a higher grit level, such as 800, and gradually work your way down to lower grit levels like 1000, 2000, and 3000. Then, polish the surface as usual.
If the scratches are too deep, they may not be removable through polishing. In this case, you may need to replace the crystal. Consider taking your watch to a local watch repair shop for further assistance.
