Chloe Zhang
Underwater photography is a challenging task, and nothing ruins an underwater photograph quicker than scratches on your dome port. To prevent this, it is essential to know how to polish plastic underwater housing. There are various tricks and techniques to make plastic look new and shiny again, ranging from using household items like vinegar, baking soda, and toothpaste to commercial products like NOVUS plastic polish.
Characteristics and Values Table for Polishing Plastic Underwater Housing
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cleaners | Vinegar and water, household cleaner, laundry detergent, bleach, mild cleanser, soap and water, baking soda and water |
| Tools | Lens cleaning cloth, soft cloth, toothbrush, soft sponge, sandpaper, buffing wheel, handheld gas torch, flame-resistant glove, spray bottle, telescoping cleaning brush with soft bristles |
| Techniques | Circular motions, progressively finer grit sandpaper, heating with a flame |
| Products | NOVUS plastic polish, toothpaste, non-gel toothpaste with baking soda |
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What You'll Learn
Using a plastic polishing compound
Plastic polishing compounds are available in liquid, paste, and putty forms, and they can be used to restore shine and remove scratches from plastic surfaces. Before using a plastic polishing compound, it is important to clean the plastic surface thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. This can be done by mixing vinegar and water or using a mild cleanser.
Once the surface is clean, you can move on to using the plastic polishing compound. If you are using a 3-part polishing system, start by applying the roughest compound to a rag and rubbing it onto the scratch in a circular motion until the edges of the scratch are mostly gone. Then, wipe off the compound with a rag and repeat the process with the next roughest compound. Finally, use the smoothest polisher to finish up and leave a smooth, scratch-free surface.
It is important to note that plastic can scratch easily and gain blemishes, so it is crucial to work slowly and carefully. Additionally, plastic can melt or discolour if it gets too hot, so it is important to avoid dwelling on one spot for too long to prevent heat buildup.
Some recommended products for polishing plastic include the Micro Mesh Craft kit, which is suitable for polishing plastic, acrylic, porcelain, and fibreglass, and the Pryme plastic polishing compound, which can be paired with a plastic polishing wheel to lightly sand and polish the surface.
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Removing deep scratches with sandpaper
First, use a razor to cut off any bits of plastic that may be protruding from the scratched area. Next, start with a low grit sandpaper, such as 320-grit or 800-grit, and fold it to fit the size of the scratch. Wet the sandpaper with water to avoid it being too abrasive and gently rub over the scratch in a circular motion. Keep buffing until the scratch is less prominent, but avoid applying too much pressure as this could introduce new scratches.
After sanding with the low grit sandpaper, progress to a higher grit, such as 1000-grit. Repeat the circular buffing motion and clean the area after each pass. Continue to use progressively finer grit sandpaper, up to around 2000 grit, until the scratch has completely disappeared.
Once the scratch has been smoothed out, clean the surface again with a damp cloth. You may notice that the plastic has lost its shine in the area you have treated. To restore the shine, apply a small amount of plastic polishing compound in circular motions with a clean, dry cloth. Repeat this process as needed until the plastic gleams as good as new.
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$29.99
Cleaning with vinegar and water
Vinegar is a great natural cleaner that can be used to clean plastic. It is particularly good at removing grease, mildew, and hard water stains. It is also effective at disinfecting hard surfaces. To clean plastic with vinegar and water, follow these steps:
Prepare the vinegar and water solution
Mix equal parts of vinegar and water in a clean container or spray bottle. For example, you can mix 1 cup of vinegar with 1 cup of water to create a 16-ounce solution. If you are cleaning vinyl paneling, you can use a stronger mixture of 5 cups of vinegar with 1 gallon of water.
Apply the solution to the plastic
You can either pour the solution onto a clean cloth or sponge, or spray it directly onto the plastic surface. If you are using a spray bottle, make sure to shake it well before spraying.
Scrub the plastic
Use the cloth or sponge to rub down the plastic surface and remove any dirt, grime, or oxidation. For small or hard-to-reach areas, a toothbrush can be useful. If there are areas with built-up grime, spray more of the vinegar solution onto those areas and scrub them liberally until the dirt is removed.
Rinse and dry the plastic
Rinse the plastic with clean water to remove any remaining vinegar solution. Depending on the item, you can use a hose, faucet, or wet cloth. Finally, dry the plastic with a clean, dry towel.
It is important to note that while vinegar is a great natural cleaner, it should not be used on certain materials like natural stone, aluminum, copper, or rubber as it can cause damage. Additionally, it is not effective for cleaning grease, as grease already contains plenty of acids.
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Buffing with toothpaste and baking soda
Toothpaste can be applied to a cotton swab or a clean toothbrush. When using a toothbrush, squeeze out a pea-sized amount of toothpaste and rub the scratched area in a circular motion, adding more toothpaste if necessary. When using a cotton swab, put a small dab of toothpaste on the swab and apply it to the scratches in small circular motions. Then, wipe off the excess toothpaste with a damp cloth.
Baking soda can also be mixed with water to create a thicker paste with more abrasive power. This mixture can be applied to scratches in the same way as toothpaste and will help to buff out light scratches and restore shine to plastic. It is important to note that wet sanding with sandpaper may be necessary for deeper scratches that toothpaste and baking soda cannot remove.
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Using a professional buffing machine
If you're looking for a more heavy-duty approach to polishing your plastic underwater housing, a professional buffing machine is the way to go. These machines are designed to handle a wide range of surfaces, from automotive hard-to-reach areas to boats, furniture, and appliances.
When using a professional buffing machine, always make sure the buffing wheel or pad is fresh and clean to avoid scratching the surface of your plastic underwater housing. It's important to work slowly and gently, as the heat generated by the buffing process can scorch the plastic if you're not careful.
Start by taping off the area you'll be working on with painter's tape or masking tape. This will help protect the surrounding areas from any potential damage. Then, choose the right buffing compound for the job. There are different compounds available for specific types of plastic, such as plexiglass, resin, and acrylic. You can also find compounds designed specifically for removing scratches or restoring shine.
Apply the compound to the buffing pad or wheel, following the instructions provided with your chosen product. Some compounds may need to be applied directly to the surface being treated, while others can be applied to the buffing pad or wheel. Once the compound is applied, start the machine and work at a speed of 1800 rpm or less to avoid damaging the plastic.
Work the buffing machine in a circular motion, applying light pressure to the surface. You may need to work through multiple grits of buffing compound, starting with the roughest and working your way to the smoothest, depending on the severity of the scratches or dullness. Be sure to wipe away any excess compound between grits with a clean, soft cloth.
Finally, once you've achieved the desired level of shine and smoothness, remove any remaining compound and inspect your work. If you notice any areas that require additional attention, you can go back over them with the appropriate grit buffing compound until you're satisfied with the results.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a mixture of vinegar and water, or toothpaste with baking soda. You can also use a plastic polishing compound, or progressively finer wet sandpaper for deep scratches.
First, clean the plastic with a mild cleanser to remove dirt. Next, buff out scratches with an abrasive such as toothpaste or sandpaper. Finally, use a polishing compound or a buffing wheel to remove oxidation and make the plastic shine.
Apply the toothpaste gently with a soft sponge, working in small circles. Wipe it off with a dry cloth made of soft fabric.
Regularly clean your plastic with a mixture of vinegar and water to prevent scratches. Keep your plastic out of direct sunlight, as UV light discolours and weakens plastic.
