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Scratches in ABS

 

I need to know if there is a way to refinish a gloss white abs plastic piece to remove scratches? Is there a way to buff them out? I have tried several plastic scratch removal products with little results. Can they be painted to look like new? I have several hundred such pieces.

Thank You,

Tim Morris
- Lombard, Illinois

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Hi Tim,

Scratch removal? Um. For the acrylics the el-cheapo method on edges is to run some solvent, acetone ⇦ this on eBay or Amazon [affil links] Warning! highly Flammable! , I think. The other method uses large buffing wheels, maybe l2" or so in diameter. This induces heat which 'melts' the top surface.

But ABS may not respond quite like that.

Firstly, get some ABS solvent, the MEK / methyl ethyl ketone solvent ... but make sure that it is not pigmented but clear. Try brushing that over those pieces with a clean brush. Do this quickly else you'd leave brush marks. This should bring up the shine but not fill in the scratches.

The next idea is to use some of the ABS pieces you mention. Cut them into v. thin strips. Drop them into a can and let them dissolve (obviously 'thin' small pieces will dissolve far faster than big pieces). Try to get, say, l0 percent of solids in the MEK. Then use that brush technique.

This should work.

Cheers!

Freeman Newton [deceased]
(It is our sad duty to advise that Freeman passed away
April 21, 2012. R.I.P. old friend).

Hello Tim,

Did you try the 3M polishing set used in the automotive industry. You can paint the ABS parts with a high gloss 2 component acrylic paint.

Good luck,

JAN RIJN
- GOES, THE NETHERLANDS