Plexi and Carbon fiber polishing

Printed From: the12volt.com
Forum Name: Fiberglass, Fabrication, and Interiors
Forum Discription: Fiberglass Kick Panels, Subwoofer Enclosures, Plexiglas, Fabrics, Materials, Finishes, etc.
URL: https://www.the12volt.com/installbay/forum_posts.asp?tid=74135
Printed Date: May 14, 2024 at 10:45 AM

Topic: Plexi and Carbon fiber polishing

Posted By: tex12gage
Subject: Plexi and Carbon fiber polishing
Date Posted: March 08, 2006 at 1:04 PM

I have a small chip (about the size of an ink pen tip, and not very deep) in the middle of a plexiglass insert. What should I do to get this out?

Next question: I have a few light scratches on my last sheet of Carbon Fiber. Can I just buff this out with a buffing wheel?

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TEX

Replies:

Posted By: tex12gage
Date Posted: March 09, 2006 at 8:29 AM

Anybody?

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TEX

Posted By: Velocity Motors
Date Posted: March 09, 2006 at 8:51 AM

For the plexiglass you can try going to a glass retailer and asking them about using a filler for the chip. As for the Carbon Fiber, the layer is a clear coat so you should be able to buff this out with a high grit polish and an orbital polisher or you can get the peice re-clear coated.

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Jeff
Velocity Custom Home Theater
Mobile Audio/Video Specialist
Morden, Manitoba CANADA

Posted By: tex12gage
Date Posted: March 09, 2006 at 9:29 AM

thanks for the advice.

I heard you can sometimes use a torch to heat the plexi and that this will smooth out the scratches and nicks. Do you know if this works.

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TEX

Posted By: 06passat
Date Posted: March 14, 2006 at 12:29 AM

You can use a torch, but it's best to test and hone your skill on a scrap piece before burying a torch into your full piece of plexi. Also, keep the torch MOVING,... like an iron, never leave it still. It's also pretty easy to polish the details with a dremel once you flame polish it... Hope that helps

Posted By: xclusivecustoms
Date Posted: March 16, 2006 at 10:55 AM

I wouldn't advise using a torch, you will probably burn the plexi. You can sand and buff most imperfections out of plexiglass, but it it's a deep scratch this can leave a dip in the plexiglass, which will distort the light that passes through it.

The clearcoat on carbon fiber sheet is going to be thin, so you can't sand it bery much. But you can scuff it lightly and spray a new coat of clear over it.