How to Restore Plexiglass Sheets

Plexiglass sheet is an acrylic sheet which is used instead of glass due to its transparent nature. Plexiglass is prone to scratches and accumulation of dirt. This makes the Plexiglass sheet opaque and cloudy. This takes away the shine of sheet making it appear to be old and dirty. However, restoring plexiglass back to its original condition is quite easy. The scratches or dirt which gets accumulated can be scraped back and cleaned using a buffing solution and detergent.

Step 1 - Clean the Sheet Using Detergent

Mix one spoon of liquid detergent in one pint of fresh water. Apply this cleaning solution onto a sponge. Using small circular motion, gently wipe the plexiglass clean. Gloves can be worn if you are allergic to detergents. This to a certain extent removes the accumulated dirt from the sheet. After cleaning the sheet, wipe the solution using a fresh cloth and water

Step 2 - Sand the Plexiglass

Let the Plexiglass dry completely. Once it dries, you should start sanding the sheet. This should be done in three steps. Firstly use 150 grit sandpaper. This is followed by finer 400 grit and 600 grit sandpaper. This helps in clearing small scratches and residue from the plexiglass. This should be done patiently and in small sections. Protection goggles should be worn while doing this to avoid the entry of plastic dust into the eyes. A face mask can also be worn as an extra precaution.

Step 3 - Buff the Plexiglass

Now after the gritting of the sheet, apply the buffing compound to the sheet using a buffing wheel or soft cloth. This should be done slowly and in a circular motion. This step restores the shine to the acrylic sheet. The buffing solution is available in any hardware stores or home improvement stores. The strength of the buffing solution is dependent on the condition of the plexiglass sheet. High concentrated solutions should only be bought when the damage is high. For relatively new sheets, cleaning can be done using a mild buffing solution.

Step 4 - Clean and Dry

Wipe off the excess solution and allow it to set and dry for a day. This process might take a little more or less effort depending on the condition of the plexiglass sheet. If the plexiglass sheet is very old and full of scratches, you might need to redo the entire process. You have to let the plexiglass dry completely before starting the next session.

By following the above process, you can restore the old plexiglass sheets back to their original shine and clarity.