Polish Acrylic: 600?1000?1500?2000 Grit

Acrylic sheets, signs, and displays can scratch easily, leaving hazy marks that reduce clarity. The solution is progressive sanding with 600 ? 1000 ? 1500 ? 2000 grit, followed by plastic polish. This restores transparency and creates a professional-looking finish.

Why Sand Acrylic

Acrylic is softer than glass but scratches faster. Light scratches can be polished, but deeper ones require sanding. Each grit in the sequence reduces scratches until the surface is ready for polishing compound.

Tools & Materials

• 9×11 in wet/dry sandpaper sheets: 600, 1000, 1500, 2000 grit
• Foam sanding block
• Spray bottle with water + soap
• Plastic polishing compound
• Microfiber cloths
• Buffing pad (optional)
• PPE: gloves, respirator, eye protection

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 600 grit — Removes deep scratches and gouges.
• 1000 grit — Refines surface and smooths marks.
• 1500 grit — Improves clarity, reduces haze.
• 2000 grit — Prepares for final polish.

Step-by-Step: Acrylic Polishing

1. Clean acrylic. Wash thoroughly to remove dust and debris.
2. Sand with 600 grit. Start with 600 grit (25-pack) wet to remove heavy scratches.
3. Step to 1000 grit. Switch to 1000 grit (50-pack). Sand evenly until haze reduces.
4. Refine at 1500 grit. Use 1500 grit (100-pack) for near-clear finish.
5. Final sanding at 2000 grit. Finish with 2000 grit (25-pack) to prep for polish.
6. Polish. Apply plastic polishing compound until acrylic regains full clarity.
7. Buff. Optional: use a buffing pad for extra shine.

Special Cases

Thin sheets: Sand gently—overheating can warp plastic.
Colored acrylic: Sand carefully to avoid color fading.
Optical acrylic: Requires extra care—don’t skip grits.

Pro Tips

• Always sand wet—dry sanding causes scratches and heat.
• Work in circular strokes for even scratch removal.
• Replace paper often—acrylic clogs quickly.
• Check clarity under bright light before moving to next grit.
• Finish with compound for true transparency.

Aftercare

• Clean only with microfiber cloths—avoid paper towels.
• Use acrylic-safe cleaners to prevent scratching.
• Refresh dull areas with 2000 grit + polish as needed.

FAQs

• Can toothpaste polish acrylic? Only for micro scratches—serious damage needs sanding.
• Why stop at 2000 grit? Beyond this, polishing compounds are more effective.
• Will sanding weaken acrylic? No—removes only surface microns.
• Can I restore headlights? Yes—same grit sequence works for acrylic headlights.

Video: Acrylic Polishing Guide

Closing: With 600 ? 1000 ? 1500 ? 2000 grit sanding and polish, scratched acrylic regains transparency and looks like new again.