Polishing Plastic Surfaces: 600–2000 Grit Sandpaper Sheets

Plastic items—from acrylic panels to hobby projects—can scratch and dull over time. Using 9x11 inch sandpaper sheets in the right grit sequence helps restore smoothness and clarity. eQualle’s wet dry silicon carbide sandpaper sheets are perfect for polishing plastics without causing damage.

Why Sand Plastic?

Scratches and scuffs scatter light, making plastic appear cloudy. Sanding step by step removes imperfections and prepares the surface for polishing. Without sanding, polish alone can’t eliminate deeper marks.

Tools You’ll Need

• eQualle fine sandpaper sheets
• Sanding block or foam pad
• Spray bottle with water for wet sanding
• Microfiber towels
• Plastic polishing compound

Best Grit Sequence for Plastic Polishing

• 600 grit — Removes scratches and scuffs. 600 Grit (25-pack).
• 1000 grit — Refines the surface for clarity. 1000 Grit (100-pack).
• 1500 grit — Prepares plastic for fine polishing. 1500 Grit (25-pack).
• 2000 grit — Final sanding before polishing. 2000 Grit (25-pack).

Step-by-Step Plastic Sanding

1. Begin with 600 grit sandpaper sheets. Wet sand scratches until the surface feels even.
2. Switch to 1000 grit. Sand in alternating directions to refine marks from 600 grit.
3. Continue with 1500 grit sandpaper sheets. Smooth the surface to a uniform, frosted look.
4. Finish with 2000 grit. Lightly wet sand to prepare for polishing.
5. Polish. Apply compound with a microfiber cloth for crystal clarity.

Special Cases

For deep gouges, start at 400 grit before moving into the 600–2000 sequence. For thin plastics, avoid coarse grits to prevent excessive wear.

Pro Tips

• Always wet sand to prevent overheating and melting plastic.
• Sand evenly in multiple directions for a consistent finish.
• Use sandpaper sheets that resist clogging for better results.

Aftercare

• Seal polished plastic with UV protectant to prevent future yellowing.
• Store leftover sheets flat and labeled by grit.
• Touch up with 2000 grit as needed for maintenance.

FAQs

• Can I polish plastic without sanding? No—sanding is essential to remove scratches before polishing.
• What grit makes plastic clear? 2000 grit followed by polishing compound restores transparency.
• Which pack is most practical? A 1000 Grit (100-pack) is versatile for most plastic projects.

Watch & Learn

Bring plastic surfaces back to life with eQualle 9x11 in sandpaper sheets. Explore the full selection in the Fine Sandpaper Collection.