Polish Acrylic Sheets: 800?1500?2000?3000 Grit

Acrylic sheets used for displays, aquariums, or DIY projects can scratch easily. Instead of replacing panels, restore them with a fine sanding ladder: 800 ? 1500 ? 2000 ? 3000 grit, followed by polishing. This process removes surface haze and scratches, returning acrylic to glass-like clarity.

Why Sand Acrylic

Acrylic is softer than glass, so scratches and cloudiness are common. Polishing compounds alone can’t remove deeper marks—progressive sanding is needed. Each grit step reduces scratches gradually until the surface is clear and ready to polish.

Tools & Materials

• 9×11 in wet/dry sandpaper sheets: 800, 1500, 2000, 3000 grit
• Foam sanding block or orbital sander with pad
• Spray bottle with water + soap
• Microfiber towels
• Acrylic polish or plastic polishing compound
• Buffing pad or drill attachment
• PPE: gloves, respirator, safety glasses

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 800 grit — Removes scratches, haze, and surface defects.
• 1500 grit — Refines sanding marks, begins clarity.
• 2000 grit — Smooths further, enhances transparency.
• 3000 grit — Pre-polish finish, ready for compound.

Step-by-Step: Acrylic Polishing

1. Clean sheet. Wash with mild soap and water—grit left behind causes deeper scratches.
2. Sand at 800 grit. Using 800 grit (25-pack), wet-sand until defects fade and surface looks evenly dull.
3. Step to 1500 grit. Switch to 1500 grit (50-pack). Sand lightly until surface looks satin-smooth.
4. Refine at 2000 grit. Use 2000 grit (100-pack). Sand until sheet looks clearer.
5. Final pass at 3000 grit. Finish with 3000 grit (25-pack). Sand until surface feels slick and nearly transparent.
6. Polish. Apply acrylic polish with buffing pad or cloth until sheet regains glass-like clarity.
7. Inspect. Hold sheet under bright light—any haze means revisit 2000 or 3000.

Special Cases

Deep scratches: Start coarser (400–600 grit) before 800 ? 1500 ? 2000 ? 3000.
Colored acrylic: Sand lightly—aggressive sanding can fade pigments.
Curved pieces: Use flexible sanding pads to maintain contour.

Pro Tips

• Always sand wet—dry sanding melts or clogs acrylic.
• Alternate directions each grit to confirm scratch removal.
• Keep strokes even—uneven sanding causes waves in reflections.
• Buff slowly—heat distorts acrylic panels.
• Seal with anti-static polish to reduce dust attraction.

Aftercare

• Clean with microfiber only—avoid paper towels that scratch.
• Use plastic-safe cleaners, not ammonia-based glass cleaners.
• Touch up haze with 3000 grit + polish when needed.

FAQs

• Can toothpaste polish acrylic? Works on fine haze only—serious scratches need sanding.
• Why stop at 3000? Beyond that, polishing compound handles clarity more effectively.
• Can I use the same method on polycarbonate? Yes—just sand slower, polycarbonate scratches deeper.
• Will sanding weaken sheet? No—removes only surface microns if done properly.

Video: Acrylic Sheet Polishing

Closing: Acrylic regains crystal clarity with the ladder: 800 ? 1500 ? 2000 ? 3000 grit. With patience and polish, panels shine like new—perfect for displays, aquariums, or creative projects.