Sanding Plastics and Acrylic: From 400 to 2000 Grit Sheets

Plastics and acrylics are prone to scratches, cloudy surfaces, and sharp edges after cutting. The solution is a careful sanding sequence using 9x11 inch sandpaper sheets. With eQualle’s wet dry silicon carbide sandpaper sheets, you can restore clarity, smooth edges, and prepare plastics for polishing.

Why Sanding Plastics Matters

Unlike wood or metal, plastics soften with heat. That’s why wet dry sandpaper sheets are essential—they keep surfaces cool, reduce clogging, and leave a uniform scratch pattern that polishes out easily.

Tools You’ll Need

• eQualle fine sandpaper sheets
• Soft sanding block or foam pad
• Spray bottle with water
• Microfiber towels
• Plastic or acrylic polish

Recommended Grit Sequence

• 400 grit — For smoothing rough cut edges. 400 Grit (25-pack).
• 800 grit — Refines scratches and prepares for clarity. 800 Grit (50-pack).
• 1000 grit — Removes haze and micro-marks. 1000 Grit (100-pack).
• 2000 grit — Final step before polish. 2000 Grit (25-pack).

Step-by-Step Plastic Sanding

1. Begin with 400 grit sandpaper sheets. Wet sand sharp edges or deep scratches using light pressure.
2. Switch to 800 grit. Sand in overlapping circles to refine the surface and erase 400-grit lines.
3. Continue with 1000 grit. Maintain steady water flow while sanding to prevent heat buildup. Surfaces should look semi-clear.
4. Finish with 2000 grit sandpaper sheets. This grit removes the last haze, leaving the plastic ready for polishing.

Special Cases

For deep scratches, start with 240 grit before moving to 400. For acrylic display cases or lenses, avoid anything coarser than 400 grit to prevent distortion.

Pro Tips

• Always keep the surface wet to avoid melting plastic.
• Sand in one direction, then perpendicular at the next grit, to ensure full scratch removal.
• Check progress under bright light before moving to the next grit.
• Use sandpaper sheets that don’t clog with dust for faster sanding.

Aftercare

• Polish the surface with a plastic-specific compound for a glass-like finish.
• Store leftover sheets flat in envelopes to keep grits organized.
• Wipe finished plastics only with microfiber to prevent re-scratching.

FAQs

• Can I dry sand acrylic? Not recommended—heat buildup can melt the surface.
• Which grit restores clarity? 2000 grit followed by polish produces the clearest results.
• Do I need bulk packs? For frequent projects, yes. 1000 Grit (100-pack) is a smart choice.

Watch & Learn

For flawless plastic and acrylic finishes, stock up on eQualle 9x11 in sandpaper sheets. Shop the full selection in the Fine Sandpaper Collection.