How to Sand Acrylic and Plexiglass for a Clear, Polished Edge

Acrylic and plexiglass are beautiful materials for crafts, displays, and glazing—but they scratch easily. Sanding these plastics correctly is essential for creating clear, polished edges that look like glass. This guide explains how to sand acrylic safely, without haze, melting, or cracks.

Why Acrylic Requires Wet Sanding

Acrylic softens under friction, so dry sanding can cause heat marks or cloudy spots. Wet sanding with fine silicon carbide papers keeps the surface cool, prevents melting, and delivers a smooth, transparent edge perfect for polishing or bonding.

Recommended Tools

• Soft sanding block or orbital sander (low speed)
• 9x11" wet/dry silicon carbide sandpaper sheets
• Spray bottle with water and mild soap
• Microfiber towels
• Plastic polish or buffing compound

Ideal Grit Sequence

• 400 grit: Smooth saw marks and uneven edges
• 800 grit: Refine and prepare for clarity
• 1500 grit: Final wet-sanding before polishing

Step-by-Step: Sanding Acrylic for a Clear Edge

1. Clean and inspect. Remove dust and debris—any grit on the surface can cause deep scratches during sanding.
2. Start with leveling. Use 400 Grit (25-pack) wet/dry silicon carbide paper to flatten edges and remove tool marks. Sand under running water or with frequent spray misting to keep surfaces cool.
3. Refine the surface. Switch to 800 Grit (50-pack) paper for fine smoothing. Continue wet-sanding in small, circular motions until the surface feels evenly matte.
4. Final clarity sanding. Finish with 1500 Grit (100-pack) sheets. This stage removes micro-scratches and prepares the acrylic for polishing.
5. Polish to transparency. Apply plastic polish with a microfiber cloth or buffing pad at low speed. Work slowly until the edge turns crystal clear.
6. Seal or flame-polish (optional). For a mirror finish, lightly flame-polish using a propane torch—only if experienced, as heat can distort thin edges.

Special Cases

For heavily scratched acrylic, begin with 320 grit before progressing through the 400–800–1500 sequence. Avoid aggressive sanding on thin sheets—use a soft backing pad to distribute pressure evenly. If edges turn white, they’re overheating—add more water and slow your pace.

Pro Tips

• Always wet-sand to control heat and prevent melting.
• Use silicon carbide paper—it’s sharp, durable, and ideal for plastic materials.
• Keep the sanding block flat to avoid rounding edges unevenly.
• Rinse the paper often—plastic dust can scratch if reused dry.
• Finish with plastic polish or fine automotive compound for mirror clarity.

Aftercare

• Clean with mild soap and soft cloths—avoid ammonia-based cleaners.
• Re-polish periodically to maintain clear edges on high-contact surfaces.
• Store acrylic pieces flat and out of sunlight to prevent warping or yellowing.

FAQs

• Can I dry-sand acrylic? Not recommended—heat buildup can cause melting and clouding.
• Why is my acrylic still cloudy? You may need to continue wet-sanding with 1500 grit and re-polish for full transparency.
• Can I use a power buffer? Yes, on low speed and with light pressure to prevent heat marks.

Watch & Learn

For flawless acrylic edges, use wet/dry silicon carbide sheets from the super fine sandpaper collection. The 400–800–1500 grit sequence ensures clear, polished results without haze or distortion.

Conclusion: Sanding acrylic is about precision and patience. With fine silicon carbide abrasives, constant lubrication, and careful technique, you can achieve glass-like clarity and perfect edges on every acrylic project.