How to Sand Acrylic Sheets Without Scratches (400, 600, 800, 1200 Grit Guide)

Acrylic sheets are widely used in DIY projects, signage, and crafts—but they scratch easily during handling and cutting. The good news is you can restore clarity and smoothness by sanding with the right grit progression. This guide explains how to sand acrylic sheets without leaving marks, using 400, 600, 800, and 1200 grit sandpaper.

Why Sand Acrylic?

Acrylic edges and surfaces often show saw marks, chips, or scuffs. Sanding removes these imperfections and prepares the surface for polishing. Done correctly, sanding can restore a transparent, glass-like finish without cracks or haze.

Tools You’ll Need

• 400–1200 grit wet/dry sandpaper – silicon carbide works best.
• Sanding block or pad – keeps surfaces flat and uniform.
• Spray bottle with water + dish soap – prevents heat buildup.
• Polishing compound – restores clarity after sanding.
• Microfiber cloth – wipes clean between sanding steps.

Best Grit Sequence for Acrylic

• 400 grit: Removes saw marks and deep scratches.
• 600 grit: Refines scratches left by coarse sanding.
• 800 grit: Creates a satin-like finish before polishing.
• 1200 grit: Leaves a nearly clear surface ready for buffing.

Step-by-Step Sanding

1. Start with 400 grit. Wet sand edges and surfaces to remove saw or cutting marks. Use 400 grit (100-pack) for heavy preparation.
2. Switch to 600 grit. Smooth and refine scratches with 600 grit (25-pack).
3. Move to 800 grit. Achieve a semi-transparent surface using 800 grit (50-pack).
4. Finish with 1200 grit. For a polished base before buffing, use 1200 grit (25-pack).
5. Polish to clarity. Apply compound with a soft cloth or buffer for glass-like transparency.

Special Cases

For edges on thick acrylic, start with 320 grit before progressing. For clear displays, always wet sand and avoid overheating. Colored acrylic may require less polishing—stop at 800 or 1200 grit depending on your desired look.

Pro Tips

• Always wet sand acrylic to prevent melting.
• Sand in straight, even strokes rather than circles to avoid swirl marks.
• Use light pressure—acrylic scratches easily under force.
• Finish with a plastic polish for long-lasting clarity.

Aftercare

• Apply UV protectant to prevent yellowing outdoors.
• Clean only with non-abrasive cloths and mild soap.
• Re-polish periodically for high-clarity projects.

FAQs

• Can I dry sand acrylic? Not recommended—heat causes melting and scratches.
• Do I need to polish after 1200 grit? Yes, polishing restores full transparency.
• Can I use the same process for plexiglass? Yes—plexiglass and acrylic behave the same during sanding.

Watch & Learn

For flawless acrylic finishes, shop our super fine sandpaper collection.