Clear Plastic and Sanding

[grossaffe]

If one were to try to sand a clear-plastic screen protector (say, a gameboy screen) to get out scratches, how would one go about doing this to get it to wind up nice and clear when finished. I guess I'm asking what grit sandpapers I would want to use and in what order.

[mothatrucka]

General rule is start with the smaller number, work up to the larger. It goes up to things like 3200 or so. I'd recommend finding a piece of scrap plastic and trying on that first, though. I'm not sure that sanding the scratches out won't just fog the whole thing over.

Start about 320 grit, and start working up until you get the finish you want. Some people say use every size in between, but I've gotten great results in other materials by skipping a size or two between each step.

If you are indeed doing a GB screen, seriously, it would be cheaper to just buy a new lens off e-Bay or Amazon than to buy a sheet or two of all that sandpaper.

[bicostp]

Depending on how badly it's scratched, you might not even need sandpaper.

A few applications of car scratch remover is usually more than enough for plastic screen covers. If that's not enough, get the sandpaper. Start around 350 grit, then move up to 400, 500, and even higher, maybe over 1000. (Yes they have these, they're primarily used for auto body work.)

[grossaffe]

If you are indeed doing a GB screen, seriously, it would be cheaper to just buy a new lens off e-Bay or Amazon than to buy a sheet or two of all that sandpaper.

that's probably a very good point...

thanks for the responses, guys.

[Mister X]

Buy a tin of Brasso and get to rubbing.

[grahf]

I always use aluminum polish for the finishing touch. Some polishes leave a slight haze on the screen depending on their grit, but if you use an "Ultra Shine" or other high luster polish it will turn out as clear as a new lens.