Scratched Plastic Windows

Dear All,

Is there a chemical/ polish suitable for use on plastic windows with light scratches on them?

I have bought a lovely Rover 3500 model (1/43 scale plastic model by Heller) and the only problem with it seems to be that the windscreen has some scuffs on it where it's been in the box for several decades.

Is there anything someone would recommend that can buff the scratches out whilst leaving the plastic clear and not fogged up?

Many thanks, Steve

T-Cut on a cotton bud is a fairly decent polish Steve, but it all depends on how deep the scratches are mate.

I'd certainly give it a go....

...but maybe try it on a hidden part of the window moulding first, say under the roof just in case it marks it?

get some nail buffers from any decent chemist, will do the job woell and you can with patience take out deep scratches

Steve

Use really fine wet n dry.

Carefully rub down the whole screen or the area you want to fix. It might take a few goes but it does work. I have done this many times on 6R4s windows and on others etc...

This method is good for scratches and super glue. If the scratches are too deep you have no chance. If its superglue let it dry hard first before trying this. Only caution dont go mad, dont build up too much heat, go nice and steady.

When you think you have finished give it all a good polish. It works on the acrylic box clear box tops too.

Cheers
Chris

CDM wrote:Steve

Use really fine wet n dry.

Carefully rub down the whole screen or the area you want to fix. It might take a few goes but it does work. I have done this many times on 6R4s windows and on others etc...

This method is good for scratches and super glue. If the scratches are too deep you have no chance. If its superglue let it dry hard first before trying this. Only caution dont go mad, dont build up too much heat, go nice and steady.

When you think you have finished give it all a good polish. It works on the acrylic box clear box tops too.

Cheers
Chris

Thanks for the ideas, guys. I'll try the finest paper I have and give it a gentle go. Chris, should this be wet or dry, would you suggest?

Since posting, I've remembered that somewhere or other I have some plastic polish for caravan windows which I've used on my caravan to remove scratches from overgrowing hedges. I'll use the paper first and finish off with the polish. When I've put my hands on it and given it a go, I'll let you know the product details.

Cheers, Steve

Steve

It will need to be wet you dont want to be putting more scratches on!!! A bit of spit works wonders... It will also stop it from over heating. Try different grades to see which works best.

Cheers
Chris

Some good tips there Chris, there has been a time or 2 when I may have needed to remove superglue from windows( don't know who put it on the windows ) and now I know how to!! cheers

Alternatively get some clear acetate and cut the approximate shape of the screen out-then push that into the A pillars and scuttle/roof lines-use a felt tip pen run it around the edge of the screen opening-this will mark the line of the open on the acetate, then cut to with in 2mm of that line and use clearfix to secure the screen to the model-you will have to hold it in place until it sets-Its awkward but it works as well.

On my current 1/18 build ive had scratchs on the windows ive had to remove.

I used 2500grit sandpaper wet to remove the scratchs, then polish it out with toothpaste. Takes a bit of work but results are fantastic.

....and the model smells fresh and minty after wards as well!

Cowley wrote:....and the model smells fresh and minty after wards as well!

Always a good thing, plus it covers the smell of sweat it takes to get it polished out. But does the job for something that is in every home

Thanks for your helpful suggestions, guys. It's worked!

I ran some cold(ish) water in the wash hand basin, put some MER car polish in and gently rubbed the plastic windows with the finest grade of wet and dry paper I have, which I think is about 2500 grit. Very pleased to report that the main burring on the windscreen is now a memory, it's gone completely. There were a couple of smaller but deeper marks which, whilst still there, are much smaller than before. So I'm a very happy bunny!! A big 'THANK YOU!' to everyone who has contributed to the thread.

Sad to say, I haven't progressed on to the toothpaste but I know what to use if my models need that minty freshness I don't get with other brands!

Cheers, Steve