Is there any help for scratched plastic?

TNCreature · #1 10-06-2011, 08:25 AM

Hi,

I bought a bass that has massive scratching to the control cavity cover. Is seems like it is made from pickguard plactic, and it is black in color.

Is there an real way of taking scratches out, or is my best bet to get someone to cut me a new one?

The bass is a 1980's Steinberger XM-2, so I won't be able to order a stock replacement part.

Thank you for any suggestions.

Mark

gjbassist · #2 10-06-2011, 08:32 AM

Depending on how deep they are you might be able to buff them out on a buffing wheel. IMO I would just have a new one made. You could probably do it yourself with a sheet of pickguard material using the old cover as a template.

PazzoBasso · #3 10-06-2011, 08:38 AM

These guys have some scratch removers for plastic - I've seen some of their product stocked @ plastic suppliers (companies that sell acrylic, polycarbonate sheet stock etc...)

http://www.novuspolish.com/

Honestly I've never tried any, but it must work somewhat (if only on lightly scarred plastic), the products have been available for years.

If you're thinking of a having a new one made - it might be worth experimenting with a scratch removal product.

TNCreature · #4 10-06-2011, 08:55 AM

Thanks and Thanks!
I think I will make one or get one made and THEN experiment on the old one.
Thanks again,
Mark

Bassamatic · #5 10-06-2011, 08:58 AM

In general - If you can feel the scratch with your fingernail, it cannot be buffed out. (too deep)

Good luck!

TNCreature · #6 10-06-2011, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassamatic

In general - If you can feel the scratch with your fingernail, it cannot be buffed out. (too deep)

Good luck!

My impression as well- but I defer to the experts.
Thanks again!
Mark

Musiclogic · #7 10-06-2011, 09:52 AM

I guess that would depend on how it is approached. You CAN buff out scratched plastic by using a series of wetsanding from 400 or 600(depending on how much material needs to be removed) I have taken 30 yr old pickguards and made them look almost new by just understanding how to remove the damage and polish the plastic. We have to do this as repairmen constantly when we make new pickguards, or are refinishing an older pickguarded instrument. The fingernail test is only valid if the scratch is 1/2 mm deep or more, and the width being that of the fingernail. There are no absolutes, and most plastics can be buffed back to an acceptable appearence if not almost new. It's all about KNOWING what you are doing.

TNCreature · #8 10-06-2011, 11:11 AM

Another great bit of information, and I thank you.
As I am a novice, I think I better play it safe though.
Wish you lived in my town!
Thanks,
Mark

Quote:

Originally Posted by Musiclogic

I guess that would depend on how it is approached. You CAN buff out scratched plastic by using a series of wetsanding from 400 or 600(depending on how much material needs to be removed) I have taken 30 yr old pickguards and made them look almost new by just understanding how to remove the damage and polish the plastic. We have to do this as repairmen constantly when we make new pickguards, or are refinishing an older pickguarded instrument. The fingernail test is only valid if the scratch is 1/2 mm deep or more, and the width being that of the fingernail. There are no absolutes, and most plastics can be buffed back to an acceptable appearence if not almost new. It's all about KNOWING what you are doing.

JASON221 · #9 10-06-2011, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bassamatic

In general - If you can feel the scratch with your fingernail, it cannot be buffed out. (too deep)

Good luck!

That's what i think too

hover · #10 10-06-2011, 12:13 PM

as long as you blend out the area wide enough, you could definitely take out a scratch you could feel with your fingernail. It's all about making sure you don't divot around the repair, in a way that would be obvious when hit right with light or to the touch, or burn through the layer (if it's a multi-lam guard)

Remember, polishing is just making finer and finer scratches.

Musiclogic · #11 10-06-2011, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TNCreature

Another great bit of information, and I thank you.
As I am a novice, I think I better play it safe though.
Wish you lived in my town!
Thanks,
Mark

Which one...Philly or NYC

spent much time in Philly, but actually lived in Murray Hill Manhattan back in the 80's

LexD · #12 10-06-2011, 01:41 PM

In my former life I polished lots of plastic. lots and lots.

Micro Mesh is what you want.

starts at about 1500grit and goes to 4000. a touch of dawn dish soap, warm water, lots of elbow grease and you can make it a mirror.