What plastic is this?

Homervanderjazz · 2 Jan 2017

Hi,

Anyone know what kind of plastic this is? Is it acrylic? Needs some tlc but I have been advised if it is polycarbonate there is no chance to repair it. Thanks for any input. The white marks are not the scratches, this is residue from something which was stuck to it. It's the cloudy area which is the scratches.

jj4091 · 2 Jan 2017

Either perspex or acrylic, I don't think it is polycarb. although there is not a lot of difference between any of them.

Burnerman · 2 Jan 2017

It's a difficult one....Perspex is acrylic which is shinier but much more brittle than polycarbonate which in itself is inherently flexible.
If you try polishing the edges with a mild abrasive, the acrylic will polish clear - the polycarbonate may have a slight yellowing looking edge on.
Be very careful if you go near with any solvents, in either case!
It's only a guess but the material isn't very thick.....if it was to smash the acrylic would leave a sharp jagged edge. Therefore, polycarbonate would be the safest material to use here.
John

foxhole · 2 Jan 2017

Will be Perspex, no use a display being flexible.

Burnerman · 2 Jan 2017

6mm polycarbonate or similar won't be flexible to any degree but it will be safer if it gets broken.
John

Trazor · 2 Jan 2017

Burnerman said:
6mm polycarbonate or similar won't be flexible to any degree but it will be safer if it gets broken.
John

At at least twice the price, shop displays are not made from polycarbonate.

Almost certainly perspex

freddiemercurystwin · 2 Jan 2017

It's irrelevant, you won't be able to repair whatever it is.

Homervanderjazz · 2 Jan 2017

freddiemercurystwin said:
It's irrelevant, you won't be able to repair whatever it is.

Acrylic/Perspex can be easily repaired my friend. There are a lot of videos on YouTube showing how. Polycarbonate can't be repaired. In any case thanks for all the replies folks. I shall give it a bash on the edges first and see how I get on. Will update once done.

johny5ive · 2 Jan 2017

what needs repairing? just the scratches? if so use brasso it brings acrylic up a treat unless the scratches are deep.

Burnerman · 2 Jan 2017

For sure, acrylic can be repaired and polished.....a very fine wet and dry paper works well, ( used wet) followed by a Tensol polish - they also do adhesives if required.
Polycarbonate is more of a problem and scratches very readily.
John

Homervanderjazz · 2 Jan 2017

johny5ive said:
what needs repairing? just the scratches? if so use brasso it brings acrylic up a treat unless the scratches are deep.

Yeh just the scratches- will give the Brasso a try first thanks.

Homervanderjazz · 2 Jan 2017

Burnerman said:
For sure, acrylic can be repaired and polished.....a very fine wet and dry paper works well, ( used wet) followed by a Tensol polish - they also do adhesives if required.
Polycarbonate is more of a problem and scratches very readily.
John

Thanks- will give this a try after the Brasso

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What plastic is this?

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