Plexiglas Restoration

1. Determin depth of scratches.
        This can only be done empirically.
        Get an orbital or palm sander, and various grades of sandpaper, #s 80,150,
220, 400, and possibly 600.
        For grades 220 and above, use wet/dry silicon carbide paper, and spray the
surface with water while sanding.
        Use a dust mask.
        Start with a finer grade and sand until the scratches are removed.
        If they don't come out, revert to a coarser grade.

2. Continue to sand with progressively higher grades.
        Stop sanding when the surface is evenly covered with tiny, circular "orbital
sander marks."

3. Once sanding has been completed, buff with a rotating buffer attached to an
electric drill.
        Apply jeweler's rouge.

4. Some Plexiglas cleaner-polish may help when finished.

5. The surface will not have the fresh-from-the-factory look of a new vitrine,
but will be clean and clear.

6. Alternately, purchase a new one. Consider the cost of restoration time
versus new construction. Dust, noise, clean-up time, cost of supplies and
equipment, space, and labor should enter into your considerations.

David Formanek
Cyrus E. Dallin Art Museum
Arlington MA 02476