Flame Polishing attempt

Steverd

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These are photos from my first and second attempt at flame polishing.

I had extra plastics, and sanded them to scratch them.
Polished with Novus 2 and then fired up the: BernzOmatic Butane Small Micro Torch. I tried different settings, 1-2-3. and different distances.
Instead of removing the small scratched I think I just boiled the plastic.

Is my torch too hot? Too close? etc, etc, etc..

Steve
 

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I've never done this, but I've done a lot of similar type work. First of all, you can go higher and higher in terms of grit of sandpaper going up to 2000, which I've used to remove scratches from automotive paint. After going that high, you revert to just polish.

In terms of heating plastic, it varies with the type of plastic. We have to use flames a lot for dental appliances. The key is never to leave the heat in 1 spot for too long...or you'll get bubbling like you did. You move it back and forth over the specific area a few seconds at a time, let it sit and cool for 5-10 seconds, and do it again. Eventually, you'll get the feel for the amount of time and heat it can take before it bubbles. Never let the direct cone of the flame touch the plastic, no matter what "setting" you're on. I've never used it to try to remove scratches from these type of plastics. I would imagine it's best to just remove the haze of the finest scratches that are left over after saning with 1500 or 2000 grit sandpaper. I wouldn't try it for anything deeper. Best of luck.
 
well atleast you tried on spare plastic and not real ramps. I didnt do this by the way but it did take me a few months to find some replacements. I still dont know why someone would keep trying after they mess up on one ramp.
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well atleast you tried on spare plastic and not real ramps. I didnt do this by the way but it did take me a few months to find some replacements. I still dont know why someone would keep trying after they mess up on one ramp.
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Holy crap!!!!! WOW!

To the OP, too much heat. Heat it just a bit and keep the flame moving at all times. If it doesn't immediately become clear remove the heat and let it cool back down and then hit it again.

Light scratches and haze will disappear with flame polishing. Deep gouges or scratches are usually not fixable.
 
you dont want too much oxidation(too much gas) with the flame which might leave a glaze on the plastic and you dont want it too hot where the plastic melts or leaves bubbles either

seems like you want to melt the surface and not the inside. something real hot to melt the surface but moves fast so the inside doesnt off-gas

try scrap plastic first
 
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The bubbling in your photo is from you getting the plastic too hot, more than likely from having the flame too close or leaving it in one area for too long.
 
I've done this many times...

I use a heat gun and you need to hold it at a certain angle so you can watch the plastic change, or the scratches disapear and move on. The angle depends on the light in the room.

That's the key!

And right, the bubbles means it got too hot and destroyed the plastic.
 
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