how do you polish cpo?

vader1979

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Got an original DK cpo that i want to restore. I used the sand and novus for removing smoke burns...just want to know if you also polish the plastic? if yes what do you use? I dont have a buffer or anything...so would all need to be by hand....how to do it?? Thanks
 
Got an original DK cpo that i want to restore. I used the sand and novus for removing smoke burns...just want to know if you also polish the plastic? if yes what do you use? I dont have a buffer or anything...so would all need to be by hand....how to do it?? Thanks

I'm getting ready to start this process also. Post before and after pictures!

To answer your question, I've heard Novus 2 and rubbing compound mentioned. Haven't tried it yet myself.
 
I've heard in extreme cases you can use 100 grit sandpaper with an orbital sander then step it up to 150, 200, then 300 grit, I've got a few things in tough shape that might get that last-resort treatment.
 
I use a soft cheap toothbrush, some Armor All, Windex and some FW1 Racing Formula Wash & Wax. I use FW1 on everything but any vinyl art.

I first mask off the buttons (if the machine is assembled), spray on Windex and wipe off with a microfiber cloth and repeat until all the dirt's gone.
Then I apply a bit of Armor All (optional) and spread it evenly to give it a bit of a shine.
And then I evenly cover the CP with some Fw1 Racing Formula and immediately wipe most off with a terry cloth towel, wait 5-15 seconds until it begins to haze, and wipe it all off with a microfiber towel.

Warning: Do not use FW1 on Vinyl!!! It will smudge and lose color!
 
I already wet sanded with 600 grit and got smoke burns off...used novus 2...applied...and wiped off three times...but entire cpo still has that haze to it....think car wax would brighten it up? Also other than burns..it has a small 1.5" crack on bottom right from someone tightening bolt too hard. How badly does this affect value?
 
I already wet sanded with 600 grit and got smoke burns off...used novus 2...applied...and wiped off three times...but entire cpo still has that haze to it....think car wax would brighten it up? Also other than burns..it has a small 1.5" crack on bottom right from someone tightening bolt too hard. How badly does this affect value?

Can't speak to value, but what I've read, people recommend stepping up past 600 to 1000, 1500, 2000. Then buff. And check out SpartyMAC's thread. It's great.
 
Yes, use my tip. I actually believe it's plexiglass.
Value change just depends on how great of condition the buyer wants it.
 
Youre not going to get the shine/clarity you want by hand. You will likely have to go to 1500 grit paper or even 2000 to get the heavy marks from 600 out. I try to never touch plexi with anything under 1000 grit, but if you have something deep dont go below 600...too hard to get out. You can then use automotive micro compound to polish it out with a buffer. Dont get it too hot or you will burn the plastic. Also make sure you have the rotation of the pad roll off the edge rather than towards it. You will catch the edge, prolly burn it and end up hurting yourself or flinging the piece acccross the room...ask me how I know.... :)

Ive polished/repaired MANY marquees, cp's & bezels using the above described method....
 
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I have went to both lowes and menards....and neither have paper above 1000 grit. So I am at a standstill right now till I can find some
 
If you want to remove scratches, sandpaper. If you want to polish, use what I reccomended and sandpaper if you like.
 
After sanding with 1500, 2000 grit or whatever leaves you with a smooth finish I shine it up with rubbing compound (bought at auto parts store). Have done this both by hand and with a buffer and both work fine. Have even sold a few refurbished plexi pieces like this with no complaints whatsoever.
 
Your welcome. Use the technique I wrote on page one and itshould look great. I use it all the time and it's great.
 
I use my car headlight restoration kit from 3M all the time. It is amazing. Comes with drill attachments. I have taken a 30 year old plexi monitor bezel that was yellow and made it look brand new. It is amazing. I find only the 3M is the best. Just throwing that out there if you do alot of restos. All my marquees get the treatment, sometimes i cant believe its 30 years old.
 
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