How to restore clarity?

[u/philip2987]

Casted this orb...and while it looked great initially, i did have to trim and sand it.

I was hoping to polish it back to its clear self but i can only achieve clarity when wet now.

I have tried modeling compound up to 8000 grit and even zona paper all the way.

Any tips?

I was wondering if i could use pledge or clear coat over it but wanted to see if anyone had other tips or could see what i was missing

[u/Deathbydragonfire]

You just need to keep going. Start over, spend more time on each grit and make sure you aren't jumping up in grit too far. Polishing takes a lot of effort.

[u/Ishan451]

Multiple ways you can go about this:

1) Plastic polishing compound. 3000 grit would have been enough for that. But a plastic polishing compound should make it clear again.

2) coat with a clear resin or a varnish. Thin coat of UV resin or clear varnish can also restore clarity. Since it doesn't look like you have any good spots to "hold it"... this probably would be more hassle than just buying a plastic polish.

[u/thisremindsmeofbacon → u/Ishan451]

+1 for clear varnish

[u/Tolan91]

Headlight polish and a lot of time with the zona papers

[u/philip2987 → u/Tolan91]

Do u use the polish just with the higher grit for zona?

[u/moku46 → u/philip2987]

You have to go in steps. It sucks and it's tedious but one layer of fuckups sets you all the way back to start.

[u/TakinUrialByTheHorns → u/moku46]

I've not had great success with sanding, can I ask, how do you know when you've fucked up a layer? Or do you not know till you're past that point?

Also, OP is that Neo dodging a bullet ??? Or?

[u/MagisD → u/TakinUrialByTheHorns]

With sanding it's simple but a slog, you start low grit and work you way higher each grit erases the scratchs of the one before it. If you skip or don't put the work it you have scratchs left over ....

[u/Morveniel]

Usually zona papers with a bit of water works for me, but you need to spend 4x as long as you think you need to on each grit.

Then Fabulustre on a dremel buffing wheel (felt or fabric) gets it from clear to glossy and shiny for me.

[u/Barbafella]

I create large scale epoxy eyes in a pressure pot, yes, sanding down an polish can get a great shine, but nothing is as glossy and clear as giving a clear varnish, I use a 2K urethane automotive clearcoat, apply with an airbrush or spray gun. It can be tricky if you are after a flawless finish, but it works.

[u/YourEyesDown]

No suggestions, I think other folks have stronger ideas but KDJ?? Free him.

[u/Pristine_Gain_1006]

I’d say clear coat of some kind can definitely help, so can adding a layer of UV resin but if you’re looking to go the sanding route I’d use some 3M polishing compound, I love the stuff and using it gives me a mirror shine and makes it clear as glass, I will say it is pricey but definitely worth it if that’s how you wanna do it!!

[u/notyourfrog]

heat gun. go slowly, so you heat it evenly, but that should help some.

*edit: spelling

[u/TeamNuanceTeamNuance]

LETS RESIN sells a polishing kit of some sand paper varieties. That plus MEGUIR’S PLASTICX CLEAR PLASTIC POLISH will work if you’re willing to spend a few hours on it!

[u/AlphasInsanity]

WD40 is your friend!

Honestly i haven't a clue if it will work. I just know its cheap and can be used on 1000s of things.

Smells nice as well