Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Croatia (mainland)
Czech Republic
Denmark (mainland)
Estonia
Finland
France (mainland)
Germany (mainland)
Greece (mainland)
Hungary
Irland
Italy (mainland)
Latvia
Liechtenstein
Lituania
Luxemburg
Netherlands (mainland)
Norway
Poland
Portugal (mainland)
Slovakia
Slovenia
Spain (mainland)
Sweden
Switzerland
United Kingdom
When surfaces are exposed to everyday wear
Transparent surfaces can be subjected to wear during various activities:
- cleaning and care
- mechanical stress
- transport and installation
- contact with objects or tools
- indoor and outdoor use
Before any treatment, check whether the damage consists only of superficial signs of wear or involves more extensive damage. This distinction is essential when choosing the appropriate approach.
When surface reconditioning may be an option
Reconditioning is only an option if the specific PLEXIGLAS® grade and its surface finish are suitable for the intended process. The relevant product information and processing instructions must be followed.
In particular, the following points should be clarified beforehand:
- Which PLEXIGLAS® grade is involved?
- Is the surface to be treated uncoated?
- Are the scratches minor and confined to the surface?
- Is the process intended for this particular surface?
Coated, textured or functional surfaces are excluded from the reconditioning options described here unless the manufacturer expressly permits the treatment for the specific product.
Possible processes and their limitations
On suitable uncoated surfaces, minor scratches may be reduced or removed by polishing or by sanding followed by polishing. The choice of process depends on the manufacturer's instructions and the nature of the damage.
Please note:
- Sanding and polishing alter the treated surface.
- Material removal may cause visible differences.
- Complete restoration of the original appearance is not guaranteed.
- Cracks, fractures or functional damage are outside the scope of this surface reconditioning.
An improvement in appearance alone does not demonstrate that the component still meets its technical requirements.
Reconditioning or replacement: a case-by-case decision
Whether a component can continue to be used after surface reconditioning must be assessed based on its condition and the requirements of the application.
Replacement may be necessary, particularly if:
- cracks, fractures or other damage compromise safe use
- the required function can no longer be assured
- a coating or functional surface is damaged and no suitable reconditioning process is specified
- the result does not meet the necessary optical or technical requirements
The possibility of surface reconditioning does not support general claims about service life, cost savings or environmental benefits.
For which applications may an assessment be useful?
Assessing the possibility of reconditioning may be useful, for example, where superficial signs of wear occur in the following applications:
- displays and presentation surfaces
- furniture and interior fit-out components
- shopfitting and exhibition stand components
- suitable DIY and hobby projects
Machine covers, protective glazing and other safety-critical components require a professional assessment before treatment. Requirements relating to protective function, dimensions and installation conditions must be taken into account.
Requirements at a glance
- a PLEXIGLAS® grade suitable for the process
- an uncoated surface or explicit manufacturer approval
- damage suitable for surface reconditioning
- compliance with the current processing instructions
- suitable tools and correct execution
- inspection of the result before further use
Guidance on carrying out the work
This overview does not replace processing instructions. Before starting, follow the product-specific manufacturer's instructions and the safety instructions for tools and processing materials.
- Clearly identify the specific grade and surface finish.
- Use only suitable sanding and polishing materials.
- Secure the component as specified in the instructions.
- Avoid excessive pressure and heat build-up.
- Follow the requirements for wet sanding and personal protective equipment.
If suitable tools, experience or clear product information are lacking, a specialist should assess whether treatment is possible. Not every process is suitable for users to carry out themselves.
Conclusion
On selected uncoated PLEXIGLAS® grades, reconditioning minor surface scratches may be possible. This requires suitable damage and treatment in accordance with the applicable manufacturer's instructions.
Whether the result is sufficient for continued use depends on the specific component and its application. This does not guarantee general repairability or any specific extension of service life.
Before treatment, check the product data sheet, the surface finish and the appropriate processing instructions. Damage that is unclear or relevant to safety requires a professional assessment; the component may need to be replaced.