Buffing/Polishing hasbro plastic?

SG hailstorm · 06-01-2012, 12:04 PM

A simple buffing tool works too, i use them on figures that have matte features

Fragmare · 06-01-2012, 04:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shapercreator14

i use a finger nail polishing emery board. it has three parts, #one for micro sanding, #two for smoothing, and #three for polishing. You can find them at walgreens.

This ^

The ones I usually buy have four sides. #1 is even out (most course), #2 is smooth (less course), #3 is buff (somewhat fine grit) and #4 is shine (finest grit). Most of the time I will ignore the #1 side as #2 is plenty course enough for most sanding of plastic. #3 is where you want to spend most of your time, as it will get rid of the course scratches left over from #1 and #2. #4 will start to give the plastic some nice shine. After you're done with the 4-way nail buffer, take some plain old toothpaste (yes, toothpaste) and a very soft cloth (like the kind used for cleaning eyeglasses) and rub some toothpaste around on it for a while. If it's still not shiny enough, wash all the toothpaste off and get some good ole Turtle Wax car polish (or whatever brand you prefer, really) and take the same cloth and go to town on it. Careful with the car polish, though... if you overdo it, you can actually make the plastic TOO shiny and it won't match with the other plastic on the figure. Hope this helps.

StBrianofMinneapolis · 07-09-2012, 12:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shapercreator14

i use a finger nail polishing emery board. it has three parts, #one for micro sanding, #two for smoothing, and #three for polishing. You can find them at walgreens.

Quote:

Originally Posted by reluttr

Seconded, this is the way I smooth out plastic.

Wet sanding with a really fine grit sandpaper also works.

If your really wanna make it shine, then get some of that polishing paste for automotive headlights and other plastics and use it after the wet sanding.

Quote:

Originally Posted by MegaMoonMan

This is exactly what I do.

The 1,2,3,4 nail tool worked great. You guys have really worked your way through a lot of customizing tactics. I do have one more similar request.

Every Junkheap torso has a really stubborn yellow paint on the "diamond" shape on the chest. This stuff remains even after days in 91% Alcohol and some strong testors thinner. I try scrapping it delicately with a sculpting knife but it is a bitch.

I should also mention that the multifaceted surface of the diamond shape on the chest makes this really hard to sand or file off all of the yellow paint.

Any idea on what would strip this off without all the hassle?