Fixing scratches on psa case

jay0791

In the past it has been mentioned of a product to help "take out" scratches on psa cases?

If they are to deep in plastic what do you guys use?

1951WheatiesPremium

I have been told WD-40 can work well to hide scratches but I can’t say I have tried it.

PaulMaul

If the scratches are deep there probably isn’t much you can do. The Meguiars will still make it look better but the scratches will likely still be visible.

nebish

If you have a less valuable and less desirable graded card case I would experiment...perhaps even creating a scratch on the back maybe and then try products to look for improvement. I know that there is a polish for plastic windows like on Jeep tops (called Novus) that can remove scuffs and reduce scratches. Just know that it could help, or it could hurt while you try and find the fix. Some products may make the plastic cloudy.

coinspacks

Coin guys like this

http://www.slabrenew.com/home.html

DBesse27

Any remedies mentioned work for some scratches, but the deep ones won’t come out.

miwlvrn

@nebish said:
If you have a less valuable and less desirable graded card case I would experiment...perhaps even creating a scratch on the back maybe and then try products to look for improvement. I know that there is a polish for plastic windows like on Jeep tops (called Novus) that can remove scuffs and reduce scratches. Just know that it could help, or it could hurt while you try and find the fix. Some products may make the plastic cloudy.

Agreed. Try some of the automotive remedies recommended for headlights scratches.

CW

I have not used this stuff, but it was discussed on these forums back in the day. Novus 2 will work on most scratches, while 3 would be for the deep stuff. Some folks here may have used this and can give some tips on how to use it.

https://www.amazon.com/NOVUS-7136-Plastic-Polish-Kit/dp/B002UD0GIG/ref=sr_1_2?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1502345864&sr=1-2&keywords=novus+plastic+polish

dictoresno1

I've used Meguiars Plast-X to buff out all the scratches in my PSA cases that needed it.

before and after

jay0791

Thank you gentleman.
I ordered online the Novus 1,2,3 formulas (not available locally)
and will buy locally the Meguire's X2.0

I will let you all know what results I get

CW

@jay0791 said:
Thank you gentleman.
I ordered online the Novus 1,2,3 formulas (not available locally)
and will buy locally the Meguire's X2.0

I will let you all know what results I get

Cool. I would recommend trying these products on a case that you don't really care about first, just to make sure it doesn't make matter worse (at least with the Novus that I posted about). Just a thought.

Here's an old thread where Mike mentions the same product:

https://forums.collectors.com/discussion/comment/11963261#Comment_11963261

dictoresno1

the Meguiars has no effect on the cases, as its meant to be used on plastic headlight lenses. Ive done a few cases and all of them have turned out perfect. Plast-X is a micro abrasive and has a lot of cut when it comes to scuffs and scratches on plastic.

here's two other deep scratches I took out with just some finger buffing with a micro fiber cloth and Plastic-X.

jay0791

In most times like the Jeter PSA case above I can get the mark off by simply rubbing with a soft cloth.
Meguire's will probably help that.

There is a product out there that actually fills in the case scratch. That changes reflectivity and "erases" the scratch. I think it is autobody related..

Ill try the 2 products.

jay0791

As promised here are the results

Novus 1,2,3 The 2 works ok but the Meguire's works slightly better. Overall it would be cheaper.
The Novus 1 is basically a liquid cleaner. Works ok but a clean clothe works about the same.
The Novus 3 was about the same as Meguire's.
The scratches were deep and in the end I was able to help 90% but still you can see them. I knew that before I started.

You can get out most light scratches. The Novus 1 does clean up case and put a nice little shine to it.

Vagabond

I just wanted to give this a bump. I just received an expensive card in the mail and the case was scratched up. Went out and purchased Meguiars Plast-X and it actually worked really good. So happy I came across this thread. Two thumbs up. Saved me $37 on reholdering ($8 + insurance included)

The_Departed

I use NOVUS 3 stage scratch remover with a Dremel buffing wheel. Designate 1 wheel to each stage and NEVER spray the clean & shine directly on the holder, only lightly dampen the wheel. Scuffs and light scratches disappear fast and the holder looks great when done, then afterwards, put it in a graded card sleeve.

Oh, just wanted to add, use the lowest speed setting possible! Carry on.

jay0791

Glad this helped somebody.
We all have had this problem.

Considering reholder, time and shipping...
all the product here are a good choice.

The Departed has an added bonus with the buffing wheels.
As he stated it is important to use a separate wheel per compound as any remaining more course particles could continue to scratch up the surface as you try to polish. Think of it as sandpaper.

dfr52

@Vagabond said:
I just wanted to give this a bump. I just received an expensive card in the mail and the case was scratched up. Went out and purchased Meguiars Plast-X and it actually worked really good. So happy I came across this thread. Two thumbs up. Saved me $37 on reholdering ($8 + insurance included)

It works really well, especially if you want to save money. The only downside is that it can be a time investment to remove more severe scratches.

MikeyP

Great topic. Thanks for the information.

80sForever

Anyone ever consider using like the edge of a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser (like very gently and lightly) for scratches on a PSA case?

Seriously, the Magic Eraser does wonders every time I use it. The active ingredient in it is melamine foam. I'm not sure if that poses a greater risk to the case than the active ingredients in Meguiars.

I'll probably just play it safe and spring for some Meguiars as any card case I'd be cleaning isn't one with which to experiment.

NGS428

For those of you that have used Meguiars Plast-X are you applying it with a microfiber cloth?

PaulMaul

@NGS428 said:
For those of you that have used Meguiars Plast-X are you applying it with a microfiber cloth?

I apply it with a circular microfiber applicator pad and wipe it off with the microfiber cloth.

dictoresno

@NGS428 said:
For those of you that have used Meguiars Plast-X are you applying it with a microfiber cloth?

a cloth works jus fine. in fact, the PlastX kit comes with an orange cloth, fine sanding pads and a bottle of PlastX.

NGS428

@dictoresno said:

@NGS428 said:
For those of you that have used Meguiars Plast-X are you applying it with a microfiber cloth?

a cloth works jus fine. in fact, the PlastX kit comes with an orange cloth, fine sanding pads and a bottle of PlastX.

I was looking at just the bottle.
Meguiar's G12310 PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner & Polish, 10 Fluid Ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000AY3SR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_496uFb88THSKV

You must be referring to the kit...
Meguiar's Basic Headlight Restoration Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M35VXJ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fc7uFbY7GTMTF

dictoresno

@NGS428 said:

@dictoresno said:

@NGS428 said:
For those of you that have used Meguiars Plast-X are you applying it with a microfiber cloth?

a cloth works jus fine. in fact, the PlastX kit comes with an orange cloth, fine sanding pads and a bottle of PlastX.

I was looking at just the bottle.
Meguiar's G12310 PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner & Polish, 10 Fluid Ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000AY3SR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_496uFb88THSKV

You must be referring to the kit...
Meguiar's Basic Headlight Restoration Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M35VXJ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fc7uFbY7GTMTF

correct, I got the kit. the sandpaper pads came in handy on extremely deep scratches.

NGS428

@dictoresno said:

@NGS428 said:

@dictoresno said:

@NGS428 said:
For those of you that have used Meguiars Plast-X are you applying it with a microfiber cloth?

a cloth works jus fine. in fact, the PlastX kit comes with an orange cloth, fine sanding pads and a bottle of PlastX.

I was looking at just the bottle.
Meguiar's G12310 PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner & Polish, 10 Fluid Ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000AY3SR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_496uFb88THSKV

You must be referring to the kit...
Meguiar's Basic Headlight Restoration Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M35VXJ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fc7uFbY7GTMTF

correct, I got the kit. the sandpaper pads came in handy on extremely deep scratches.

I purchased the kit and tried it on some slabs today. Worked pretty well. Thanks for the recommendation. I added the use of this to my scanning guide.

dictoresno

@NGS428 said:

@dictoresno said:

@NGS428 said:

@dictoresno said:

@NGS428 said:
For those of you that have used Meguiars Plast-X are you applying it with a microfiber cloth?

a cloth works jus fine. in fact, the PlastX kit comes with an orange cloth, fine sanding pads and a bottle of PlastX.

I was looking at just the bottle.
Meguiar's G12310 PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner & Polish, 10 Fluid Ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000AY3SR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_496uFb88THSKV

You must be referring to the kit...
Meguiar's Basic Headlight Restoration Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M35VXJ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fc7uFbY7GTMTF

correct, I got the kit. the sandpaper pads came in handy on extremely deep scratches.

I purchased the kit and tried it on some slabs today. Worked pretty well. Thanks for the recommendation. I added the use of this to my scanning guide.

awesome! yea ive only used the sanding pads once, as they are aggressive. however I have a slab that has a knife scratch down it and the pads helped a little but its too deep.

NGS428

@dictoresno said:

@NGS428 said:

@dictoresno said:

@NGS428 said:

@dictoresno said:

@NGS428 said:
For those of you that have used Meguiars Plast-X are you applying it with a microfiber cloth?

a cloth works jus fine. in fact, the PlastX kit comes with an orange cloth, fine sanding pads and a bottle of PlastX.

I was looking at just the bottle.
Meguiar's G12310 PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner & Polish, 10 Fluid Ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000AY3SR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_496uFb88THSKV

You must be referring to the kit...
Meguiar's Basic Headlight Restoration Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M35VXJ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fc7uFbY7GTMTF

correct, I got the kit. the sandpaper pads came in handy on extremely deep scratches.

I purchased the kit and tried it on some slabs today. Worked pretty well. Thanks for the recommendation. I added the use of this to my scanning guide.

awesome! yea ive only used the sanding pads once, as they are aggressive. however I have a slab that has a knife scratch down it and the pads helped a little but its too deep.

Yeah, the pads seemed a bit aggressive. The
paste was actually less aggressive than I thought it would be, but once you get the hang of it it works well. Most people would probably be fine with only the microfiber towel and the PlastX.

dictoresno

@NGS428 said:

@dictoresno said:

@NGS428 said:

@dictoresno said:

@NGS428 said:

@dictoresno said:

@NGS428 said:
For those of you that have used Meguiars Plast-X are you applying it with a microfiber cloth?

a cloth works jus fine. in fact, the PlastX kit comes with an orange cloth, fine sanding pads and a bottle of PlastX.

I was looking at just the bottle.
Meguiar's G12310 PlastX Clear Plastic Cleaner & Polish, 10 Fluid Ounces https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0000AY3SR/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_496uFb88THSKV

You must be referring to the kit...
Meguiar's Basic Headlight Restoration Kit https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01M35VXJ8/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_fc7uFbY7GTMTF

correct, I got the kit. the sandpaper pads came in handy on extremely deep scratches.

I purchased the kit and tried it on some slabs today. Worked pretty well. Thanks for the recommendation. I added the use of this to my scanning guide.

awesome! yea ive only used the sanding pads once, as they are aggressive. however I have a slab that has a knife scratch down it and the pads helped a little but its too deep.

Yeah, the pads seemed a bit aggressive. The
paste was actually less aggressive than I thought it would be, but once you get the hang of it it works well. Most people would probably be fine with only the microfiber towel and the PlastX.

theres no need for the pads under normal circumstances. PlastX is gritty enough as it is...sometimes even too gritty. sometimes I finish it off with Meguiars 205 as a semi finishing polish to smooth out the plastx if it leaves a slight cloudy look.

voxels123

This is very helpful. thank you all!

voxels123

the problem is - on one of my PSA cases, the faint, almost imperceptible scratches are on the INSIDE of the case.......

aaaaargh!!