Question about removing scratches from slabs

CoinAddict · November 24, 2003 9:16AM

I was asking my uncle what he thought would be a good product to remove scratches from slabs. He said that Rainx might be a good product to try. I want a few other people's opinions. I recently buy two coins that that have really distracting scratches on the slabs so I need to figure out a way to make them less visible to the eye. All of your help in this matter is appreciated. Thanks.

Kyle

LucyBop · November 24, 2003 9:21AM

http://forums.collectors.com/messageview.cfm?catid=7&threadid=231716&highlight_key=y

XpipedreamR · November 24, 2003 9:22AM

I've started using this stuff called Novus #2, and I've been quite pleased with it. It was an impulse purchase in the checkout aisle of The Container Store, and I'm glad I tried it. You can get it off of various websites.

Pushkin · November 24, 2003 9:33AM

<< I've started using this stuff called Novus #2 >>

Novius comes in three different formulations: 1, 2, and 3. Number 3 is a "heavy" scratch remover and 2 a "light" scratch remover. No 1 is a "cleaner and polisher". I used Novius for quite a while with good results, but usually had to use No. 3 followed by No. 2. There is also a product made in Germany called Displex that is used primarily to remove scratches from the displays of cell phones, etc. It is very expensive, and there are some other products that work fairly well.

After much experimentation, I developed SCRATCH AWAY that I believe works exceptionally well and doesn't require a number of different "numbers" like Novius does, and is a lot less expensive than Displex. SCRATCH AWAY includes a formulation that uses, among other things, the material that opticians and optomotrists sometime use to remove scratches from plastic lenses.

Thank you for your attention.

What Forum Members say about SCRATCH AWAY

Newmismatist · November 24, 2003 10:29AM

Here's some info that I had previously posted re cleaning those pesky scratches.

Here's something that will "remove" scratches (along with a bit of elbow grease):

Products to clean plastic slabs:

1st: Meguiar’s Clear Plastic Cleaner (No. 17) 8oz @ $7.99 (Product #1708) (removes the scratches)

2nd: Meguiar’s Clear Plastic Polish (No. 10) 8oz @ $7.99 (Product #1008) (Polishes the plastic so that it's "optically" clear)

These'll clean a lot of plastic slabs, BUT you gotta work at it - (maybe something to do while watching TV!)

Here's a link to a previous thread re cleaning slab scratches

Hope this helps

slothman2000 · November 26, 2003 2:34AM

I work in the airline industry as a maintenance technician. We use this stuff called MicroMesh for taking scatches out of passenger windows. It is a series of graded abrasive paper that you start with a lower grade (like 800 grit) and work your way up to a higher grade (4800 grit). This product does a fine job on my cheap Timex watch that always seems to be getting scratched.

pontiacinf · November 26, 2003 2:39AM

i tryed Meguiar’s and after a while it turns the slabs cloudy and yellowish

pontiacinf · November 26, 2003 2:40AM

lucy, as always and however hit it right on da head

Pushkin · November 26, 2003 2:50AM

<< i tryed Meguiar’s and after a while it turns the slabs cloudy and yellowish >>

Meguiar's is dangerous for slabs. I wouldn't use it.

If you want cheap, go with Novius, but get No. 3 and No. 2.

If you want to spend really BIG bucks - try Displex (at your own risk).

If you want something that works without having to use multiple products and that is easy and convenient - SCRATCH AWAY

SCRATCH AWAY - SEE WHAT FORUM MEMBERS SAY

gemtone65 · November 26, 2003 2:54AM

Regardless of what chemical you use, presumably you'll need to rub it into the plastic. I've tried to get the price stickers off some slabs by wetting and then rubbing with a soft tissue, but that left unsightly hairlines on the plastic. This was the case even when using the softest tissue paper. So, my question is, what is the best way to apply the liquid without adding further damage to the plastic?

FinallyHere · November 26, 2003 2:58AM

CoinAddict,

For many years, I've used a product that is cheap and VERY effective called Brasso for removing scratches from slabs. As for removing residual sticker glue left behind from dealer stickers.....where would we be without stickers!!!!!!....I use WD40. It works great and will NOT harm the slab in any way.

Hope that helps.

Mike Printz

Pushkin · November 26, 2003 3:01AM

If you are trying to get "sticker goo" off, I've found that sticky stuff removes sticky stuff best. I take some real heavy duty clear plastic packaging tape and apply part of the sticky side to the "sticker goo" and then slowly pull off the tape and the goo usually adheres the tape. You may have to do this several times. This method also works well for getting the remains of those price tags off plastic items.

What Forum Members say about SCRATCH AWAY

Pushkin · November 26, 2003 3:02AM

<< VERY effective called Brasso for removing scratches >>

Yes, Brasso is also great for removing luster and natural patina from coins.

What Forum Members say about SCRATCH AWAY

FinallyHere · November 26, 2003 3:09AM

Pushkin,

I just kind of assumed most would understand I meant using Brasso for removing scratches from SLABS.....NOT the actual coin......

Mike

CoinAddict · November 26, 2003 3:11AM

I gave in and ordered some of Pushkin's Scratch-Away. It was a little more expensive then other prducts but I did not want to get anything that could be harmful to my precious coins. I will let everyone know the results after I have tried it.

Orion · November 26, 2003 3:19AM

I was reading an article on model plane building awhile back, and believe it or not, the guy used sandpaper to finish the clear plastic canopy of the plane. After the first go over with the sandpaper the plastic was complete obscure, as you might well imagine. But then he used finer and finer sandpaper until he had an absolutely clear plastic finish - no scratches at all. I'll have to see if I can find the article and pass on the procedure. Of course, I'd try this method out on some scrape plastic first! :0)

Pushkin · November 26, 2003 3:26AM

Orion is correct. Finer and finer abrasion paper will usually work well. In the end you should use a paste - which is really a very mild abrasive material in a liquid. If you have deep scratches or cuts, sand (abrasive) paper or jeweler's rouge and a buffing wheel are about your only choices. Anaconda posted a good thread on using jewelers rouge and a wheel months ago.

What Forum Members say about SCRATCH AWAY

DAM · November 26, 2003 3:29AM

<< As for removing residual sticker glue left behind from dealer stickers.....where would we be without stickers!!!!!!....I use WD40. >>

Goo Gone works very well for removing sticker residue.

FinallyHere · November 26, 2003 3:33AM

Danny Boy,

WD40 you will find is cheaper than goo gone which I believe comes in a fairly small bottle or can? And you can fix all those squeeks as well which you can't do with goo gone.....

Mike

Orion · November 26, 2003 3:36AM

Here's the link for the sanding technique:

http://hem.bredband.net/thomaskolb/art/models/sand_e.htm

I might even try this on a few of my own slabs that have scratches. I'm going to practice first, though.

Pushkin · November 26, 2003 3:37AM

<< WD40 >>

WD40 also brings out the luster and shine on coins. Oops, there I go again.

- Hope no one is taking this seriously.

Everybody should have a can of WD40 in their house.

What Forum Members say about SCRATCH AWAY

DAM · November 26, 2003 5:10AM

Hey Mikie!

If I didn't already have goo gone, a gift from my mother

, I don't think I would have bought it. Although it does work very well.

slothman2000 · November 27, 2003 12:50AM

Here's a thread for the MicroMesh.
http://www.sisweb.com/micromesh/

PTVETTER · November 27, 2003 12:56AM

I use brasso anc wd40 myself and automotive wax also works but not as well as the brasso.

I havent used the scratch be gone so I can't say but other seem to like it so give it try and let us all know

hamiltonjh · November 27, 2003 1:36AM

All these are interesting ideas. When using Brasso, what do you use to apply it and wipe it off with? Cotton ball? Old T-shirt? Tissue?

smprfi · November 27, 2003 7:01PM

GS-27 scratch remover.It works great and I've had no discoloration on my slabs.

ANACONDA · December 9, 2003 10:23PM

At one time i was using Novus and then later Brasso. I was using my hands to rub out the slab's blemishes. After a few months of that, my right hand and arm started hurting pretty bad.

I then went out and bought a bench grinder, took the "stone" wheels off and mounted two fabric buffing wheels.

I experimented. The final solution is to use the red jeweller's rouge stick that they sell near the grinders and apply that to the fabric wheels. It's kinda waxy and it basically melts onto the spinning wheel after you hold it there for about a second or so.

Then, after you do that, you put a little brasso on the slab over the coin and then you re-do the buffing.

It basically takes out all the scratches and hairlines. I have shipped coins and have been asked "do you have your coins re-holdered before you ship them?"

Caution: Do not attempt to do this for the first time on a mint state Bust Dollar. Remember, you have a wheel with abrasive on it spinning at several thousand RPM about 1/16th of an inch away from the coin's surfaces. Makes your butt pucker just a wee bit, eh?

Having said that, i have ruined two slabs but i've never damaged a single coin. Never had a slab explode or crack. I've taken the scratches out of hundreds and hundreds of slabs.

About the worse thing that happens is that you hold the slab there just a wee bit too long and the surface of the plactic starts to melt and ripple. You can almost always satisfactorily repair the rippling.

I have had a few interesting moments when the slab slips out of my hands and into the mechanism of the spinning wheels but so far, no damage has occurred.

The system also works as an industrial strength CD and DVD cleaner. When you put your fingers on the opposite side of the CD or DVD, you can feel the incredible heat generated by the friction.

I do keep the machine unplugged as i've taken all the safety guards off them (i have two, one at my office and one at home) and don't want to come home hearing "Daddy, daddy, please turn the bad machine off!" You, know, being a personal injury lawyer and all, it's my nature to reduce risks.

adrian

cointagious · December 9, 2003 10:49PM

also recommending a new product to market called 'liquid lenses'. polymer based liquid that comes with an applicator. marketed to repair scratches in prescription lenses. runs $14.95
in the past, we've used anaconda's method as we are also into jewelry sales as a buffing wheel is a tool of the trade and it has worked well for us.

Question about removing scratches from slabs

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