Looking for pointers on buffing out scratches on turntable cover

[Jim]

I have a turntable cover that needs to have scratches removed from it and I am looking for pointers on doing it. They aren't deep,but the cover is almost "frosted" now due to the years. I purchased the table used of course and would like to salvage the cover if possible. There may be one slight scratch that needs a little help, but overall,I think it should be able to get refinished.

 

[ricktate]

Maguire's plastic polish or those head light polish kits might work.

[Travis In Austin]

I always heard that 3 step system of plastic cleaner that guitar players use is the best way for restoring record players. It has been posted on here before, let me see if I can find it.

[Travis In Austin]

Novus plastic cleaner is the 3 step system.

Here is another way

http://www.audiokarma.org/forums/index.php?threads/polishing-a-scratched-tt-dust-cover.220994/

[Travis In Austin]

The link I gave is previous post is worth a look, he has before and after photos and his "before" looks very similar to yours.

[John Warren]

I've polished TT covers using sub-micron (0.25-0.5um) diamond paste.  Only a small dab is needed.  The polishing cloth must be very, very clean.  Need to put some elbow grease into it.

 

0.05um Aluminum-oxide powder in a DI-water suspension works also but takes 3X longer to get cover clear.

 

When you rinse, do not rub dry, pat the surface dry and don't let water stand on it otherwise is will leave stains from all the crap in the water.

 

Polishing is nothing more than removing material from the surface by "scratching" it of with scratches that are too small in width and depth to be detected by the eye.

 

McMaster-Carr is a source for plastic lapping compounds.  Remember that final polish requires sub-micron particle sizes.

[Schu]

Whatever you do...do it by hand and not a buffer. The buffer will generate heat and that will damage soft plastics.