Anyway to get film off of Plexiglass windshield left from Acetone?

[ERock82]

I accidentally got acetone on my plexiglass windshield when it spilled. It has left what seems to be a permanent hazy film. The only thing that seems to have any chance of working is scraping it off with a plastic putty knife but that takes forever and leaves behind a few scratches in the process. I was told it eats away at the plexiglass. Would think it could be buffed out but have no clue on that.

Any remedies are well appreciated! Thanks.

 

[Scott Danforth]

wet sand starting at 600 grit, then 1000 grit, then 1500 grit, then 2000 grit, then buff/polish

or replace

 

[harleyman1975]

^^yup that is the plan^^

 

[ERock82]

wet sand starting at 600 grit, then 1000 grit, then 1500 grit, then 2000 grit, then buff/polish

or replace

Thanks! Will this work ok sanding by hand and using polisher that attaches to a drill?

Will car wax work or will I need a special polish? Same stuff I use to wax boat which works well for that at least.

 

[Scott Danforth]

you want an actual variable speed polisher. this is what I use https://www.harborfreight.com/7-in-10-amp-heavy-duty-digital-variable-speed-polisher-62297.html

you use a drill to drill holes

I use meguires oxidation remover and then their high gloss marine polish.

you need a fine polish (not wax)

 

[Silvertip]

You might try one of the auto headlight restore products.

 

[gm280]

Acetone and Lacquer thinners have ruined lots of plastics like that. It dissolves them the instant it touches them. That is one of the main reasons the manufactures tell folks to try their produces in a inconspicuous areas first for those very reasons.

Scott Danforth's comment above is the perfect method to clean your windshield again. It takes time, but it will work. And you are not waxing anything, you are polishing the material. Polish finely cuts off material slowly, wax only shines things after the polish.

They make different grades of polish, course, medium and fine. 3M makes some great polishing liquids. But you do need a variable speed polisher and not a drill with a bonnet. If you polish too fast, it builds heat and will melt the Plexiglas (or Lexan, Acrylic). The polishing material you will buy will tell you the polishing speed to set the polisher at. Follow their recommendations. JMHO

 

[wahlejim]

Before you spend too much money try toothpaste! Yes, toothpaste. Its as cheap of a polishing compound as you are going to find. I was doubtful at first too, but was told about it and did a side by side comparison with some headlights. Used toothpaste vs a $20 kit. Toothpaste took half the time and worked just as well. It's worth a shot.

 

[Bondo]

Ayuh,.... Not for the faint at heart, but Flame Polishin' can't be beat for clarity,...