How to Remove Scratches & Polish Acrylic with Micro-Mesh

Micro-Mesh is one of the best tools for repairing and polishing acrylic. Its cushioned, flexible design and ultra-fine grits let you remove scratches without clouding or overheating the surface — producing a clear, mirror-like finish. This guide shows you exactly which Micro-Mesh grades to use, the wet-sanding workflow, and pro tips to avoid common mistakes.

Acrylic — often sold under names like Perspex®, Plexiglas®, Lucite®, or Acrylite® — is a lightweight, transparent plastic that offers excellent optical clarity and impact resistance. It’s widely used for windows, displays, aquariums, and even aircraft components.

However, while acrylic is stronger and lighter than glass, it’s much more prone to surface scratching. Everyday contact with dust, paper, or cleaning cloths can leave fine marks that dull the surface. Fortunately, these scratches can be polished out — but only if the right abrasive is used.

Standard sandpapers are rigid and aggressive. When used on acrylic, they often create new scratches or generate heat that can distort the surface. That’s where Micro-Mesh, a cushioned abrasive system, outperforms every alternative.

Micro-Mesh uses a unique flexible backing that conforms to curves and edges, distributing pressure evenly. This eliminates harsh gouging and reduces the risk of heat damage or swirl marks.

Each Micro-Mesh grade contains precision-graded crystals that cut consistently and predictably, giving you total control from initial scratch removal to the final clear finish.

Micro-Mesh lasts 7–10 times longer than conventional abrasives and is designed for both wet and dry sanding — ideal for delicate materials like acrylic where temperature control and surface finish matter.

Learn more about Micro-Mesh’s unique engineering & how it works in Micro-Mesh – The Wonder Abrasive

For scratch removal and polishing acrylic, use the following progression of grades:
1500 → 2400 → 3200 → 4000 → 6000 → 8000 → 12000

This ensures that each stage removes the marks left by the previous grit, leaving a flawless, optical-grade finish.

• Micro-Mesh pads or sheets

• Water spray bottle (for wet sanding)

• Soft, lint-free cloths

• Micro-Mesh Liquid Compounds for final finish (optional)

• Foam block or hand pad for flat surfaces

Before sanding, wash the acrylic thoroughly with warm water and a mild detergent to remove dust and dirt. Dry with a soft, lint-free cloth.

Re-wet the surface and the Micro-Mesh pad. Begin with your starting grit (usually 1500–2400 for moderate scratches). Sand using light, circular motions, keeping the surface wet to avoid heat buildup.

Move up gradually through each finer grit, rinsing and checking between stages.
Typical sequence: 1500 → 2400 → 3200 → 4000 → 6000 → 8000 → 12000.
By the final grit, the acrylic should appear evenly smooth and slightly glossy.

Buff the surface with the 8000 or 12000 grit, then wipe clean. For a glass-like shine, apply Micro-Mesh Finish Liquid or a plastic polish and gently buff with a soft cloth.

Rinse the surface with clean water, dry it, and inspect under bright light. If any dull spots remain, repeat the final fine grit stage until clarity is restored.

Water acts as both a lubricant and a coolant, helping you achieve a smoother finish while avoiding melting or warping.

Let Micro-Mesh do the work. Too much pressure can cause uneven sanding or further scratching.

Each stage prepares the surface for the next finer grit. Skipping can leave micro-scratches that remain visible even after final polishing.

If you’re new to Micro-Mesh, test your technique on a spare piece before working on your main project.

Use a finer grit or extend your polishing time with 8000–12000 grades to restore full transparency.

Start with a coarser grade (1500) and spend more time at that level before moving up the sequence.

Make sure you rinse between each grit and always keep the surface wet.

• Micro-Mesh — The Wonder Abrasive

• Micro-Mesh Grits & Grades Explained

• Smoothing & Finishing Wood with Micro-Mesh

• Polishing Solid Surfaces with Micro-Mesh

• Micro-Mesh for Luthiers

Together, these guides form a complete library on how to select, use, and care for Micro-Mesh abrasives across different materials.

Step	Micro-Mesh Grade	Purpose
1	1500	Remove visible scratches
2	2400	Smooth surface uniformly
3	3200–4000	Refine and prepare for polish
4	6000–8000	Pre-polish clarity stage
5	12000	Final optical polish