Scratched Mares Nemo

[obrules15]

I have a scratch in my Mares Nemo and someone suggested I could get it polished and the scratch polished out. Any suggestions about that or recommendations on where I might go to get that done.

[cmburch]

Depending on whether it is plastic, glass or crystal, there are about 4 different rouges that I have used on plastic, glass, and watch crystals with a cloth buffing wheel or cloth tip on a Dremel tool. I have also used different Maguiars autopolishes as well as an automotive plastic scratch repair polish (I can't remember the name) and a soft moistened cloth to remove scratches from my plexiglass windshields.

The auto store may have the plastic scratch repair polish. Then start gently with a moistened Q-tip.

[obrules15]

Originally Posted by cmburch

Depending on whether it is plastic, glass or crystal, there are about 4 different rouges that I have used on plastic, glass, and watch crystals with a cloth buffing wheel or cloth tip on a Dremel tool. I have also used different Maguiars autopolishes as well as an automotive plastic scratch repair polish (I can't remember the name) and a soft moistened cloth to remove scratches from my plexiglass windshields.

It is scratch "resistant" mineral crystal.

[cmburch]

So it is like a watch crystal. Then try different jeweler's rouges and a Dremel tool. I have an expensive watch that I gouged/scratched and it looks great. I got a dremel bit kit from Costco about $20 that had 4 different types of rouge and wheels.

Obviously start with less abrasive buffing compound and pressure. Gently does it - not to make it deeper. And do not use too wide a cloth polishing wheel. Maybe use the edge of a wheel gently.

Get advice from a watch repair. Who knows they may do it cheap and good quality.

[Sounder]

One of tricks some folks around Puget Sound use is applying a protective film to it. The film is the same stuff they're putting on the exterior of cars to protect the paint (usually along the front bumper and hood and along the rear bumper where stuff going in/out of the trunk could bump it).

Check with an auto-detail place to see if they've got the film. They can custom cut it to your specifications and it takes about 5 minutes to install.

[DevilDiver]

Clear packing tape works well for a protective coating as well. Trim to fit and work any bubbles out and it should last for years. Easy to replace if needed...........

[ChrisA]

Originally Posted by obrules15

I have a scratch in my Mares Nemo and someone suggested I could get it polished and the scratch polished out. Any suggestions about that or recommendations on where I might go to get that done.

Before you take the effort to polish out the scratch see it it is visable under water. Almost always scratches disapear under water

There is a good reason for this. Water is optically a little like glass and the water flows in and fills up the scratch. Same with a mask with a scratch lens, it just goes away under water.

Tecnically one can't "remove" a scratch. what you do is remote the glass or plastic surounding the scratch.

[Defman]

You might consider taking it to a reputable watch repair place and have them polish it out for you since they should be experienced in doing that properly? Probably won't cost much and might be done while you wait.

Like others have mentioned, there are several things you could use to as a protector. I'd offer up the clear screen protectors for Palm Pilot, iPaq, what-have-you, that you can get any big box office supply. Probably less sticky that packing tape. Obviously toss it in the sink or bathtub to make sure it can deal with being wet.