Before trying to remove scratches from an acrylic display case, identify the panel and its surface treatment. A polishing compound that improves an uncoated plastic sample can damage a printed, mirrored or coated surface. A scratch repair guide cannot establish that an unknown CubeBuff panel is suitable for polishing.
Clean enough to identify the mark
Remove the model and inspect the empty panel in ordinary diffuse light. Dust, dried residue and a protective-film edge can look like damage. Use the identified material’s care instructions first; do not begin with a gritty cloth or an abrasive compound.
The ACRYLITE care guidance describes gentle cleaning for its sheet. For the routine cleaning task, see our separate acrylic display case cleaning guide. Cleaning removes contamination; polishing removes or changes surface material.
Decide whether polishing belongs on this surface
| Observation | Next step |
|---|---|
| Unknown material or coating | Identify the exact panel before choosing a compound. |
| Printed, mirrored or coated face | Ask the panel supplier for the approved repair method. |
| Fine marks on a verified suitable uncoated sample | Review the polish maker’s instructions and test a matching offcut first. |
| Crack, chipped edge or damage near a fastening point | Stop treating it as cosmetic polishing; assess replacement. |
Understand what a polish does and does not promise
NOVUS distinguishes fine-scratch and heavier-scratch products. Its #2 and #3 are not recommended for coated plastics. That limitation matters more than a generic claim that a polish works on “plastic.”
Polishing may change gloss or optical appearance. It cannot restore a broken joint, repair a crack structurally or guarantee an invisible result. A broad clear viewing panel may show an unevenly treated patch even when the original line becomes less noticeable.
Use a controlled sample before the display panel
Obtain an offcut with the same grade, coating and finish whenever possible. Follow the compound’s current application and finishing instructions. Keep the sample, cloths and work area clean so a new particle does not introduce another scratch.
Check the result under the same light and viewing angle used for the original inspection. Compare both the mark and the surrounding gloss. A successful spot on an unrelated plastic object does not establish compatibility with your case.
If no matching sample or supplier approval is available, replacement can be the more predictable option for an important viewing panel. Do not use a prominent panel as the first experiment simply because it is labelled acrylic.
When to stop
Stop if the surface becomes cloudy, the finish changes, a printed layer lifts or the panel shows cracks. Do not escalate from light polish to sanding or heat without an exact manufacturer-supported process. A crack near a corner or connector also changes the integrity of the enclosure.
Common questions
Can I use toothpaste or a household abrasive?
Those are not controlled substitutes for a documented plastic-repair system. Their grit and additives may be unsuitable. Select a product approved for the identified material and finish.
Is polycarbonate repaired the same way?
Do not assume that it is. TUFFAK’s fabrication and care guidance has product-specific limits, including coated-sheet considerations. Read the acrylic and polycarbonate comparison before transferring advice between materials.
For a CubeBuff part, send the order number and clear photographs so the panel and available replacement route can be identified before treatment.
Sources and editorial method
Sources reviewed 15 October 2026. This article uses published documentation and original explanatory diagrams. It does not report a hands-on product test.
