How to Clean and Polish Acrylic with NOVUS

Acrylic can retain excellent clarity for years when dust is removed gently and the cleaning chemistry is compatible. Dry wiping, ammonia-containing glass cleaner, paper towels and aggressive solvents can create scratches, haze or stress crazing.

NOVUS uses a three-step approach: No. 1 cleans and protects; No. 2 addresses fine scratches; No. 3 is for heavier scratches before refining with No. 2. Always test the exact surface first.

What you need to know

• Remove loose grit before wiping.
• Work on a cool, supported panel out of direct sun.
• Use clean soft cloths reserved for each polish grade.
• Polishing removes a small amount of material and can distort optical surfaces.
• Deep cracks, crazing and damage near stressed joints require replacement assessment.

Tools and materials

• NOVUS No. 1 Plastic Clean & Shine
• NOVUS No. 2 Fine Scratch Remover
• NOVUS No. 3 Heavy Scratch Remover when needed
• Several clean soft lint-free cloths
• Clean water or air for grit removal
• Strong side lighting and an inconspicuous test area

Step-by-step method

1. Identify the surface

   Confirm it is uncoated acrylic or another surface approved by the product directions. Coated glazing, films and specialty finishes may require different care.

2. Inspect the damage

   Separate loose dirt, surface scuffs, deeper scratches, chemical crazing and cracks. Polish only defects that can be safely reduced.

3. Remove grit

   Rinse or gently blow off particles. Never grind dust into the surface with a dry cloth.

4. Clean with No. 1

   Apply as directed and wipe with a clean soft cloth. Turn the cloth frequently so collected grit is not dragged across the panel.

5. Treat fine scratches

   Test NOVUS No. 2 in a hidden area. Work across the scratch with controlled pressure, then polish out and inspect before repeating.

6. Address heavier scratches

   Use NOVUS No. 3 only when needed and permitted. Refine the resulting surface with No. 2, then finish with No. 1.

7. Review in service lighting

   Clean the panel and inspect from several angles. Stop before local over-polishing creates visible optical distortion.

Common mistakes

• Using household glass cleaner containing incompatible chemicals
• Dry wiping a dusty panel
• Using paper towel or a dirty shop rag
• Starting with the most aggressive polish
• Using No. 2 or No. 3 on coated plastics
• Trying to polish out structural crazing

Frequently asked questions

Which NOVUS product should I start with?

Start with No. 1 for cleaning. Use No. 2 only when fine scratches remain, and No. 3 only for heavier scratches within the product limits.

Can NOVUS remove deep scratches?

It can reduce some scratches, but deep damage may require controlled sanding or replacement and can leave optical distortion.

Can I use it on coated acrylic?

NOVUS states that No. 2 and No. 3 are not for coated plastics. Follow the coating manufacturer’s care instructions.

Why did my acrylic develop tiny cracks?

Chemical exposure, residual fabrication stress and mechanical load can cause crazing. Stop using the cleaner and have stressed parts assessed.

Sources and further reading

• NOVUS Three-Step System

This guide provides general educational information. Products, substrates, site conditions and regulations vary. Follow the current technical data sheet, package directions and safety data sheet for every product you use. Code-regulated, structural or safety-critical work may require a qualified professional.