Polishing a Handle without a Buffer?

[MaxP]

Hello All-

I've got an Eve-Ready clear lucite (plexi) coming from a win on the 'bay.

It will benefit from a good polishing after (or before) I re-knot it. I don't own a buffer and I'm pretty cautious about using a Dremel.

Does anyone have suggestions for polishing such a handle?

[jgriest03]

I have some liquid polishing compound that I use. I believe the brand is Blue Coral, it works wonders for me. I have a bottle of the fine and extra fine grit.

[willwhatyoudo]

If you have any deep scratches that the polishing compound, you could try wet sanding (it's pretty easy).

I use 2000 grit wet/dry sandpaper (found at the local auto shop), and gently remove some deep scratches. I keep the sandpaper wet. If you go this route, be sure to sand in 1 direction only (no circles!), otherwise, you'll end up with swirls that are a pain to remove (trust me, I did it). I then use an auto polishing compound (just some basic Meguiars that came in a detailing kit) to remove the sandpaper marks (rub across the marks left by the sandpaper) and return the shine.

[hig789]

Use the wet sanding mentioned above to remove deep scratches and the get you some Flitz or Maas and then Mothers plastic polish.

[kirk 988]

wet sand and then why dont you get some stainless rouge and then use that on a rag you just rub and any thing plastic shines up real well

[FL shaver]

The last clear handle I worked on looked so good after the initial hand polish with a wet rag and Turtle Wax polishing compound that I nearly let it go at that. After 15 mins of polishing during some tv time it looked almost new. I ended up using some higher grit wetsanding paper to get a couple of surface scratches later, though, and polished again. Hand polishing works well without the risk of heating the material.

[QuarkVI]

I have had success with auto paint cutting compound followed by normal auto polish - but instead of a rag I have a 5mm sheet of EVA foam that I put the compound/polish on and then rub the handle on it. Found that the rag just soaked up too much polish and the "give" in the EVA makes it quite easy to work out the fines scratches with the cutting compound - easier on the RSI rubbing the handle on the EVA instead of trying to hold and rub the handle.

[MaxP]

a 5mm sheet of EVA foam

I think I know what EVA foam is. However, fill me in. What and where can I get some?

[GDCarrington]

I think I know what EVA foam is. However, fill me in. What and where can I get some?

http://www.evafoam.com.tw/

Hardware stores.

[QuarkVI]

Sorry for the late reply - that dense closed cell foam often used for soft sandal soles or children's play mats (the type that interlock like a jigsaw puzzle) - should be able to get it anywhere foam and sponge are sold. usually very cheap especially if you can get offcuts.

[MaxP]

Great! Thank you for the ideas.