It will require on average 1 hour per square foot per side to accomplish the job. The polishing time depends on the hardness of acrylic, the extent of damage and the location and access to the panels. Some damage is considered severe and takes excess labor which requires additional time. Examples of severe damage include crazing (hairline cracks just under the surface) and dings or scratches that are deeper than 1/128th of an inch.

If the exhibit size permits, this can be done by a large team quickly, or a smaller team at a slower pace. A large team is more obtrusive to your facility but gets the job done quicker. A smaller team is less obtrusive but will be around for a longer period of time. Everclear likes to start and finish a project as quickly as possible.

If using power tools there will be a lot of noise and vibration inside and outside the aquarium. It tends to knock poorly secured items loose and bother noise sensitive animals. If this is not acceptable for your conditions please ask for hand refurbishing. A good example of this request would be when you are refurbishing a Dolphin exhibit. In this case the vibrations would bother the animals.

Everclear can work after hours, 7pm to 7 am, to help accommodate your facility. Special arrangements will need to be made. As an additional note light is required to see the damage on the aquariums. Before making these arrangements be sure that you can light these aquariums after hours.

Pneumatic equipment uses a large amount of air and is normally gas powered. This means they will have to be outside of the facility with hoses running into the building. If working after hours consider if noise is an issue.

Light will be needed to see the damage on the acrylic. If working after hours the lights will have to remain on. For best results the light used while polishing should be the same light used to light the aquarium while it is running. It is best to use the lights in the same position.

Acrylic is inert and floats to the surface of the water where it can be removed by mechanical filtration. Under a microscope the acrylic looks like little shavings and odd shaped pieces. A 5-micron cartridge filter removes them nicely.

Substrate must be removed at least 12 inches away from the panel to be refurbished. If this is not possible the acrylic will be polished between 1 and 4 inches from the top of the substrate. The height is determined by the type of substrate.

All areas around the acrylic panels are contained by the use of plastic sheeting of different weights, drop cloths, towels and blue or green masking tape. Be aware that the tape often pulls paint and poorly finished materials off of the walls and trims.

When polishing panels that have trim there are usually some areas where the scratches will not come clear. There may be a slight haziness or sander marks. This will usually occur around the corners and along the very edge of trim work extending out about 1 inch.

When liquid abrasive is used it often gets behind the trim around the acrylic panels. Despite the precautions taken to prevent this from occurring it sometimes happens and will leave a white residue of splatter marks that are difficult to see.

When outsourcing a polishing job to Everclear, you can be sure the job will get done in a timely manner and to your complete satisfaction.