Novus

[B_Regal Racing]

For inquiring minds, I asked this question:

NOVUS Plastic Polish
Contact Form

To whom it may concern, Would you know what ISO/FEPA Grit designation would be equivalent to Novus 3 (ex. P1500 grit) and what ISO/FEPA Grit designation would be equivalent to Novus 2? I want to highly polish plastic to an absolute shine, first using micromesh, then following it up with Novus.

Thanks in advance, Ed

Hi Ed,

Thank you for your inquiry from our website. NOVUS #3 can remove approx.. a 600 grit scratch out of acrylics and the NOVUS #2 can remove approx. a 1200 grit scratch from acrylics.

Thanks,
Dean Trocke
NOVUS Polishes

 

[Vitamin K]

Nice to know!

 

[W8NONU]

This is great info but I'm unfamiliar with the ISO/FEPA grit designation. Is there some cross reference chart between different designation or scales? Does the P in front of the grit designate plastic? I've also seen some vendors reference a specific micron finish. How does that fit in these scales?

It looks like I need to do some research.

 

[GDH Racing]

1200 grit is equal to 15 microns. Anyone know what John's cheetah polish is?

 

[561 racing]

Are you putting cheetah polish on wheels?

 

[GDH Racing]

No I am not putting Cheetah polish on wheels, but it is the standard finishing polish for axles so I was curious what grit it is equal to.

 

[GDH Racing]

Out of curiosity I contacted 3M about their hard plastic and lens cleaner. They are indicating it is equivalent to 5000 grit. Seems odd to me I tend to get more black residue on the qtip with 3M than Novus 2. I would think it would be the other way around?

 

[cedron]

Note the wording in their response.

NOVUS #3 can remove approx.. a 600 grit scratch out of acrylics and the NOVUS #2 can remove approx. a 1200 grit scratch from acrylics.

So, the way I read this, they are saying what depth of scratch can be removed using the polish. This would mean the effective grit of the polish is higher than these numbers, since you need a finer grit to remove a coarser scratch. Right? Or do you guys read this differently?

 

[cedron]

Also, Novus is a US company, so although you asked the question about FEPA standard, they may have answered you in CAMI ratings, which would be much finer.

 

[KTMracer]

I agree with Cedron. It sounds like we are comparing apples and oranges. Also, Novus didn't truly answer your question in the original email.

I've curious if the novus/plastic polish route is really the best way to go. I get that we are polishing plastic, but the technology that exists to polish plastic is minuscule compared to the automotive paint finishing technology. Any reason why a rubbing compound wouldn't work?

 

[W8NONU]

For years, I've been using micro finish, micro gloss type 1 and number polishing aircraft canopies and I still don't know the numbers. All I know is, I start with one product and then go to the next... just like Novus.

From micro-surface website, "type 1... "This product contains a 1 micron abrasive crystal that works to remove fine damage." and "#5..Removes fine scratches up to 9 micron in depth or it will remove the scratch pattern left by MICRO-MESH™ 3600."