Disaster Is there any way to remove solvent from acrylic/plexiglas?

Hi everyone, I was trying to "glue" some acrylic sheets for a model, and I am having some major problems applying the solvent to the joint parts... so some solvent came out of the joint part leaving a stain....is there anyway to remove it?
thank you in advance

 

If you can test on some scrap you could give acetone a try (or nail varnish remover would be less harsh)

 

For the actual gluing, you might find it easier if you use a syringe and needle to apply the glue.
This method allows for very precise application.

As for the removal, dynanmis's suggestion sounds pretty good. Might also be worth trying with mentholated spirit or the like too.

 

In my experience the marks left from the solvent are a surface deformity in the acrylic. Being a solvent it does exactly what it's name implies and it messes up the surface of the acrylic. I have used plastic polishes such as Novus to buff out such marks.

Also as others have suggested, a syringe and a needle go a long way to helping you fuse acrylic pieces together. I always apply the solvent after I align and mate the pieces. I let capillary action draw the solvent into the joint.

If you want I can provide a more detailed explanation of how to glue joints, but IIRC the beginners guide to machining plastics covers this. (See sticky at top of this forum)

EDIT: Guess not, perhaps I will have to make a guide this Saturday when I am at the local hackerspace.

 

+1

You may also find a small paintbrush useful, the bristles hold the glue so that it doesn't spray everywhere but the glue still adheres to your surfaces.

If you're using a thin glue like plastic weld then it will soak nicely into joints straight from the bristles of the paintbrush!

Good luck

 

hope this helps

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SFu_jbdmnZA;)

 

Wondering how far into the acrylic does the solvent eat?

 

The flame polishing to remove solvent spills looks interesting and may be my saviour . what is the best type of torch to use? Butane propane etc