Polishing

Crystal-Clear Finishes for Scale Models

Professional polishing transforms ordinary plastic and resin components into showroom-quality elements that elevate scale models from basic builds to museum-worthy displays. This comprehensive collection from Alpha Abrasives, Tamiya, Mr. Hobby, and Bare-Metal Foil provides specialized polishing compounds, applicators, and systems engineered specifically for scale modeling applications. Whether restoring clarity to scratched canopies, achieving glass-like transparency on clear parts, creating mirror finishes on painted surfaces, or removing sanding marks from assembled components, these professional-grade polishing products deliver the optical clarity and surface perfection demanded by competition judges and discerning collectors. The collection addresses every stage of the polishing process from heavy scratch removal through final high-gloss finishing across aviation canopies, automotive windshields, naval vessel portholes, and display case-worthy painted surfaces.

Novus Polish Three-Step System

The Alpha Abrasives Novus Polish system represents the gold standard for plastic polishing in scale modeling, utilizing a scientifically formulated three-step process that progressively refines surfaces to optical clarity. Novus Polish No. 3 Heavy Scratch Remover tackles deep scratches, oxidation, and heavy surface damage, removing material to create a uniform foundation for subsequent polishing stages. Available in both 2oz and 8oz bottles, this aggressive compound handles restoration work on badly damaged clear parts and heavily sanded assemblies. Novus Polish No. 2 Fine Scratch Remover eliminates fine scratches, haziness, and residual marks left by No. 3 or sanding operations, creating a semi-gloss surface ready for final polishing. This intermediate step proves essential for achieving professional results on aircraft canopies, helicopter windscreens, and automotive glass components. Novus Polish No. 1 Plastic Clean & Shine delivers the final polishing stage, creating crystal-clear transparency and mirror-like gloss while leaving a protective anti-static coating that resists dust accumulation and fingerprints. The complete Novus system works seamlessly with Alpha Abrasives polishing cloths, ensuring lint-free application and optimal compound performance across all three polishing stages.

Specialized Polishing Tools and Compounds

Beyond the Novus system, this collection includes specialized polishing tools addressing specific modeling scenarios. The Alpha Abrasives Triple-Grit Polisher/Finisher combines three progressive abrasive grades in a single stick format, enabling quick touch-up polishing and edge refinement without liquid compounds. Tamiya polishing compounds offer alternative formulations suited to different plastic types and finishing requirements, while Mr. Hobby Compound Fine provides Japanese-engineered polishing technology with ultra-fine abrasives for delicate clear parts. Bare-Metal Plastic Polish delivers specialized formulation optimized for polished metal finishes and chrome effects. Zona wet-dry polishing papers provide progressive grit sequences for manual polishing operations, particularly valuable for large surface areas and curved canopy sections requiring careful hand-finishing. Trumpeter electric polisher systems introduce powered polishing capability for production-scale finishing and large model projects. These professional polishing tools integrate seamlessly with surface preparation workflows from our Putty collection and paint protection techniques from our Masking collection, creating comprehensive finishing systems that deliver exhibition-quality results across all modeling scales, subjects, and skill levels from novice builders to professional model makers.