www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk

Hello everyone, new member, first post.

For reasons that are probably beyond explanation I'm converting a Powermac G4 computer tower into a hamster cage. Naturally one of the objectives here is for the hamster to be visible in his new cage.

The structure of a G4 is a metal inner case with plastic sidepanels that bolt on outside this. I've cut a large square hole in the metal, which has been half the battle. The remaining task is the plastic side panel.

I don't know if anyone has any experience with a G4; the panels are see through plastic but the inside of the panels are painted with silver paint, and appear to have been roughened prior to the painting process. I've successfully stripped the paint using 99% ispropyl alcohol and it's left a see-through panel which is translucent but not transparent. From a distance it's difficult to make out an clear details of an object through the side panels.

My ultimate question is: is there something I can do to the inner surface of the side panels to make them closer to transparent acrylic?

I'm thinking:

Polishing? I have a dremel. any advice on which head to use?

Something chemical to smooth the surface? I really have no idea. Any other suggestions?
Can an expert point my in the right direction? Many thanks in advance.

Hi and Welcome,

I'm not entirely convinced that it will be acrylic, but you could always try polishing it as you would if you were removing scratches from acrylic.

http://www.ultimatehandyman.co.uk/ACRYL ... ATCHES.htm

If that does not work then I doubt if anything else would and so in that case it might need replacing.

Does this help?

try some clear varnish on a test area it may fill in the texture enough to stop the the light defraction