Help with plexiglass, not TD project

[Aaron Coffee]

I am trying to resurect some old plexiglass for a project. The plexi is so old that the protective plastic has dried out and cracked. Anybody have any thoughts on how I can remove it? I have had it soaking in window cleaner for a couple days and it doesn't seem to be doing anything.
Thanks
Aaron

[toypusher]

Aaron,

I did a quick Google and found this:

if this is baked on as you say, then it is probably not removable. The problem is the plexiglass, which is acrylic. If so, then any solvent that would melt the film, would probably melt the acrylic. You could try a small spot on the edge with some acetone, but if it is acrylic, acetone will go after it too. If your base material is lexan polycarbonate, it will be fine with acetone.The final method is to get a scraper or sharp blades and peel it piece by piece. But it is nearly impossible depending on the access or scratchability of the acrylic. As a last resort, Home Depot sells acrylic plates and you could probably replace them in the same amount of time as it would take to painstakingly fix them.Another good place to purchase is mcmaster-carr, do a web search and check their pricing for comparison to HD

Also found a suggestion to use Methanol

Good Luck.

[signs]

have been told BUT NEVER TRIED myself,

cover it with Brake fluid, let it sit for a few hours, then wipe off fluid and protective plastic. Clean with alcohol, and then window cleaner.


Jay

[Sam I am]

Several years ago, I used some very old plexi that had a paper covering on it. It wouldn't peel off, so I applied some heat with a heat gun, and I was able to slowly peel it off in one piece as I moved the gun along the paper. I'm not sure if that would work on a plastic film covering, though - might melt it. Maybe you could ry it on a corner.