I've tried to research ways to 'polish off' old transparent pieces that have been scratched to death, but nothing seems to work. I think I remember someone saying toothpaste, but that was not effective. Is there any known way of buffing out those scratches and getting it somewhere close to the original look?

What about the products used for cleaning car headlights?

1 hour ago, Rodeogeorge said:

What about the products used for cleaning car headlights?

Well I don't even know if those work for headlights...haha. Plus I don't know if the same 'hazing' that occurs on the headlights is the same thing that happens to these pieces. I figured someone around here as probably bricklinked pieces like that that were in bad condition and wanted to fix it. 

Practice on some elements that's you don't care about. You can try Turtle Wax ICE synthetic car wax on all clear and colored pieces it will fill (not remove) some of those surface scratches thus making them less visible and the part more translucent.  For clear pieces like windows I have read but never tried heating and liquid acrylic.  There should be you tube videos on this.

http://airwolf3d.com/2013/11/26/7-steps-shiny-finish-on-abs-parts-acetone/

If the scratches are deep, you're out of luck, otherwise what you need to google is "how to polish or remove scratches in abs" (rather than LEGO).

Well regular ABS plastic sure, but do we know if the transparent pieces, particularly window pieces, are the same exact thing?

34 minutes ago, steveviscious89 said:

Well regular ABS plastic sure, but do we know if the transparent pieces, particularly window pieces, are the same exact thing?

Not for sure, but why wouldn't they be? That would pretty silly to have to manage different kinds of plastic like that.

The bottom line is that this isn't easy and some experimentation on your part will be required. There is no easy solution to fixing scratched plastic.

6 minutes ago, gregpj said:

Not for sure, but why wouldn't they be? That would pretty silly to have to manage different kinds of plastic like that.

The bottom line is that this isn't easy and some experimentation on your part will be required. There is no easy solution to fixing scratched plastic.

I may try getting a kit that is meant to resurface car headlights. Sanding and polishing will be involved. Fortunately I have an older space set I can use to experiment with.

6 minutes ago, steveviscious89 said:

I may try getting a kit that is meant to resurface car headlights. Sanding and polishing will be involved. Fortunately I have an older space set I can use to experiment with.

The rain-x headlight restoration kit's consistently rate at the top of the heap with less muscle power needed... The problem with those restoration kits is that you're removing the manufacturer's original finish! So a sealant is required to maintain the brightness/finish for any length of time. Since the LEGO bricks won't be exposed to the elements, the results _should_ last longer.

The acetone suggestion above is in fact creating a new finish on the item.

The 3M kit seems to contain a cloth that wipes the the thing clean. I don't know if that cloth contains a sealer or not, but it looks like it does.

You could try Meguires Plastx it is an all around plastic polish I've used it on plexi glass and it works pretty good. Fills in minor scratches and doesn't leave a hazy film afterwards. 

I found this article earlier today and thought it sounded like a pretty good method but I dont think the product is still available. Anyone know if there is a substitute product that will also work.

http://thebrickblogger.com/2012/04/make-your-clear-lego-shine/

Thanx

This might be it.............

http://www.amazon.com/SC-Johnson-Pledge-Multi-Surface-Finish/dp/B000ARPH4C/ref=as_sl_pc_ss_til?tag=thebriblo-20&linkCode=w01&linkId=DTIMTJUWTYRAAE67&creativeASIN=B000ARPH4C

 

 

Google polywatch Polish. I use it to restore the 'crystal' of cheaper watches. It's only about £4 over here in the uk.

Just speculation BTW, haven't used it on lego