Acrylic materials offer durability and versatility across a wide range of applications, but achieving a glass-like finish on acrylic surfaces can be quite challenging. Wet sanding is an effective technique that can help to avoid scratches and provide a high-quality finish.

The practice of wet sanding involves the use of waterproof sandpaper and water as a lubricant. The water plays a crucial role in reducing heat from friction which could otherwise cause the acrylic to melt or become cloudy. It also helps in washing away the grit and debris that accumulate during the sanding process, leaving a smoother surface.

To start wet sanding your acrylics for optimal results, you should:

1. Begin with a coarser grit sandpaper (typically around 600 grit) to remove any larger imperfections. The objective is to create an even surface without significant grooves or ridges.

2. Soak the sandpaper in water for at least 5 minutes before starting, and keep your acrylic piece wet throughout the process to help minimize scratches.

3. Use circular or straight-line motions consistently across the entire piece to ensure an even finish – avoid focusing too long on one area as it may create a depression.

4. Gradually move to finer grits (800, 1000, up to 2000 or higher) with each pass over the surface, soaking new grits of sandpaper before use.

5. Between each grit change, rinse off the piece thoroughly with water to remove all residues left from the previous sanding phase.

6. For best results, after reaching the finest grit, you can use a plastic polish or a compound designed specifically for acrylics to buff out the surface for an even glossier finish.

7. Finally, clean your sanded piece with mild soap and water or an acrylic cleaner.

Keep in mind that patience is key when wet sanding – rushing through the stages can result in undesirable marks on your final outcome. Ongoing maintenance of your sanded acrylic pieces will keep them looking beautiful for years to come.

Professional finishers often perform wet sanding under excellent lighting conditions to spot imperfections more easily while constantly checking their progress by feeling the surface with their hands. Safety should not be underestimated during this process; despite being less hazardous than dry sanding (which releases fine particles into the air), wearing protective gear such as gloves and goggles is still recommended.

In summary, wet sanding is a time-consuming yet rewarding process that requires meticulous attention to detail. With proper technique and gradual progression through different levels of abrasive grits, your acrylic pieces will have a polished look unmatched by simple buffing or chemical treatments alone.