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How-To Care for Clear Vinyl Boat Windows
Strataglass®, Lexan®, Plexiglass®, Isenglass, Crystal Clear, Eisenglass, etc. Whatever you call it, it all comes from polyvinyl chloride (PVC) which has certain definite characteristics.
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Strataglass®, Lexan®, Plexiglass®,
Isenglass, Crystal Clear, Eisenglass, etc.
Whatever you call it, it all comes from polyvinyl chloride
(PVC) which has certain definite characteristics.
1. Vinyl is a UV-sensitive material which degrades when exposed
to sunlight.
2. A vinyl's topcoat holds in plasticizers, softening agents
which keep vinyl supple.
3. Clear vinyl has NO topcoat.
That's It! All you ever needed to know about vinyl boat
windows in one easy lesson. Maintaining a topcoat and
protecting against UV damage will keep vinyl looking good
for years.
Let up, for as little as a month, in this climate, and,
well, read on . . .
The sad truth is that all of those lovely, clear, vinyl
windows, that you were so proud of when they were new,
will yellow, scratch, and become an ugly nuisance in a
very short time without proper care.
Q. What you mean Doc, you don't just hang um and forget um?
Who is that guy?
Unlike regular safety glass which has a fairly hard surface
and resists scratching, and even your vinyl seats which have
a top-coat to protect the underlying material, a vinyl window
requires a protectant coating to separate it from the elements.
Think of it a little like your skin. With regular washing,
sunscreen, and moisturizer our skin can take the Emerald Coast
summer conditions without too much trouble. Eliminate one or
more of these and stay outside 24/7 and we'll be looking 102
years old in no time, even if we're only 20.
Cleaning Procedure
At BoatDocs1 we start off by removing as much of the loose
dirt as possible with a fine water spray. It's best to wet
the entire surface giving the water time to soften anything
stuck to the window. Next we gently wash the surface with a
mild soap and water solution. (No detergents
or harsh cleansers, PLEASE)
Next, give the window a thorough rinsing with more fresh
water and then dry, either with a clean terry cloth towel
or chamois.
After several years of experimentation and research we have
been convinced beyond a doubt that the only product to use
on vinyl is 303 Aerospace Protectant. I'll
let you go to their web site and read their copy on why it's
the best. Notice I didn't say hype because after using it for
over a year I find their advertising to be a little understated.
We spray the product on both sides of the surface and then polish
with a clean dry terry cloth towel. Applications last from 4-6 weeks
and after the first couple of uses it seems to get easier to maintain
as the surface actually seals itself and noting seems to stick to it.
Application improves visibility and reduces wear and scratching by
reducing the coefficient of friction. (makes it slicker than snail
snot) It also repels water, dust, dirt, salt, and ultra-violet
radiation. (SPF 40) Added benefits are an anti-fog/anti-glare finish.
A monthly treatment will keep those curtains looking like new for
many years.
What if we're too late?
If your vinyl windows have begun to show the effects
of aging, we apologize.(should have told you sooner)
We offer a restoration service consisting of fine
polishing and a chemical treatment. (replacement of
the plasticizers) In many cases we can eliminate most
scratches, restore the translucent properties, and with
continued maintenance with 303 Aerospace Protectant will
add years to the effective life of your vinyl windows.
If you have some vinyl windows which you are thinking about
replacing let us take a look and see what we can do. The
service runs 6-10 dollars per window but when compared to
the price of replacement it's a real bargain.
If you live outside the Emerald Coast area drop us an Email and
we'll send you information on doing the job yourself.
In the mean time:
NEVER use any kind of regular window cleaners, detergents,
abrasives, petroleum based products, or alcohol on vinyl windows.
They are too harsh and will damage the top coat, speeding up the
loss of plasticizers. The vinyl will dry out, turn yellow and
brittle, and soon need to be replaced. You've seen this before,
now you know why.
Right along with this is a big ditto for all of your vinyl products
either on the boat or ashore. Only the mildest soap solution,
complete rinsing and a safe protective coating will keep all of
your vinyl goods looking like new.
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James "Doc" Lewis has been "messin about in boats" for as long as he can remember.
He is owner/operator of BoatDocs1, a full-service boat detailing-yacht maintenance
business serving the Emerald Coast region of Florida. To learn more about boats and
keeping them looking their best visit his web site at: http://www.boatdocs1.com/
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The only provision is that it be published in it's entirety including this
resource box. Related articles can be found at www.boatdocs1.com
©2004 BoatDocs1
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