| Clear Vinyl Boat Windows |
| By James "Doc" Lewis |
Published
11/30/2005
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Maintainance
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Unrated
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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 is quite reasonable when compared to the price of replacement.
Below is the step by step procedure we follow
to bring back vinyl windows - hope it helps. Overview:
This set of instructions is for windows with moderate scratching and crazing.
If the scratches are very deep the process would need to be started off with
wet sanding which is a subject all by itself and won't be covered in this article.
What we want to accomplish here is to polish out any scratches, stains,
imperfections, or swirl marks starting with a very fine compound and then
finishing with a restorer polish to replenish the plasticizers in the vinyl.
Tools:You should find all of these items at an automotive paint store. To
start with you will need a variable speed electric drill (1000-1200 rpm)
with a velcro backing plate which will accept foam rubber polishing pads.
You will need 3 of the pads but an extra one will save some time when
changing polish. Always reserve a pad for each compound or polish.
While your there ask if they carry the fine, micro-polishing compounds made
specifically for clear vinyl windows that you will use to actually remove
the scratches. If the sales-person seems to know what they're talking about,
pick his brain on what products he sells the most of for this purpose.
I have had excellent results with a 3-M product called "Finesse-it", which is used on both gelcoat and vinyl to good effect. If your trip to the automotive supply doesn't turn up anything better this will do the job and you can use what's left over on the rest of your boat.
Another product I recommend highly, is Meguiars, "Plastx" which is
perfect for the finish (polish) runs with the pads. It also makes a good occasional cleaner and preservative throughout the year. It uses the Microscopic Diminishing Abrasive Technology, (MDAT), used in their paint and gelcoat polishes to produce a powerful, yet safe plastic cleaner. If the scratches are light you may get good results by using just this product and making a couple of passes with the buffer.
Procedure:If you have some experience with polishing it's a plus although the technique used here is unique to the material and therefore will be learned as you go along.
We usually start with the smallest, or least noticeable window first to get an idea of the amount of work needed and to check the results. If there are several small pieces choose the one which is most damaged. After completing one is a good time to compare the work involved with the expense of replacing the window. If time isn't a prime consideration but money is, then this system will serve you well.
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