Routine Cleaning: -Rinse off loose dirt and particles with clean fresh water. -Fill a clean bucket with fresh water and add a mild, non‐detergent soap such as Dreft. Casually dump in about 1/4 cup per gallon. Non-detergent soap is forgiving. -Wash the windows by wiping them with a soft cloth, towel or washing mitt and soap/water solution. -Rinse thoroughly in the same manner with clean fresh water and a clean cloth. -Dry the isinglass with a clean absorbent cloth or towel to prevent water spots. -Now the windows are ready for a UV protectant and/or polish.
DO NOT: -Do not use window cleaner‐windex, detergent soap, dish soap, fantastic, simple green or any other cleanser on clear vinyl boat windows. These chemicals break down the plasticizers and UV inhibitors that prevent yellowing, hazing and cracking. -Do not use paper towel or anything abrasive to wipe the windows‐they will scratch.
DO: -Only use a mild non‐detergent soap such as Dreft and/or products that are specifically labeled for use on clear vinyl boat windows or isinglass. -Frequently apply a specialized polish and/or UV protectant after cleaning to maintain clarity and prevent sun damage‐such as 303 Aerospace Protectant or Plexus.
How To Clean Strataglass Boat Windows
Routine Cleaning: Strataglass recommends using only IMAR cleaning products on Strataglass. Use of cleaners, polishes, scratch removers or any other product made for regular uncoated clear vinyl will damage Strataglass. Using any other product will void the warranty. -Rinse off loose dirt and particles with clean fresh water. -Fill a clean bucket with fresh water and add a mild, non-detergent soap. But be forewarned- Strataglass only warrantees their product if IMAR cleaning products are used. IMAR yacht soap is their recommendation. -Wash the windows by wiping them with a soft cloth, towel or washing mitt and soap/water solution. -Rinse in the same manner with clean fresh water and a clean cloth. -Dry the eisenglass with a clean absorbent cloth, towel or chamois to prevent water spots. -Apply IMAR Strataglass Protective Cleaner by misting it onto a soft cloth-lightly and briskly rub a manageable area and lightly buff dry with another clean soft cloth. -Apply IMAR Strataglass Protective Polish sparingly with small circular motions using a soft cotton cloth. -Allow the polish to dry then remove with another clean soft cloth. -Lightly buff to a shine.
DO NOT: -Do not use rainex on Strataglass windows. -Do not handle with or smear sunscreen on windows. -Do not use paper towel or anything abrasive to wipe Strataglass. -Use of cleaners, polishes, scratch removers or any other product made for regular uncoated clear vinyl may cause damage and will void the Strataglass warrantee.
Do: -Only use a mild non-detergent soap such as IMAR Yacht Soap Concentrate for general cleaning. -Only use IMAR products for cleaning and polishing Strataglass. -Use IMAR Strataglass protective polish every 1 to 2 months. -Use IMAR Strataglass protective cleaner frequently.
How To Clean Polycarbonate Boat Windows
Routine cleaning: -Wash with a mild solution of soap or detergent and lukewarm water. Do not use abrasive cleaners or a squeegee. -Using a soft cloth or sponge, gently wash the window to loosen dirt and grime, and rinse with clean fresh water. -To prevent water spotting, thoroughly dry with an absorbent towel or chamois. -Dry thoroughly before polishing.
Deep cleaning & polishing: -Apply a plastic cleaner and wipe with a soft cloth. -Thoroughly wipe cleaner dry. -Apply window polish with a soft cloth gently buffing into window. -Remove polish haze by gently rubbing and buffing with a different soft clean cloth.
Do Not: -Don't use abrasive cleaners-they will scratch. -Do not use a squeegee. -Do not use paper towels-they will scratch.
Do: -Routine cleaning should be done frequently. -Deep cleaning and polishing should be done least a few times a season. -Clean windows before seasonal stowage.
Types of Isinglass
There are several different kinds of window materials available for marine canvas enclosures. They all have different advantages depending on the type of craft and how the boat's canvas is used. This quick guide will help determine which one best suits your individual boating needs.
Roll Vinyl-This utilitarian window material is on about 80% of the boats in the marina. It has good clarity and rolls up small and tight for convenient stowage. It's available in 20 or 30 gauge thickness-always insist on 30g. The price difference is nominal considering the increased clarity and durability. During the manufacturing process the material is flattened, shaped, gauged and polished through a series of high pressure rollers. It's shipped out to fabricators rolled up on a tube, usually in 19 or 36 yard lengths which stand on end. Do not lay rolled up vinyl flat on it's side.
Sheet Vinyl-Offers more clarity than roll vinyl and is better suited for larger boats and enclosures that stay up all season. While it does roll up well, albeit bigger and looser for u-zipper windows, it's not well suited for tightly rolled stow away curtains. Sheet vinyl is the stuff that many experienced boaters insist is isinglass as opposed to roll vinyl. Strataglass is the brand name manufactured with an additional scratch resistant surface coating making it the premier sheet vinyl. Sheet goods are produced the same way as roll vinyl only in thinner sheets which are then stacked and laminated under heat and pressure which results in even more clarity. Available in 30 or 40 and now, 60 gauge, sheet vinyl is up to 110" long-shipped out very loosely rolled in drums standing on edge. Never lay a drum of sheet vinyl on it's side.
Polycarbonate- By far the clearest, strongest marine window material available for canvas enclosures. It's semi-ridged, will not roll up for u zippers, and is best suited for areas where the windows are stationary all season. They however can be fabricated in conjunction with sheet vinyl in the roll up area or may be folded up in one sheet and secured to the top. Unlike clear vinyl isinglass, polycarbonate will not yellow, dry and crack with age. It's highly UV resistant, abrasion resistant and has a much longer useable life-span than traditional PVC window material. The cost and application of polycarbonate usually limit its use to large vessels, yachts and some dodgers.