Manufacturer-Approved Cleaning Procedures for Polycarbonate, Acrylic & APET.
The UV-resistant surface treatment on one side of the polycarbonate sheet significantly improves long-term weatherability, so periodic cleaning using proper procedures and compatible cleaners is recommended to prolong the service life.
For general cleaning, it is recommended that the following instructions and cleaning agents be used. These procedures and cleaners are also recommended for use on the untreated, interior surface of the polycarbonate sheet, and for acrylic and APET plastics.
Cleaning Procedures
- Rinse polycarbonate sheet with lukewarm water.
- Wash polycarbonate sheet with mild soap and lukewarm water.
- Use a soft cloth or sponge and gently wash with an up and down motion in the same direction as the flutes, as shown in image.
- Rinse the cloth or sponge and change the water often. DO NOT SCRUB or use brushes or squeegees. The coating on polycarbonate sheets is UV-resistant; IT IS NOT A MAR-RESISTANT COATING.
- Repeat rinse and dry with a soft cloth to prevent water spotting.
Some Important Don’ts
- DO NOT use abrasive or highly alkaline cleaners on polycarbonate sheet products.
- Never scrape polycarbonate sheet products with squeegees, razor blades or other sharp instruments.
- Benzene, gasoline, acetone, or carbon tetrachloride should never be used on polycarbonate sheet products.
- DO NOT clean polycarbonate sheet products in hot sun or at elevated temperatures.
Cleaning Agents found to be COMPATIBLE with polycarbonate sheets under laboratory conditions:
- Freon T.F.
- Joy
- Palmolive Liquid
- Top Job
- VM&P grade Naptha
- Windex with Ammonia
- Brillianize®
Cleaning Agents found to be INCOMPATIBLE with polycarbonate sheets under laboratory conditions – DO NOT USE:
- Lysol
- Pinesol
- Butyl Cellosolve
- Isopropanol
- Formula 409
IMPORTANT
If a material is found to be incompatible in a short-term test, it will usually be found to be incompatible in the field. The converse, however, is not always true. Favourable performance is no guarantee that actual end-use conditions have been duplicated. Therefore, these results should be used as a guide only and the products must be tested under actual end-use conditions by the user.
Polycarbonate sheets are treated on one side for protection against UV damage. This treated side must be glazed outward or toward the light source to provide protection for polycarbonate sheet substrate.
Minimizing Hairline Scratches
Scratches and minor abrasions can be minimized by using a mild automobile polish. Four such products that tend to polish and fill scratches are Johnson Paste Wax, Novus Plastic Polish #1 and #2 (Novus Inc., Minneapolis, MN), Mirror Glaze plastic polish(m.G.M10 – Mirror bright Polish Co., Pasadena, CA), and Plexus* (B.T.I. Chemical, Aguora, CA). It is suggested that a test be made on a sample with the product selected and that the polish manufacturer’s instructions be followed.
Because this material is highly mar and UV-resistant coating, avoid the use of abrasive cleaners and/or cleaning implements that may mar or gouge the coating.
Graffiti Removable
- Butyl Cellosolve works well for removal of paints, marking pen inks, lipstick, etc.
- Masking tape, adhesive tape, or lint removal tools work well for lifting off old weathered paints.
- To remove label stickers, etc. The use of kerosene or VM&P Naphtha is generally effective. When the solvent will not penetrate sticker material apply heat (hairdryer) to soften the adhesive and promote removal. GASOLINE SHOULD NEVER BE USED.
New Construction and renovations frequently require that the glazing and surrounding sash and wall finish be cleaned of any excess mortar, paint, sealant, primers, or other construction compounds. Only recommended cleaners should be used to clean.
Contact with harsh solvents such as methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) or muriatic acid can result in surface degradation and possible crazing.
