The following techniques for cleaning acrilic and polycarbonate sheet are based on standard industry practice. To ensure acceptability of the results, always test a sample of the material with the cleaner and technique to be used.
Guidelines:
- Use clean soft cloths or sponges for application of cleaners and again for washing and rinsing.
- Follow up the application with warm water rinse.
- Don’t use abrasives or high alkaline cleaners.
- Don’t leave cleaners on polycarbonate sheet for long periods, wash immediately.
- Don’t apply cleaners in direct sunlight or at elevated temperatures.
- Don’t use scrapers, squeegees or razors.
- Don’t clean with gasoline.
Cleaning and maintenance:
Thourghly rinse with warm water using a soft cloth or sponge. Wash with mild soap or detergent and rinse thouroughly with clean water. To prevent water spots, thoroughly dry the glazing with a chamois or moist sponge. Do not use abrasive cleaners. Avoid cleaning in direct sunlight to prevent streaking.
Compatible Cleaners and Detergents:
Formula 409, Top Job, Joy, Palmolive, Windex with Ammonia D, Naptha VM&P grade.
To Minimize Fine or Hairline Scratches:
Mild automotive polish applied and removed with a soft, clean cloth will help fill scratches.
Suggested Polishes:
- Johnson Paste Wax
- Mirror Glaze #10 Plastic Polish (by Mirror Bright Polish Co., Pasadena CA)
- Novus Plastics Polish #1, #2 (by Novus, Inc., Minneapolis MN)
To remove masking adhesive and glazing compound:
Apply Naptha or kerosene with a clean, soft cloth. Wash immediately with soap and rinse thououghly with clean water.
To remove graffiti:
Butyl Cellosolve removes paint, marker ink, lipstick, etc. (never use in direct sunlight). Naptha VM&P grade or petroleum spirits will help lift stickers or other adhesive backed paper.