Plexiglass scratches

mickietucs

I searched but couldn't find if this was discussed before - any way to remove the scratches on the windows? I assume they're plexiglass. One place on the web said sandpaper but that's counter-intuitive. I'd think they'd get scratched more! Not a big deal but I notice it more on the front window and even the door window (thinking that's caused by that porthole shade being opened and closed). Oh, and I bought and have used "plexiglass cleaner" but it didn't do much.

Verna

Michele, that would be a great question to ask Ed at nuCamp, maybe in email form or a phone call if you 're in a hurry. Please tell us what you found out. Mine are a bit scratched from those 40 mph+ winds in AZ this winter. 

mickietucs

Verna - Okie dokie - I'll send him a note as I'm not in a hurry. Thanks!

Ron

I have used a series of compounds called "Mirror Glaze".  Basicly three different bottles of cleaning.  The first one takes out scratches and film buildup.  The middle one takes out scratches and polishes.  The last one is for light scratches and cleaning.  I used these with excellent results on folding plastic and hard lexan hatches.  If you use these often enough your plastic windows will last a long time.  Might not help much for flying rock dings, but worked well on flying fish residue.

ScottG

A quick wipe-down with Pledge furniture polish will tame minor scratches for a while. It's not permanent, but it's cheap and easy.

My passenger side window was scuffed a bit before we even bought it. It looks like somebody dry-wiped it while on the dealer's lot. That's kinda' how it goes with dust and plastic.

ChanW

Good tip Ron, thanks

Like ScottG says, I always be sure to use lots of soapy water when washing them.

Estancio

I wonder if "headlight cleaning kits" would work?

wizard1880

Estancio said:

I wonder if "headlight cleaning kits" would work?

Yes, but only if they're polycarbonate.  They might be acrylic or some other type.  Best wait until we get an answer from the factory.

db_cooper

Ron said:

I have used a series of compounds called "Mirror Glaze".  Basicly three different bottles of cleaning.  The first one takes out scratches and film buildup.  The middle one takes out scratches and polishes.  The last one is for light scratches and cleaning.  I used these with excellent results on folding plastic and hard lexan hatches.  If you use these often enough your plastic windows will last a long time.  Might not help much for flying rock dings, but worked well on flying fish residue.

I've used Meguire's Mirror Glaze with great success on the T@b's Windows.  I used #17 and #10, ones is a cleaner and the second a polish.  Took out the fine swirls and greatly reduced a rock scratch to barely noticeable.   Used it for years on the back plastic window of a Miata, window looked new when I sold it ten years later. Great stuff.

mickietucs

Just heard from Elsie. I think I'll try Maguire's (either the two glaze ones or I'll look at the #2 as Elsie says below).

We use buffing compound to get rid of scratches.  If the scratches are not too deep, use this Merguiar’s swirl remover 2.0. if that does not take care of it. try professionals pro speed compound.

skwhee

The designer at nüCamp confirmed that the window material is acrylic.

Rolltide82

Try Novus #1 cleaner/polish......We used it on hyperbaric chambers at a place I once worked....

jkjenn

mickietucs said:

Just heard from Elsie. I think I'll try Maguire's (either the two glaze ones or I'll look at the #2 as Elsie says below).

We use buffing compound to get rid of scratches.  If the scratches are not too deep, use this Merguiar’s swirl remover 2.0. if that does not take care of it. try professionals pro speed compound.

Did you get a chance to deal with this? I got a couple of small scratches in my window when my TV fell. 

Homebodyatheart

Thanks for this thread! In looking at our new T@b yesterday at the dealer we noticed some scratches/rub marks already on two of the windows. Poor thing hasn't been any further than the dealers lot since it got here the end of January. It's good to know we can make them better!

Nomad

The nature of plex but I'd rather have these windows than those in most campers/RVs even though they're glass.
Most small planes has plex windows. They use a thick liquid/polish to clean them. Your nearest private aviation FBO would have what they use.

mona

Would a motorcycle dealer have any products for this purpose? 

mickietucs

jkjenn said:

mickietucs said:

Just heard from Elsie. I think I'll try Maguire's (either the two glaze ones or I'll look at the #2 as Elsie says below).

We use buffing compound to get rid of scratches.  If the scratches are not too deep, use this Merguiar’s swirl remover 2.0. if that does not take care of it. try professionals pro speed compound.

Did you get a chance to deal with this? I got a couple of small scratches in my window when my TV fell. 

Not yet. I need to order the stuff and will do that when I bring my trailer to my neighbor's yard this weekend. will report back. 

jkjenn

Thanks, Michele!

Ratkity

mona said:

Would a motorcycle dealer have any products for this purpose? 

The windshields on motorcycles are Lexan. Not sure it'll work on Plex or if it's the same thing.

Runtarooti

Lexan = polycarbonate. Plexiglass = acrylic. Each has different properties, but both are sensitive to certain solvents and anionic surfactants (Jet Dry). Novus and McGuires will both work, but deep scratches require a multi step, multi product process, as mentioned earlier in thread. Use the least abrasive you can.

Ratkity

Thanks @Runtarooti!

ScottG

Ratkity said:

mona said:

Would a motorcycle dealer have any products for this purpose? 

The windshields on motorcycles are Lexan. Not sure it'll work on Plex or if it's the same thing.

Some motorcycle shields are acrylic--particularly aftermarket products. Here's what Memphis Shades says about treating scratches on their acrylic shields:

Memphis Shades recommends the use of Novus #2 to remove scratches. The deeper the scratches, the greater the pressure required to remove them. If the surface is dirty, clean with plenty of soapy water first (mild dishwashing liquid is best).

Shake well. Test in an inconspicuous area.

Apply NOVUS No. 2 liberally. Using a clean, soft cloth, polish with a firm back-and-forth motion at right angles to the scratches. Keep the cloth saturated with polish at all times.

When the worst scratches have been polished out, reapply Novus #2 uniformly in a circular motion to the entire surface using short, circular strokes and light pressure. Allow to dry to a light haze.

Using a clean portion of the cloth, buff the surface to a slippery glaze using firm, short strokes. This procedure is imperative in achieving the best results.

For heavy scratches, multiple applications of Novus #2 may be required.

I've never done this myself, so I can't vouch for how well it works. However, since the T@B windows are apparently also acrylic, it might be worth a try!

Ratkity

Great info, @ScottG!

ScottG

It would never have crossed my mind if Ratkity and mona hadn't raised the question. Good teamwork!

My bike shields are ok, but maybe now I'll get around to treating the scuffs on the T@B.