Blog
Cleaning Lexan Polycarbonate Sheet
12/17/2014
by Anthony ZAZO
Care and Cleaning of Polycarbonate sheet
You are the proud owner of a fine piece of polycarbonate sheet. We sell several brand names - Lexan, Makrolon, and Tuffak. All of us at ePlastics would like to offer these bits of wisdom to help you get the most value out of your purchase.
The Number 1 Problem with caring for polycarbonate sheet is the use of incorrect cleaners. Yes, we said "cleaners". Please... never, ever, use cleaners containing ammonia. Cleaners such as Windex or 409 will harm your new piece of polycarbonate. Use only products specifically recommended for cleaning polycarbonate such as Novus #1, or Brillianize, and a soft cloth. (All are available in our showrooms and OnLine). Never use a dry cloth or your hand to clean your polycarbonate! This rubs the dirt and dust INTO the polycarbonate as much as it rubs it OFF. Doh!
First, blow the dust or dirt off, or use water and a soft cloth to float the dirt off. Then use a recommended cleaner to complete the job. Note: a mild solution of dish detergent and warm water takes off stubborn dirt easily without harming the polycarbonate if you've run out of Novus #1 or Brillianize. When in doubt, use water and a soft cloth.
The Number 2 Problem with polycarbonate is Sunlight.
While Plexiglas is NOT affected by the sun, polycarbonate is. Untreated or standard general purpose polycarbonate is good for 5-7 years in the direct sun before it starts to haze and discolor a bit. It does not lose its strength but is less transparent. Products like Makrolon 15 are produced with a protective layer and will not change much in 15 years!! Oh - and your headlight covers that discolor? Wonder what material it is?
Removing Scratches from polycarbonate
In the event that, after taking meticulous steps to prevent it, your fine piece of polycarbonate becomes scratched, HAVE FEAR. Fine scratches cannot be removed with a mild abrasive polish such as Novus #2, or Novus #3. While the material looks similar to Plexiglas, it is made of carbon, not methyl methacrylate. 2 very different compounds. We Want You To Be Satisfied. We have offered these basic rules to guide you to years of satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your polycarbonate, have questions regarding cutting, drilling, buffing or are curious as to new materials available, please call our customer service representatives for prompt and courteous service, or visit our showroom.
You are the proud owner of a fine piece of polycarbonate sheet. We sell several brand names - Lexan, Makrolon, and Tuffak. All of us at ePlastics would like to offer these bits of wisdom to help you get the most value out of your purchase.
The Number 1 Problem with caring for polycarbonate sheet is the use of incorrect cleaners. Yes, we said "cleaners". Please... never, ever, use cleaners containing ammonia. Cleaners such as Windex or 409 will harm your new piece of polycarbonate. Use only products specifically recommended for cleaning polycarbonate such as Novus #1, or Brillianize, and a soft cloth. (All are available in our showrooms and OnLine). Never use a dry cloth or your hand to clean your polycarbonate! This rubs the dirt and dust INTO the polycarbonate as much as it rubs it OFF. Doh!
First, blow the dust or dirt off, or use water and a soft cloth to float the dirt off. Then use a recommended cleaner to complete the job. Note: a mild solution of dish detergent and warm water takes off stubborn dirt easily without harming the polycarbonate if you've run out of Novus #1 or Brillianize. When in doubt, use water and a soft cloth.
The Number 2 Problem with polycarbonate is Sunlight.
While Plexiglas is NOT affected by the sun, polycarbonate is. Untreated or standard general purpose polycarbonate is good for 5-7 years in the direct sun before it starts to haze and discolor a bit. It does not lose its strength but is less transparent. Products like Makrolon 15 are produced with a protective layer and will not change much in 15 years!! Oh - and your headlight covers that discolor? Wonder what material it is?
Removing Scratches from polycarbonate
In the event that, after taking meticulous steps to prevent it, your fine piece of polycarbonate becomes scratched, HAVE FEAR. Fine scratches cannot be removed with a mild abrasive polish such as Novus #2, or Novus #3. While the material looks similar to Plexiglas, it is made of carbon, not methyl methacrylate. 2 very different compounds. We Want You To Be Satisfied. We have offered these basic rules to guide you to years of satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your polycarbonate, have questions regarding cutting, drilling, buffing or are curious as to new materials available, please call our customer service representatives for prompt and courteous service, or visit our showroom.