CLEANING
INSTRUCTIONS
for
POLYCARBONATE DOMES
When polycarbonate sheet is first installed, glazing compound and masking
paper adhesive can be easily removed by applying naphtha (VM&P) or kerosene
with a soft cloth, followed immediately with a thorough soap and water cleaning.
DO NOT USE GASOLINE. Adherence to regular and proper cleaning
procedures is recommended to preserve appearance.
Washing to Minimize Scratching
Wash polycarbonate sheet with a mild soap or detergent (such as 409 cleaner)
and lukewarm water, using a clean sponge or a soft cloth. Rinse well with
clean water. Dry thoroughly with a chamois or moist cellulose sponge to prevent
water spots. Do not scrub or use brushes or abrasives on these products; the
UV coating is not mar resistant. Also do not use butyl cellosolve in direct
sunlight.
Fresh paint splashes, grease and smeared glazing compounds can be removed
easily before drying by rubbing lightly with a good grade of naphtha or isopropyl
alcohol. Follow the alcohol rub with a mild detergent wash with warm water
and end with a thorough rinsing with clean water.
Minimize Hairline Scratches
Scratches and minor abrasions can be minimized by using a mild automobile
polish. Three such products that tend to polish and fill scratches are Johnson
Paste Wax, Novus Plastic Polish #1 and #2, Novus, Inc., Minneapolis, MN and
Mirror Glaze plastic polish (MG M10) Mirror Bright Polish Co., Pasadena, CA.
It is suggested that a test be made on a sample of the polycarbonate sheet
with the product selected and that the polish manufacturer's instructions
be followed.
"Don'ts" - Very Important
DON'T use abrasive or highly alkaline cleaners on the polycarbonate.
DON'T scrape the polycarbonate sheet with squeegees, razor blades or
other sharp instruments.
DON'T ever use benzene, gasoline, acetone or carbon tetrachloride on
the polycarbonate sheets.
DON'T clean polycarbonate sheets in hot sun or on very hot days.
Compatible Cleaners for polycarbonate
The following cleaning agents have been found to be compatible with polycarbonate.
Manufacturer's instructions should be followed.
Formula 409 (Clorox Co.) Top Job (Proctor & Gamble)
VM & P grade Naphtha Joy(Proctor & Gamble)
Windex w/Ammonia DDrackett Products) Palmolive Liquid(Colgate
Palmolive)
Graffiti Removal
Butyl Cellosolve (For removal of paints, marking pens, lipstick, etc.)
The use of masking tape, adhesive tape or lint removal tool s work
well for lifting off old weathered paints.
To remove labels, stickers, etc., the use of kerosenes, naphtha, or
petroleum spirits is generally effective. When the solvent will not penetrate
sticker material, apply heat (hair dryer) to soften the adhesive and promote
removal. GASOLINE SHOULD NOT BE USED.
Job Site Precautions
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 the polycarbonate sheets. Contact with harsh solvents such as methyl
ethyl ketone (MEK) or muriatic acid can result in surface degradation and
possible crazing of the polycarbonate.
For any questions, call Sun-Tek Customer Service at 800-334-5854.