Charlies guide to polishing acrylic /plastic windows / headlights (1 Viewer)

[johnpengers]

Rather than start a new post I thought I resurrect this one.I read all the replies with great interest and then set about some of my scratched windows.The worst being the kitchen window where the previous owner had decided to wipe the interior with a scourer pad(D***Head !!!!!
It was that bad I genuinely thought I would have to replace the window.I bought some super duper specialist acrylic window cleaner just to see if I could improve it before I ordered a new window.The stuff wasn't cheap and there wasn't a lot of it.
Minimal results and a lot of hard work.
I then decided to try what the lads had recommended on here so I used my Maguires Ultimate Polish which I bought for the motorhome.
One word......Brilliant !!!!......Hard work but the results are superb !!!!
Going to tackle the rest now inside and out.
A big thanks for all the great advice on here especially the bit about not being seduced into buying expensive products when others work just as well if not better !!!!
Hope you're all still awake !!

John.

 

[Feltwell]

This is where I have to disagree with Charlie ( slightly ). Having polished literally hundreds of van windows I can recommend Meguiars Plastic, good results can be obtained by hand polishing but to get crystal clear plastic windows it's best to use a DA polisher

Mike, you're a legend! Having recently spent £1000 replacing all my hab windows (another story...) I was a little upset to get a really bad & obvious scratch right across the middle of the largest one, as a result of having to go into a hedgerow (oncoming ambulance + narrow Devon lane.....)

Tried the Meguiars, and the scratch has been massively improved just by hand polishing. I'm a happy boy!

Charlie, I don't doubt it's just a fine polish and I appreciate you starting this thread and all your advice, but if you're a rank amateur at detailing like me then for the sake of £8 delivered to the door this little bottle has reassured me that I'm not going to damage my £700 window by using too harsh a polish! I have to say it did work really well - not that much effort even just polishing by hand to get rid of the worst of the scratch.

Mike, you've inadvertently saved yourself a little time at least - I need to book one of your rejuvenation valets for next year, but I decided this scratch wouldn't wait until then! Do you do these valets at weekends at all, or is it weekday only?

 

[Khizzie]

Thi

Mike, you're a legend! Having recently spent £1000 replacing all my hab windows (another story...) I was a little upset to get a really bad & obvious scratch right across the middle of the largest one, as a result of having to go into a hedgerow (oncoming ambulance + narrow Devon lane.....)

Tried the Meguiars, and the scratch has been massively improved just by hand polishing. I'm a happy boy!

Charlie, I don't doubt it's just a fine polish and I appreciate you starting this thread and all your advice, but if you're a rank amateur at detailing like me then for the sake of £8 delivered to the door this little bottle has reassured me that I'm not going to damage my £700 window by using too harsh a polish! I have to say it did work really well - not that much effort even just polishing by hand to get rid of the worst of the scratch.

Mike, you've inadvertently saved yourself a little time at least - I need to book one of your rejuvenation valets for next year, but I decided this scratch wouldn't wait until then! Do you do these valets at weekends at all, or is it weekday only?[/QUOTE think it might be better to contact mike on his website .motorhome valet.

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[Feltwell]

Thi

Ehh?

 

[DBK]

Ehh?

It's a puzzle but the missing words, are at the end of the quote if you expand it. All down to a missing ]

 

[Feltwell]

Ahh! (See what difference an A rather than a E makes!!)

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[Khizzie]

Ahh! (See what difference an A rather than a E makes!!)

Aarrrr oi baint be ejumikated loik sum on this yer forum. Lol.

 

[Khizzie]

Ahh! (See what difference an A rather than a E makes!!)

Aarrrr oi baint be ejumikated loik sum on this yer forum. Lol.

 

[Feltwell]

I got that on the second time Khizzie!

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[Duke Ato]

Very helpful. Thanks guys.

 

[soreeyes]

I always read the ingredients in products when polishing acrylic windows as I read any petroleum and solvent products cause the window to craze on the surface .

 

[Charlie]

I always read the ingredients in products when polishing acrylic windows as I read any petroleum and solvent products cause the window to craze on the surface .

Don’t worry about crazing. Using the wrong stuff will discolour the windows so much you won’t be able to see it

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[Wombles]

@Charlie please can you advise the best way to remove sticky tape residue from acrylic caravan windows? Have a relative who has the left over glue from a taped on for sale sign right on the main front window & doesn't want to use something that will damage that!

 

[DBK]

@Charlie please can you advise the best way to remove sticky tape residue from acrylic caravan windows? Have a relative who has the left over glue from a taped on for sale sign right on the main front window & doesn't want to use something that will damage that!

If Charlie doesn't reply and assuming hot water and detergent has failed try methylated spirits. Test on a corner first!

 

[Charlie]

@Charlie please can you advise the best way to remove sticky tape residue from acrylic caravan windows? Have a relative who has the left over glue from a taped on for sale sign right on the main front window & doesn't want to use something that will damage that!

Very very gentle heat and roll it with your finger . It’s time consuming. Only resort to chemicals as a very last resort...

Sorry for the late reply I’ve been mega busy and haven’t been on the forum so often.

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[Wombles]

If Charlie doesn't reply and assuming hot water and detergent has failed try methylated spirits. Test on a corner first!

Very very gentle heat and roll it with your finger . It’s time consuming. Only resort to chemicals as a very last resort...

Sorry for the late reply I’ve been mega busy and haven’t been on the forum so often.

Thank you both - much appreciated - have passed on your advice