Tips From the Pros
How to Protect & Restore Plastic Port Holes,
Portlights, Hatches, Windshields & More
Background - Marine Plastics

Most plastic port holes, portlights, hatches and windshields on today's modern boats are made from either clear or tinted acrylic. Acrylic is a very durable and resilient material, which with proper care and protection should last the life of the boat.

Degradation usually occurs on the surface, but in severe situations can result in cracking. When the surface becomes scratched or oxidized, the surface turns milky white or yellow and clarity is lost.

Scratching occurs from wiping the surface with paper towels, wet or dry wiping when dust or dirt is present on the plastic or cloth, or scrubbing with a brush. Once scratching occurs, even fine scratches, Ultra Violet light rays from the sun is deflected by the scratch, which encourages oxidation, turning the surface milky. The use of improper cleaners also depletes the plasticisers, which allows UV rays to break down the molecular structure at the surface, in turn allowing oxidation to take place.

Cleaning should be done on a regular basis to avoid the build up of dirt, pollutants, salt, etc., with clean fresh running water only. If wiping is necessary, pat dry with a soft clean cloth or chamois. Do not wipe, since residue dust or dirt dragged across the surface will scratch.

Use only products specifically designed for cleaning and protecting plastic surfaces.

Materials List:

Aurora Clear View Kit
Four Soft, Clean, Dry, White, Cotton Cloths
Clean, Fresh Running Water Source

Aurora Clear View is an easy to use two component kit containing a bottle of No.1 Cleaner and No.2 Protector.

The No. 1 Cleaner is specially formulated to quickly and easily remove the milky oxidized surface and contains a polishing compound to remove minor surface scratches.

The No.2 Protector contains antistatics to repel dust and dirt, UV inhibitors to retard fogging and yellowing and plasticisers to rejuvenate and restore surface resilience. After application, it can be safely buffed to a like new gloss. Re-application of No2 Protector is recommended every 4 to 6 weeks to maintain protection, appearance and clarity.

For new plastic, the No.1 cleaning process can be skipped. Rinse and dry as explained above and apply No.2 Protector. Re-apply every 4 to 6 weeks. Keep No.1 for future cleaning and scratch removal if it becomes necessary.

Directions

Rinse with clean fresh running water to remove surface contaminants and allow to air dry or if necessary, pat dry with a clean soft cloth.

Apply Clear View No.1 Cleaner to a soft, clean, dry, white cloth and rub vigorously onto plastic. Buff residue off with a second clean, dry, white cloth. Repeat if necessary until plastic is transparent.

Apply Clear View No.2 Protector onto a soft, clean, dry, white cloth and rub vigorously onto plastic. Buff with a second soft, clean, dry, white cloth to a crystal like shine.

How the Pros Do It

Avoid using the No. 1 Cleaner in direct sunlight, when plastic is hot. The cleaner will dry before it can be buffed off. If this occurs, rinse off with water and re-apply when conditions are more favorable.

 Buff the No.2 Protector lightly and let stand for 24 hrs., then re-buff with a fresh cloth. This gives the plasticisers and other ingredients a better chance to bond to the surface and the second buffing results in a higher gloss. If dust or dirt has settled on the plastic, rinse off with water first and allow to dry before buffing.

 Save old diapers, cotton T shirts or underwear for this job.

 Be environmentally responsible. Dispose of used cloths and packaging in land based refuse containers.

 When buffing, use light rapid strokes rather than heavy rubbing for higher gloss.

 If bird or insect droppings will not rinse off with a hose, use No.1 Cleaner to remove and then re-apply No.2 Protector.