Windshield cleaner

[sdemeyer]

Hi List,

What is a good product to use for cleaning the plastic windshield? Also, do any of you use a rain-x type product to bead off rain?

Thanks,
Scott

[SkyPirate]

sdemeyer ,..if you go to a motor cycle shop,..the windscreens on the motor cycles are lexan ,..if you have the lexan windshield ,..use the same product they offer ,.. the key ,..use only the products designed for lexan,..lexan being a hydro inhibited material ,..some products can fog the windshield if not designed specifically for lexan.

Chase

[DesertFox4]

Plexus seemed to work very well. I've used that for years. Last year or so they doubled the price per can I so tried a lower cost product from my local FBO. Not as good as Plexus. Wants to streak and takes more rubbing. When I replace my windshield it's back to Plexus.

[sdemeyer]

[quote=SkyPirate;9040]sdemeyer ,..if you go to a motor cycle shop,..the windscreens on the motor cycles are lexan ,..if you have the lexan windshield ,..use the same product they offer ,.. the key ,..use only the products designed for lexan,..lexan being a hydro inhibited material ,..some products can fog the windshield if not designed specifically for lexan.

Chase[/quote

I'm not familiar with the differences in appearance between Lexan and Plexiglass. Is there a way to determine what I have?

[SkyPirate]

Scott ,.chances are,..unless you have the acrylic preformed windshield,..your windshield is lexan,..
Plexi glass is not commonly used in an area that has multi directional bends,..it will crack very easily with stress and or impact.
If you have the builders log ,..it should tell you which windshield the builder installed ,..preformed or lexan. if it doesn't,..what year is your plane ..and when were the preformed windshields introduced? this could be a good indication,.. I have only dealt with the lexan widshields,..I've never messed with the preformed,..only heard some horror stories of the preformed windshields cracking during installation.


Chase

[dholly]

I am replacing a polycarbonate windscreen today, attached are the recommendations on the Lexan® protective film...

In addition to the cleaning agents noted on the Lexan film, other cleaning agents that have been found to be compatible with polycarbonate under laboratory conditions include: Brillianize, and Windex with Ammonia D.
Mild (low-alkaline) liquid soap or detergent that have been found to be compatible with polycarbonate under laboratory conditions include: Dawn and Palmolive Liquid.

Maintain with Cleaner/polishers compatible with polycarbonate: Meguiars Mirror Glaze Clear Plastic Polish, Cleaner & Detailer, Novus Plastics Polish #1, #2 and Plexus Plastic Cleaner and Polish. I can vouch for Plexus, used it on my Harley Road King windscreen.

Tip: If you want to test a cleaner/solvent, cut a few thin strips of scrap Lexan. Ever notice how you can fold polycarbonate back on itself without it breaking or cracking? Now dip it in some solvent, as briefly as you can. Wipe it off and try to bend it over on itself. If the cleaner/solvent is incompatible and induces chemical stress, instead of bending the strip will snap like hard plastic.

[Av8r3400]

First of all, I have the molded aeroplastics, plexi windshield. So this may not apply for a lexan windscreen...

I use Pledge furniture wax on mine. It works very well and leaves a nice wax film that makes the bugs clean off easily. I've used Pledge wax on airplanes for years with great results. Ever since it was recommended by an A&P many years ago. (I also use it on my motorcycle windscreen.)

[HighWing]

[quote=Av8r3400;9050]First of all, I have the molded aeroplastics, plexi windshield. So this may not apply for a lexan windscreen...

I use Pledge furniture wax on mine.

Lemon Pledge was the product of choice in the old days. Most of the Kitfox guys used it. It not only cleans, but makes the bugs easier to get off.

Lowell