Soft Glass Care
NEVER clean vinyl glass with an abrasive material or cleaner.
ALWAYS use a high-quality chamois or microfiber cloth.
We specify and work with several different kinds of soft/flexible vinyl glass based on the requirements of our customers and the needs of the job. We work with standard clear vinyl glass (often referred to as Isinglass) as well as Strataglass and O'Sea branded vinyl glass. Strataglass and O'Sea vinyl glass products use proprietary anti-scratch/UV-protection coatings and require special care.
Standard Clear Vinyl
- Rinse off loose dirt and particles with clean fresh water.
- Use a cleaning solution of 1/4 cup non-detergent soap per 1 gallon of fresh water.
- Wash with chamois or microfiber cloth, rinse with fresh water, and dry with high-quality absorbent cloth.
- Apply 210 plastic cleaner/ scratch remover to maintain clarity and prevent UV damage.
- DO NOT use abrasive material, such as a paper towel to wipe down the vinyl glass.
- DO NOT use detergent soap, window cleaner or other cleaner, such as Windex, Fantastic or Simple Green.
O'Sea®
- To maintain clarity and extend the life of your O'Sea product, it is recommended that you regularly wash off dirt and salt.
- ALWAYS Hose or blow off loose dirt particles from surface and then use either plain water or a mild non-detergent soap/water solution to clean the surface.
- Apply solution with soft cloth or microfiber towel to clean window. Always flood the window with water before gently wiping it with a damp, soft cotton cloth.
- DO NOT use abrasive material, such as a paper towel or harsh brush, to wipe down your O'Sea product.
- DO NOT use harsh detergents when washing.
- DO NOT use cleaning products containing silicones or alcohol. Some commercial vinyl care products and glass cleaners may contain these harmful ingredients
- DO NOT roll and stow when dirty. Do not stow the encolusre panels when wet. Doing so, may damage the product and mildew may form.
Strataglass™
- To properly clean and maintain your Strataglass products we recommend using IMAR Strataglass Protective Cleaner and IMAR Strataglass Protective Polish.
- ALWAYS use IMAR Strataglas Protective Cleaner to immediately remove harmful liquids, creams, chemicals or sprays that contact the Strataglass surface.
- Rinse thoroughly with clear water to flush away any salt or environmental abrasives. Air dry or use only a high quality chamois or microfiber cloth.
- Spray the IMAR Strataglass Protective Cleaner directly on the inside and outside surfaces of the Strataglass or onto a soft cotton or micro fiber cloth. Gently wipe the Strataglass surface to clean. If necessary, buff dry with another dry clean cloth.
- Apply a light coat of IMAR Strataglass Protective Polish on both the inside and outside surfaces with small, light circular motions using a soft cotton cloth or applicator pad. Allow the polish to quickly dry. Lightly buff with a dry soft cotton or micro fiber cloth to a sparkling smooth shine. The Strataglass Protective Polish should be applied every 1-2 months, especially when the enclosure is new.
- DO NOT use abrasive material, such as a paper towel, to wipe down Strataglass.
- DO NOT use Windex, Rain-X, Pledge, Plexus, Simple Green, Orpine or any other harsh cleaner to clean Strataglass products. This will void the Manufacturer's warranty.
- DO NOT use a car wax or any kind of wash and wax to protect Strataglass products. This will void the warranty.
- DO NOT use cleaners, polishes, scratch removers, or any products intended for commercial grade vinyl or plastic. This may damage the Strataglass and void the warranty.
Rigid Glass Care
For our rigid glass enclosures, we typically specify Makrolon® AR2 Polycarbonate glass.
Makrolon® AR2 is an abrasion resistant polycarbonate sheet that offers superior abrasion resistance and a glasslike surface hardness. It features a unique clear hard coat finish that resists the harsh conditions of most marine applications. Additionally, Makrolon AR2 offers resistance from yellowing and hazing.
With proper care you can get many years of outstanding protection and visibility from your Makrolon® enclosure. Learn how to care for your Mills rigid glass enclosure here:
- Ensure the Makrolon® glass surface is dry and free of materials that may scratch. If the surface is dirty with salt spray or other environmental abrasives,
flush with fresh water and wash with IMAR Yacht Soap Concentrate #401. Rinse and dry thoroughly with chamois or microfiber cloth. - Use 210 Plastic Cleaner and Polish. Lightly spray the 210 on a clean soft 100% cotton cloth. NOTE: apply conservatively; a little goes a long way.
- Wipe a manageable size area of the Makrolon® glass lightly and briskly. Wash all cleaners off promptly after application.
- Dry/buff with a second clean soft 100% cotton cloth. To avoid scratching, turn this cloth often and change it frequently
- DO NOT Don’t use paper towels, brushes, squeegees, scrapers, or other abrasives items that might scratch or damage the Makrolon® protective coating.
- DO NOT use harsh/abrasive, highly alkaline, or ammonia-based cleaners, polishes, or scratch removers, or Rainex.
- DO NOT allow stains to sit for extended periods of time on the glass
- DO NOT bend or roll the glass tightly, it will cause cracking and micro-cracking in the material that is not covered by the manufacturer's warranty.