13
CLEANING INSTRUCTIONS
Polycarbonate:
When the polycarbonate sheet is first installed, the glazing compound and masking paper adhesive can be easily
removed by applying naphtha (VM and 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 the appearance of the unit.
Washing to Minimize Scratching:
Wash the polycarbonate sheet with a mild soap or detergent (such as 409 cleaner) and lukewarm water, using a
clean sponge or a soft cloth. Rinse the panel well with clean water. Dry the product thoroughly with a chamois or
moist cellulose sponge to prevent water spots. Do not scrub, use brushes or apply abrasives on these products.
Splashes, grease and smeared glazing compounds can be removed easily before drying by rubbing the shield
lightly with a good grade of naphtha or isopropyl alcohol. Follow the alcohol rub with a mild detergent wash using
warm water and end with a clean water rinsing.
Minimize Hairline Scratches:
Scratches and minor abrasions can be minimized by using a mild automotive 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
conducted on a sample of the polycarbonate sheet with the product selected and that the polish manufacturer’s
instructions be followed.
• DO NOT use abrasive or highly alkaline cleaners on the polycarbonate.
• DO NOT scrape the polycarbonate sheet with squeegees, razor blades or other sharp instruments.
• DO NOT ever use benzene, gasoline, acetone or carbon tetrachloride on the polycarbonate sheets.
• DO NOT clean the polycarbonate sheets in the hot sun or on very hot days.
Compatible Cleaners for Polycarbonate Plastic:
The following cleaning agents have been found to be compatible with polycarbonate (the manufacturer’s
instructions should be followed):
• The Display Shield
®
recommended cleaners (found on our website at
www.thedisplayshield.com
)
• Formula 409™ (Clorox Co.) Top Job™ (Proctor and Gamble)
• VM and P grade Naphtha Joy™(Proctor and Gamble)
• Windex w/Ammonia D™ (Drackett Products)
• Palmolive Liquid™ (Colgate Palmolive)
Cleaners for Graffiti Removal:
• Butyl Cellosolve (for removal of paints, marking pens, lipstick, etc.)
• Masking tape, adhesive tape or lint removal tools (work well for lifting off old weathered paints)
• Kerosene, naphtha, or petroleum spirits (generally effective for removing labels, stickers, etc)
Note: When the solvent will not penetrate the 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.
