Milky plastic windows, solution!?

[Gingerbread Man]

I'm not sure if there is a thread on this as the search function is down for me.

My doors have plastic windows, and the plastic has gone milky. This does reduce visibility slightly, and I'd like to get them back into shape. I'm assuming it is the same plastic as used on many stop top rear windows.

What product would you recommend to get this looking at it's best. I've herd people recommendation products that are marketed for the purpose like 'Hindsight' and 'Renovo'. People have also mentioned car polishes 'Autoglym Super Resin polish' or 'Turtlewax plastic polish'

Will any polish do the trick, or do I need more than that?

David

[pacman1]

I have seen Brasso and also toothpaste mentioned in the past being used on the rear screens of convertibles.

[Gingerbread Man]

pacman1 said:

I have seen Brasso and toothpaste mentioned on other threads in the past.

I was hoping there would be a secret like this that beats paying out £££ for a special product that does no better. That's for the idea so far.

[matt will]

Swissvax do a vinyl window repair kit I use when detailing soft tops. Includes a cleaner and a sealant. Top stuff.

[finlo]

I've used T cut on motorhome windows to good effect.

[TallPaul]

Just use normal paintwork polish, you could maybe try a very fine cutting compound first, vbut dont use anything too abrasive.

[Gingerbread Man]

So the bottom line is that a polish with a mild abrasive (toothpaste!?) will help me on my way? I'm assuming that polishing by hand will take me an age. Would a buffing machine quicken things up, or would it be overkill?

David

[pacman1]

Gingerbread Man said:

So the bottom line is that a polish with a mild abrasive (toothpaste!?) will help me on my way? I'm assuming that polishing by hand will take me an age. Would a buffing machine quicken things up, or would it be overkill?

David

I guess you could use a machine, but carefully though, the last thing you would want to do is generate heat.

Seeing as they are perspex, could you not make your own replacements from a sheet?

[Gingerbread Man]

pacman1 said:

Gingerbread Man said:

So the bottom line is that a polish with a mild abrasive (toothpaste!?) will help me on my way? I'm assuming that polishing by hand will take me an age. Would a buffing machine quicken things up, or would it be overkill?

David

I guess you could use a machine, but carefully though, the last thing you would want to do is generate heat.

Seeing as they are perspex, could you not make your own replacements from a sheet?

I don't think they are perspex. Perspex is a solid sheet isn't it? These are flexy plastic.

[pacman1]

Gingerbread Man said:

pacman1 said:

Gingerbread Man said:

So the bottom line is that a polish with a mild abrasive (toothpaste!?) will help me on my way? I'm assuming that polishing by hand will take me an age. Would a buffing machine quicken things up, or would it be overkill?

David

I guess you could use a machine, but carefully though, the last thing you would want to do is generate heat.

Seeing as they are perspex, could you not make your own replacements from a sheet?

I don't think they are perspex. Perspex is a solid sheet isn't it? These are flexy plastic.

Hmm, can't say, can you check with the manufacturer?

[kds keltec]

flexy plastic like this


before







during





getting better



now for inside





better still



and a couple of before and afters finished










process is just alot of very carefull machine correction with standard cutting compounds

on a car of which only 7 right hand drives ever made and this is the only automatic one

HTH kelly

edit to say we have done a complete car turnaround not just the rear window

[kds keltec]

Just remembered got a small link / guide on website of plastic and glass

http://www.kdskeltec.co.uk/glass_plastic.phtml

Kelly

[Gingerbread Man]

kds keltec said:

flexy plastic like this


before







during





getting better



now for inside





better still



and a couple of before and afters finished










process is just alot of very carefull machine correction with standard cutting compounds

on a car of which only 7 right hand drives ever made and this is the only automatic one

HTH kelly

edit to say we have done a complete car turnaround not just the rear window

Thanks for the Kelly.

I'm guessing that you used some expensive products. I like the result, so it's a goal at least! So I'll look into the products everyone has suggested, I might even try the Brass O, T cut or Toothpaste idea and see how I get on.

Thanks everyone.

[TallPaul]

I wouldnt use Brasso or toothpaste. T-Cut "should" be ok, but the finer the cut the better. I've done a few by hand and although its hard-ish work, its not impossible and you can see the results almost straight away.

[Gingerbread Man]

Okay, maybe I'll keep the Colgate at bay then!

[Johno]

I do the same as Kelly and use the exact same polish I'd use for the paint, only making sure the speed is kept down, the heat is kept in check and I use the lightest cut and softest pad I have.

You can work to heavier pads/polishers but better the keep fine and spend time doing it, don't rush it.

Also, keep some water handy, the first few times I did mine I used water to keep the the lubrication up and temp down, you can do without, I was just being cautious.

I use Meg's pro range, but any good quality polish with do the job.

[pacman1]

All good stuff above. As for Brasso & toothpaste, I was led to believe they were fine abrasive products, hence peoples' past recommendations as possibly well suited for non-glass windows.