Esinglass Restoration

[John Dickson]

I am looking for some suggestions on restoring old esinglass, specifically I am hoping to remove some finer scratches and remove the fogged and yellowed appearance. I have heard suggestions ranging from wheeling out the plastic to using flitz. What say the experts here?

thanks

 

[egaito]

I am looking for some suggestions on restoring old esinglass, specifically I am hoping to remove some finer scratches and remove the fogged and yellowed appearance. I have heard suggestions ranging from wheeling out the plastic to using flitz. What say the experts here?

thanks

I have used a two-step 3M product that comes in small bottles...the process is similar to compounding and then polishing gelcoat. I didn't get good results by hand, as they suggested it be used, so I went to a buffer and VERY lightly buffed out some nearly shot isinglass. The keys to success it seemed to me were to start with a good soap and water wash down to get rid of any grit (including salt crystals), to to keep enough of the compound on the plastic, and to avoid generating any heat from friction with the buffer. I also had the panels lying flat on a bedspread on the dock.

This is a big YMMV process as a buffer could easily do more harm than good, but I had nothing to lose on these panels, and got another few years out of them.

 

[Ragbagger]

I was thinking about doing the same thing. I saw the Flitz process shown on "Ship-Shape" TV last week and was interested. It is kind of a stupid show aimed at people who really must be stupid about boats, but this segment was ok. The Flitz may work work pretty well. It was being demoed by the Pres.-founder of the company.

Anyone tried the Flitz?

 

[egaito]

Anyone tried the Flitz?

Not on my isinglass, but on just about everything else...I like it.

 

[REBrueckner]

minor scratches can be removed, I doubt yellowing will respond to anything...

 

[bobk]

YMMV, but I have cleaned flexible vinyl with odorless mineral spirits. Fine scratches will respond to rubbing with Finesit but it is a lot of work. Best to pin the panels rather than roll them.

Bob

 

[Traveler 45C]

These work really well:

http://www.aircraftspruce.com/catalog/cspages/novusproducts.php

 

[sgharford]

Have to ask - what is Esinglass?

 

[Bob Bradley]

I believe Eisenglass is a generic name given to the various clear plastics used in enclosure windows. Anybody remember the lyrics from Oklahoma's "Surrey With the Fringe on Top"?

I also have a question, however: What is "YMMV"?

 

[bobk]

I can't say what the letters stand for but it's basically a disclaimer; your results may vary type of thing.

 

[sgharford]

YMMV - Your Mileage May Vary

 

[sgharford]

Lemon Pledge works great on clear plastic windows. Seriously - works great. I have helped many a friend with soft top Jeeps bring their windows back to life with Lemon Pledge. It doesn't appear to have any long term negative effects either. Friend with fishing boat in Alaska taught me this trick.

 

[egaito]

I can't say what the letters stand for but it's basically a disclaimer; your results may vary type of thing.

Sorry for the Geek Speak...it is indeed intended to mean Your Mileage May Vary.

I say that because many would consider putting a buffer on eisenglass sacrilege. It worked for me, and patience, was definitely the key.

 

[dennis]

I have good results with Maguire's Mirror Glaze 3 step products. The products are: clear plastic cleaner, clear plastic polish and clear plastic detailer. The results were great.

 

[yachtsmanbill]

I L A ... I Love Acronyms !!
Your Mileage May Vary,,, ws
http://www.acronymfinder.com/

 

[wshelton]

Try Fantastic to clean it and then treat it with Aerospace 303. Buy it on the web.

 

[Paul45c]

I've carefully wheeled old panels with reasonable results -- it can be a bit of a pain getting the polishing compound residue out, but I think it was worth the effort for another year or so. I've also heard about the lemon pledge thing, but never tried it.