Cleaning plastic port windows.

[daviddp]

Has anyone used automotive headlight cleaner to clean plastic port windows? Mine are scratched and always look dirty. It would make the wife very happy but I don't want to risk making it worse. I used a "mothers" product on our car and it worked great.

 

[dlochner]

The various plastic polishes (and there are a lot out there) all work for a while. The problem is both polycarbonate and acrylic eventually degrade with UV exposure. The chalky surface forms, it gets polished off only to form again. Replacing the lens in the port is the only semi-permanent solution.

 

[Rich Stidger]

This question and a recommended product was around here about 6-8 weeks ago. I bought the recommended product and it did nothing obvious. YMMV. However it did begin to clear up my car's headlight lenses for which it was marketed.

 

[DArcy]

I tried a few cleaning products several years ago with little success. I ended up replacing them and have been happy since. Mine were 40 years old so it was time.

 

[agprice22]

I think the only solutions are to cover them and replace them. I have hatch covers, and they make a difference. When I replace hatch lenses, I use 1/2” plexi. It seems to handle better.

 

[Capt Robbie]

Try toothpaste did an amazing job.
If the lens is flat then you can wet sand off the oxidation then clear Côte after all oxidation has been removed and polished. They will look like new and only will cost a few bucks and about ten minutes of sanding with a orbital sander per window.

 

[agprice22]

The thing you cannot remove is the crazing inside the “glass.” Once that starts... ugh.

 

[Ken Cross]

Use Mainsail's buff wax for gelcoat solition. It worked great for us and has stayed clear for 2 years so far. It also makes the hull look great. It will also be good for your upper body depending on what your buffer weighs.

Here is a link

https://forums.sailboatowners.com/index.php?threads/tips-for-a-great-buff-wax.117266/

Ken

 

[thinwater]

A combination of rubbing compound followed by wax can be effective, but it depends on the damage and the product. You will need a buffer (Harbor Freight has cheap ones that will last many years of light use) and you will need to Google instructions (keep it wet, light pressure). Expect improvement, but not like new. There is no risk of making it worse if you follow the instructions. I would not bother with the tiny headlight kits. Get some 3M compound or something equivalent.

Practical Sailor also did this for soft windows. Polycarbonate and acrylic are much more straight forward.

https://www.practical-sailor.com/blog/Ultimate-Guide-to-Caring-for-Clear-Plastic-11288-1.html