Rain-X on Vinyl Dodger Windows?

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Gary Wyngarden

Gary Wyngarden

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Mar 4, 2004
347
Hunter 37.5 Orcas Island, WA
I have a thought to put Rain-X on my vinyl dodger windows to shed the very occasional rain we get up here. However, the label says it's for glass and only to use it on plastic if the manufacturer says it's ok. Thought I might try some in an obscure corner. Anybody tried this? How did it work? Did it cloud the vinyl at all? Thanks for your help. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
 
J

jimq26

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Jun 5, 2004
860
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I suggest you try 303 Protectant (available here)

Go to their web site and look up the vinyl window application. It works. You won't believe how it clears up the vinyl and sheds water. (used to live in Richmond, B.C. so I know about the light showers you refer to). It also works on lexan or plexi portlights. Makes them just like new.
 
RichH

RichH

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Feb 14, 2005
4,773
Tayana 37 cutter; I20/M20 SCOWS Worton Creek, MD
DONT use Rain-X on clear vinyl .......

Most of the manufacturers warn against its use on vinyl and vinyl windows. It slowly dissolves the plasticizers (or the surface coating polymers that help contain the plasticizers such as in Strataglass), and eventually 'fogs' the surface when it causes the surface to become visibly 'orange-peeled', leaves it 'gummy', ... all this takes time but the end result is: you will have to replace the vinyl windows much sooner than if you dont use Rain-X or similar products. Ditto with most 'water repellents', including those that your spray-on to Sunbrella. (Apseal 303 Repellent, etc.) ... I use APseal 303 UV *Protectant* on my convertible tops, and the vinyl windows, etc. with no apparent degradation. Dont confuse 303 UV *Protectant* with 303 *Repellent* - they are very different products.
 
Dan Johnson

Dan Johnson

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Oct 14, 2005
2,191
1983 Hunter H34 North East, MD
A good...

paste cleaner wax does the same thing and takes away all the surface oxidation that is the cause for the clouding. A light coating of liquid wax then gentle buffing following helps it to shed water almost like Rain-X.
 
Paul Akers

Paul Akers

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Dec 3, 2003
2,101
Hunter Legend 37 Portsmouth, RI
Gary, just wax it...

...with a recommended plastic cleaner (M210 at Boatersworld - about $14.00/spray can, but worth it). This will restore the natural moisture to the vinyl to prevent cracking and browning in the future. I've been using it on the SAME vinyl for 12 years.
 
Gary Wyngarden

Gary Wyngarden

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Mar 4, 2004
347
Hunter 37.5 Orcas Island, WA
Thanks, guys.

I'll use the Rain-X on my car windows and get an appropriate product for the vinyl. Gary Wyngarden S/V Wanderlust h37.5
 
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