ATV for hunting cleaning a dirty Acrylic wind shield.

[Lee Whitsel]

Like many out there hunting and fishing we have Acrylic wind shields on motorcycles and atv of all kinds. Getting a lot f dirt and bug splatters on them and then cleaning can bring a lot of scratch's with scrubbing hard to get it clean and in no time you can have a hard time seeing threw them. Having motorcycles and having the same problem with them threw friends who ride I learned a way to cut down on those scratch on them. When your ready to clean spray of with a hose then get a big old thick soft towel and lay over the shield from top to bottom and soak it and keep it wet ft a while maybe even warm water might help to loosen up the bugs. Then using a soft brush and dawn soap light clean the shield as much as you need it get it clear. It should cut down on those scratch spots from hard rubbing and help your shield to stay clear a lot longer. Been doing it for a long time now after rubbing them with a hard rub and scratching my old cycle shields in years gone by. Hope it helps someone!!!!

 

[Iafarmer]

Local John Deere dealer sell a poly spray cleaner that’s works well on plastic windows.

 

[Bc'z]

Like many out there hunting and fishing we have Acrylic wind shields on motorcycles and atv of all kinds. Getting a lot f dirt and bug splatters on them and then cleaning can bring a lot of scratch's with scrubbing hard to get it clean and in no time you can have a hard time seeing threw them. Having motorcycles and having the same problem with them threw friends who ride I learned a way to cut down on those scratch on them. When your ready to clean spray of with a hose then get a big old thick soft towel and lay over the shield from top to bottom and soak it and keep it wet ft a while maybe even warm water might help to loosen up the bugs. Then using a soft brush and dawn soap light clean the shield as much as you need it get it clear. It should cut down on those scratch spots from hard rubbing and help your shield to stay clear a lot longer. Been doing it for a long time now after rubbing them with a hard rub and scratching my old cycle shields in years gone by. Hope it helps someone!!!!

Acrylics can be wet sanded and polished just as you would paint. Try a small spot in the corner and work out from there.
@Fast14riot

 

[Fast14riot]

I agree, that getting dried on, stuck on stuff wet and keeping it wet is a good idea. Don't be afraid of a pressure washer either, just don't get too close to it.

But if you do get scratches and scuffs, pick up a cheap headlight restoration kit. A lot easier to find locally than the specialty stuff I sell. One product I do love is Brillianize cleaner. Not a dirty stuff cleaner, but once its soap and water clean use this stuff. It is also anti-static. Spray on, wipe with a microfiber, wipe off with a dry micro fiber. I use it for any hard, shiny surface (even gun stocks and fine watches, audio equipment, etc).

Basically, treat your plastic windshields like your eye glasses. No paper products, plain water to remove heavy debris, clean soft cloth and mild detergents. Baby shampoo, diluted in water with a little alcohol is an excellent home made plastic cleaner.

 

[Lee Whitsel]

I agree, that getting dried on, stuck on stuff wet and keeping it wet is a good idea. Don't be afraid of a pressure washer either, just don't get too close to it.

But if you do get scratches and scuffs, pick up a cheap headlight restoration kit. A lot easier to find locally than the specialty stuff I sell. One product I do love is Brillianize cleaner. Not a dirty stuff cleaner, but once its soap and water clean use this stuff. It is also anti-static. Spray on, wipe with a microfiber, wipe off with a dry micro fiber. I use it for any hard, shiny surface (even gun stocks and fine watches, audio equipment, etc).

Basically, treat your plastic windshields like your eye glasses. No paper products, plain water to remove heavy debris, clean soft cloth and mild detergents. Baby shampoo, diluted in water with a little alcohol is an excellent home made plastic cleaner.

Correct just like eye glass's and they will last a lot longer.......

 

[miles13]

A buddy in the plastic business told me to use Pledge furniture polish to clean clear plastics.

 

[6BRA]

https://www.amazon.com/NOVUS-PK1-8OZ-PM-Plastic-Scratch-Remover-Bottles/dp/B0029B518O/ref=asc_df_B0029B518O?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=80745574873455&hvnetw=o&hvqmt=e&hvbmt=be&hvdev=c&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584345042439921&psc=1

 

[rockhound78]

Pledge is what I use on my Harley's winshield after I rinse off the dirt and loose stuff. Makes it easier to clean later.

 

[rjtfroggy]

Windex original with a soft cloth and then Pledge. Keeps the Harley looking like new.

 

[akajun]

if it gets bad enough, you can use a "headlight retore kit" basically a polishing system.

 

[Just Say Moe]

Would an application of RainX make them not stick as much? I know it helps on my truck windshield.

 

[Retired shooter]

Several You tube vids show using a heat gun on pre cleaned plexi glass Atvs ,Utvs, side by sides.
I need to try it on mine.

 

[Fast14riot]

Several You tube vids show using a heat gun on pre cleaned plexi glass Atvs ,Utvs, side by sides.
I need to try it on mine.

Be very careful. If you heat polish acrylic and get nearly any kind of soap or chemicals on it or just near it, it will "craze" in short order. Simple green and ammoniated glass cleaners are notorious for causing this. Spray paint and its solvents, even things like smoke from rendered animal fats can cause it. Its not an immediate reaction, but you can almost guarantee it will in less than a year.

 

[Fast14riot]

Would an application of RainX make them not stick as much? I know it helps on my truck windshield.

Be very careful with RainX on plastics. They have specific products for such applications.

 

[Retired shooter]

Be very careful. If you heat polish acrylic and get nearly any kind of soap or chemicals on it or just near it, it will "craze" in short order. Simple green and ammoniated glass cleaners are notorious for causing this. Spray paint and its solvents, even things like smoke from rendered animal fats can cause it. Its not an immediate reaction, but you can almost guarantee it will in less than a year.

Thank you for sharing " The Rest Of The Story "

Have a great day!

 

[Bc'z]

Be very careful. If you heat polish acrylic and get nearly any kind of soap or chemicals on it or just near it, it will "craze" in short order. Simple green and ammoniated glass cleaners are notorious for causing this. Spray paint and its solvents, even things like smoke from rendered animal fats can cause it. Its not an immediate reaction, but you can almost guarantee it will in less than a year.

Well now your just scaring me
I've been compounding and polishing plastics for years, mostly headlights tail lights.
What's your thoughts on ceramic coatings or wax on the windshield

 

[DocUSMCRetired]

We have had a glass windshield for the past 3 years.... 1000% better than the acrylic ones. I would say just switch to one of the better glass options. That thing gets beat up and isn't even scratched a bit. Builds up dirt way less. Self cleans when it rains....

Switch to a more durable glass.

 

[Murray Brook]

I use a certain pair of sunglasses when I ATV. Over the years they have scuff/scratches marks on the lens. Is there a way to get these taken out. I've tried several polishes but they don't do the job.

 

[WSnyder]

Be very careful with RainX on plastics. They have specific products for such applications.

There is a RainX with no alcohol made for plastics. Here’s two including the RainX

Rain Repellent Max 8 Oz Spray Bottle | Aircraft Spruce ®

Rain Repellent Max 8 Oz Spray Bottle Rain B Gon will dramatically improve your wet weather flying, riding or driving visibility, whether in rain, sleet or snow. Rain B Gon rain repellent is a hydrophobic coating technology that forms a chem

www.aircraftspruce.com

Rain-X Plastic Water Repellent 12 Oz | Aircraft Spruce ®

Rain-X Plastic Water Repellent 12 Oz Rain‑X® Plastic Water Repellent provides a superior water beading coating on various plastics including Lexan®, Plexiglas®, Perspex®, Lucite®, Acrylics and Polycarbonate.

www.aircraftspruce.com

All sorts of aircraft plastic cleaners and protectors.

Plastic/Acrylic Cleaners | Aircraft Spruce ®

Aircraft Spruce is a worldwide distributor of certified and homebuilt aircraft supplies.

www.aircraftspruce.com

I’ve used 303 Protectant for plastics for decades.

Review of Nano Ceramic Coating Sprays for Automotive

Explore top nano ceramic coating sprays for cars and boats, their benefits, and how to choose the right one for lasting protection and a high-gloss finish.

www.303products.com.au

 

[Fast14riot]

Well now your just scaring me
I've been compounding and polishing plastics for years, mostly headlights tail lights.
What's your thoughts on ceramic coatings or wax on the windshield

Compounding and waxes are fine. Its the use of heat/flame polishing then chemicals that causes issues. I use all kinds of stuff to restore turntable dust covers all the time.