Caring for your isinglass

sandydlc

Active Member
Feb 24, 2016
605
Seattle, WA
Boat Info
Swift Trawler 50
Engines
Volve IPS D6
This is more of a cautionary tale for boaters who have canvas and isinglass on their boats.

When we purchased our 2010 450 DA last month one of the major issues it had from a cosmetic standpoint was the isinglass that had been completely ruined by the previous owner. Here is a picture:

http://amzn.to/1UtEwJP

Apparently the previous owner had put the isinglass away when it was wet and where the isinglass pieces were touching, then he left it in the aft storage trunk. Needless to say when he retrieved it, the isinglass was partially stuck together, cracked in one panel and scratched beyond repair.

One of the conditions of sale was to replace the isinglass which was finally done just a couple of weeks ago. Look at the difference:

http://amzn.to/1Y1fwYG

We're obviously not going to repeat the previous owners' storage habits but I'm wondering what CSR members are doing to preserve and maintain their isinglass in a pristine/like-new condition. We already know about Plexus for cleaning/polishing it but I'm wondering if storing it flat or rolled is recommended? I'm thinking about purchasing some microfleece or other fabric to layer in between the separate sheets of isinglass. Just wondering what others are doing?

Thanks!!

Sandy
 
Your idea about microfleece is a good one, some people hang them from a clothes line. I use plexus and lay them flat as you said
 
This guy is on a Facebook group we belong to. He makes a canvas wrap to place your panels and then it rolls up for storage. He has a video, but I cant seem to copy the link. stevenhearn02@gmail.com
 
I use pledge with 2x moisturizer every other time I put them away.
When I take them down DRY, I use old sheets that I cut to fit and roll them individually
with a cut to fit pool noodle.
I then store them in my aft cabin.

Jeff
 
I use brown packing paper that I get at the UHaul store. Lay sheets of paper between the sections of glass then roll them all up together and wrap the whole package in an old sheet.
 
This is how I store mine.
image.jpgimage.jpgimage.jpgimage.jpgimage.jpgimage.jpg
 
I cut the noodles and use fleece fabric from the local fabric store. I used their 40% off coupon.
 
Pool noodles are great to keep them from folding. Plexus removes the expensive coating from Strataglass and is specifically not recommended (although it gives a short term shine and may be good for old panels that are at the end of life).
 
Pool noodles are great to keep them from folding. Plexus removes the expensive coating from Strataglass and is specifically not recommended (although it gives a short term shine and may be good for old panels that are at the end of life).

Wow - I didn't know that. We used Plexus on our other boat but they were older isinglass panels. Which product do you recommend for cleaning?
 
Pool noodles are a great idea to wrap around - never thought of that.

I went to walmart and bought some inexpensive sheets - used that to wrap panels in before storing.

Mark
 
Imar Stratoglass cleaner and conditioner for Strato works amazing and smells good too:)
 
Imar is the way to go. Strataglass and O' Sea are the two main brands. I like O' Sea because sunscreen does not fog it like Strata and the quality control seems better.

Crystal Clear is made by Strataglass and is just uncoated Strata. Regalite is made by O' Sea and is the uncoated version of O' Sea.

The coating provides scratch resistance.
 
I'm on-record as strongly doubting Strata's warning about Plexus. (many years of continuous use of Plexus, and the fact that Strata will scratch if a dog scratches an itch 20 feet away anyway....)
 
11972_MRM_CLEANER_PPM
https://www.fisheriessupply.com/mermaids-cleaning-plexiglass-plastic-cleaner-and-polish

I have used the Strato product and several others.... this is by far the best product I have found !!
 

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