isinglass vs. strataglass for rolling....(long post)

Well, I can’t believe this conversation has gone on this long without someone mentioning the most popular isinglass cleaner and protector.

Endorsed by Consuela, Sailors and Bayliner owners everywhere. I read on one forum a member used it on Isenglass for 25 years with no issue. Other people claim it will harm the isenglass.

However, I personally rinse the isenglass with water (no detergent), carefully remove any bird droppings with a clean puffy cotton towel then clean the isenglass with Plexus and a clean cotton cloth.

 
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I know this thread goes back two years, but certainly seems like a ton of knowledge here, so hoping for some advice. I recently replaced the front isinglass, and two panels have zippered openings that can be rolled up, to avoid having to take the entire canvas off. We’ve only rolled them up a few times, and they’re both already scratched. Looks like it’s from the plastic rubbing against itself, while we’re cruising. I tried 210 scratch remover and 210 cleaner, but no luck.

Since these were made specifically to be rolled up, I didn’t expect them to get scratched so easily right away.

Is there something better (maybe Plexus?), and are we doing something wrong when we roll these up?
 
IMG_5902.JPG
Shark said:
I know this thread goes back two years, but certainly seems like a ton of knowledge here, so hoping for some advice. I recently replaced the front isinglass, and two panels have zippered openings that can be rolled up, to avoid having to take the entire canvas off. We’ve only rolled them up a few times, and they’re both already scratched. Looks like it’s from the plastic rubbing against itself, while we’re cruising. I tried 210 scratch remover and 210 cleaner, but no luck.

Since these were made specifically to be rolled up, I didn’t expect them to get scratched so easily right away.

Is there something better (maybe Plexus?), and are we doing something wrong when we roll these up?
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That is the nature of isenglass when it is rolled up on itself. You could install some Velcro on them and strick them unrolled to the top.
 
sbw1 said:
View attachment 93088
That is the nature of isenglass when it is rolled up on itself. You could install some Velcro on them and strick them unrolled to the top.
Click to expand...
Ok thanks. I was also thinking maybe I could roll it up with a small towel or something in between. I guess everyone who rolls them up just lives with the scratches...weird
 
I swivel them back and snap them to the radar arch. No rolling and no storing needed
 
Shark said:
Ok thanks. I was also thinking maybe I could roll it up with a small towel or something in between. I guess everyone who rolls them up just lives with the scratches...weird
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We have been using bath towels cut to fit for many years. Carefully done it seems to work quite well.
 
I just had a new enclosure made with 40 ga. smoked vinyl (supplier unknown) and fine scratches when rolling up are inevitable it seems. Either fine grit on the outside, the zippers themselves or even your fingernails can scratch.

An old boater friend of mine just retired the original top on a 2006 Chaparral because the canvas itself was failing. The windows looked amazing however. He used Pledge furniture polish on them and swears by it FWIW.
 
Also worth noting, that max lifespan for strata-glass is about 5 years. any magical coatings or waxing will only give you about 5 years. Yes you'll get scratches as its a soft material. Oftentimes your canvas will far outlast your window vinyl so its easier to just have your canvas people swap out the vinyl panels. Then you can get 10 years out of your camper canvas with a single vinyl replacement. It's not ideal but its what you have to deal with if you're keeping a boat outdoors.
 
I have had a good experience with “clearstow”
Gets a little pricey but I had custom size made and one has 5 pockets instead of 3. I feel it’s kept my new isenglass looking as good as possible
https://clearstow.com/product/clearstow-bag/
Shark said:
I know this thread goes back two years, but certainly seems like a ton of knowledge here, so hoping for some advice. I recently replaced the front isinglass, and two panels have zippered openings that can be rolled up, to avoid having to take the entire canvas off. We’ve only rolled them up a few times, and they’re both already scratched. Looks like it’s from the plastic rubbing against itself, while we’re cruising. I tried 210 scratch remover and 210 cleaner, but no luck.

Since these were made specifically to be rolled up, I didn’t expect them to get scratched so easily right away.

Is there something better (maybe Plexus?), and are we doing something wrong when we roll these up?
Click to expand...
 
HawkX66 said:
That's my next project for my new "stitching" machine. See that, no White Claw either @Blueone ....
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They seem simple to make, that’s a good first project to learn on in my opinion. They have Velcro on the sides, one end is sewn, the other is open to slide them in. Typically I fold the protective sleeves back, set the isinglass down, and flip the first protector down, then repeat.

I did sheets before, that was a pain, this is well worth the time or money….
 
I often see folks tout the use of plexus for their window care. We used lemon or unscented pledge for years on the plexiglass windows and canopies of our aircraft and glider fleet. When plexus came along it we used that but found virtually no difference in performance. I am convinced it comes out of the same vat and branded and sold to boaters and aircraft operators at a premium like so many other products we lap up. I never have bothered to down load the MSDs for the products to determine if there ia an actual tangible difference. When ever I have brought it up in conversation about the subject I have never had anyone offer evidence that Plexus is superior to Pledge. I also have had great results using a product from TAP plastice called Brilianize plastic polish.
I have been using 40 gauge Crystal Clear vinyl for my projects and have been very happy with the performance and longevity.
CD
 
Carpediem44DB said:
I often see folks tout the use of plexus for their window care. We used lemon or unscented pledge for years on the plexiglass windows and canopies of our aircraft and glider fleet. When plexus came along it we used that but found virtually no difference in performance. I am convinced it comes out of the same vat and branded and sold to boaters and aircraft operators at a premium like so many other products we lap up. I never have bothered to down load the MSDs for the products to determine if there ia an actual tangible difference. When ever I have brought it up in conversation about the subject I have never had anyone offer evidence that Plexus is superior to Pledge. I also have had great results using a product from TAP plastice called Brilianize plastic polish.
I have been using 40 gauge Crystal Clear vinyl for my projects and have been very happy with the performance and longevity.
CD
Click to expand...

We use 210 Spray Cleaner as always thought it was just like pledge too.

-Kevin
 
Carpediem44DB said:
I often see folks tout the use of plexus for their window care. We used lemon or unscented pledge for years on the plexiglass windows and canopies of our aircraft and glider fleet. When plexus came along it we used that but found virtually no difference in performance. I am convinced it comes out of the same vat and branded and sold to boaters and aircraft operators at a premium like so many other products we lap up. I never have bothered to down load the MSDs for the products to determine if there ia an actual tangible difference. When ever I have brought it up in conversation about the subject I have never had anyone offer evidence that Plexus is superior to Pledge. I also have had great results using a product from TAP plastice called Brilianize plastic polish.
I have been using 40 gauge Crystal Clear vinyl for my projects and have been very happy with the performance and longevity.
CD
Click to expand...
I used Plexus on my Boxster soft top glass before they changed to a glass back window. I was and am completely sold on it's performance, but honestly I can't say I've compared it to Pledge. It's probably the same stuff!
 
darksilicon said:
Also worth noting, that max lifespan for strata-glass is about 5 years. any magical coatings or waxing will only give you about 5 years. Yes you'll get scratches as its a soft material. Oftentimes your canvas will far outlast your window vinyl so its easier to just have your canvas people swap out the vinyl panels. Then you can get 10 years out of your camper canvas with a single vinyl replacement. It's not ideal but its what you have to deal with if you're keeping a boat outdoors.
Click to expand...

Interesting you would say that. My bridge enclosure was renewed in 2015 by the PO. The front and forward half sides and aft half and rear sides are EZ2CY. The two mid side panels have large zip outs and are strataglass 40. They lasted exactly 6 years like you said and they were beginning to get cloudy. My canvas dealer in Saint Pete, Artful Canvas, replaced the strataglass in my perfectly fine Sunbrella frames.
 
And BTW - The six years were three years in uncovered Florida saltwater, and three more years in covered freshwater slips. Still six years of life.
 
I just had my canvas redone in 2020 and opted against Strata.

The old canvas was 11 years old and the Isinglass, while scratched was otherwise clear and supple. The canvas itself had broken down and faded which fueled the replacement.
 
I will say this. I previously had polycarbonate (Makrolon) and it was great, actually fantastic, short lived though 5-6 years. Cleaned it regularly with Plexus. Recently had it replaced with Strata 60. Thought it would be as nice since the canvas guy refused to use EZ2CY or Makrolon and he was the only guy I could get (Very popular guy) to do it in my area. Anyway I agreed to the Strata 60, IMO extremely over priced to the point of absurd $800 for three front windscreen pieces. Had other quotes for 450, but they never showed up. So I went with the 800. Beside being very clear and a very nice job, I hate it! I don't roll them up, but are clipped back by four twist clips. The corners sag and the center bellies, yes I get it as to why and was not expecting so badly (hit's me in the head). IMO you cannot beat the Polycarbonates for the front windscreen.

Now I am going to switch over to Makrolon AR and try and do it myself thanks to the sewing threads on this site by @ttmott and @HawkX66 and others. Another expensive lesson learned.
 
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