I Can See Clearly Now

Boat owners invest big money in clear vinyl enclosures for protection against the elements and to extend their boating season; however, vinyl panels won’t stay clear and functional unless properly maintained.

Regardless of the different vinyl brands you’ll encounter (Strataglass, Crystal Clear, etc.), they’re all some form of polyvinyl chloride (PVC for short). As the bulk of clear enclosure curtains are coated or uncoated vinyl, this article will concentrate on their care and maintenance. Many of the tips mentioned can be applied to other clear enclosure materials (such as EZ2CY or Lexan); however, you’ll always want to follow the respective manufacturer’s cleaning guidelines.

Coated vinyl care

In 1993, Strataglass introduced the first coated clear vinyl product. Coated vinyl is more scratch-resistant than regular vinyl; however, once scratches occur, they can’t be buffed out or repaired (like uncoated vinyl) without further damaging the coating.

In addition to the general care and cleaning tips discussed below, extra precautions are required to avoid damaging vinyl coatings. These include limiting extensive cleanings and not using abrasives, waxes, polishes or scratch removers.

Cleaning

The first step in cleaning vinyl is a thorough freshwater washdown to remove as much grime and contaminants as possible, preferably before they’ve had a chance to dry.

Use a fine spray of water to loosen salt or dirt (you can lightly rub stubborn patches with your hands) then douse with water again.

Next, wash each panel with mild soap and water using a clean, soft terry cloth or lamb wool-type cleaning mitt (a 10-to-1 solution of vinegar and water works well, too). Never use harsh cleaners or detergents, and be sure to rinse thoroughly before soapy water has a chance to dry. Dried soap film not only affects visibility but can also cause the vinyl to dry out and yellow over time. After cleaning, gently wipe down with a clean, slightly damp chamois cloth.

Application of a plastic conditioner/protectant (such as 303 Aerospace Protectant or Meguair’s PLASTX Clear Plastic Cleaner & Polish) will add years to the life of your vinyl. Monthly treatments will increase your vinyl’s water-shedding abilities (for better visibility) and add protection against UV rays while providing a slick coating that helps prevent grit and grime from gaining a foothold. Before applying any product, always review the manufacturer’s recommendations to ensure compatibility with your vinyl.

Handle with care

While keeping vinyl clean is the first step, handling and storage play a crucial role as well. The first rule is the less you handle vinyl, the better. Avoid rolling up panels, particularly when wet (which promotes fogging) or while coated with salt or grime, which can cause scratches.

Never leave enclosure curtains rolled up once back at the dock. It’s always best to store or secure vinyl flat or in the open position, which helps retain its original shape and prevent distortion. If you do roll panels up, place a clean piece of white flannel (cut to size) on the panel before rolling. This helps remove moisture and prevent scratches from vinyl-to-vinyl contact.

If your panels fog up, the best option is to secure them open and use sunlight to dry them naturally.

Finally, here’s a quick list of don’ts to keep in mind while caring and cleaning your vinyl enclosures:

1. Don’t use abrasives or high-alkaline cleaners.
2. Don’t use solvents or petroleum-based products, as they can speed up the deterioration of the vinyl.
3. Don’t use any type of “regular” glass cleaners. Most are too harsh and will leach out the plasticizers, speeding up the aging process.
4. Don’t apply cleaners in direct sunlight or let them remain on the vinyl too long. Rinse them off immediately, before they have a chance to dry.
5. Don’t let your curtains come in contact with tanning oil or sunscreen lotions, as both can cause permanent clouding.
6. Don’t use window treatments such as RainX, as they can also cause vinyl damage. Most will specifically state “for glass only.”

Proper care of your vinyl enclosures is time and effort well spent. Do it right and you’ll always see the difference.