How can I remove coolglass from Polycarbonate.
Last post 05-11-2009 8:55 PM by bogweevil. 9 replies.
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02/11/2009 12:34 PM
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- Gro-way
- 12 Apr 2009
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15
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I am a little irritated as I followed the instructions of Bayers Coolglass designed for glass and most polycarbonates. I was told to paint some on in a corner first wait a few days and see if it comes off first for the polycarbonate. I did this and it removed fine. However the coolglass does not come off after being on there through out the summer. I have tried vinegar, bleech,Meth. spirit ,window cleaner ,toothpaste(often good believe it or not)and it wont come off. I had sprayed a weaker solution of coolglass and wonder if this is why it wont come off. ie-If I had sprayed a correct thicker solution it would not have stuck to polycarbonate and actually removed- You might think the opposite but appears not. So it could be my fault possibly. If I get my finger nail and try to scratch it off it does come off with perswasion without scratching surface. It might be I need a tool which can act like my finger nail so to speak but hopefully not damage the polycarbonate. I dont mind taking the risk here with something. It cannot be to abrasive. As alternative ideas(not tool based) I have even thought of paint striper. I have not tried white spirit yet and am a little worried about the paint stripper halming polycarbonate a little.Bicarbonate of soda recommends mixing with vinegar ,is another one I am about to try,but haven't yet. Can anyone recommend a tool to scrape or a chemical that would remove this other than my attempts? So here is a lesson for us all ,spray the correct fuller concentration in the beginning, if we have polycarbonate! I guess you live and learn. Would appreciate any tricks people can think of. Many thanks indeed!
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02/11/2009 02:00 PM
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- miranda
- Oxfordshire
- 17 Nov 2004
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2,976
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Tricky, Gro-way, and not something I've had to deal with. Have you tried one of those non-scratch scourers? That might be worth a go on a small area.
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02/11/2009 04:51 PM
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I thought Coolglass was unsuited for plastics but Bayer clearly say: Can also be used on most polycarbonate greenhouses and conservatories
It contains titanium dioxide (white pigment) soaps and wetting agents so it should be water soluble. As it is not, I assume the pigment has been absorbed into the plastic and suspect that removal will not be possible.
As it appears that Bayer were the source of the advice to test on a corner, it would seem thay have misled you and that you are entitled to compensation.
Boggy
Beware the bat-eared bogweevil
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02/11/2009 06:50 PM
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- miranda
- Oxfordshire
- 17 Nov 2004
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2,976
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It does sound like a refund is in order, Boggy. The only issue would be not following the mixing instructions to the letter, but you wouldn't expect a thinner solution to stick more than the 'full' one, so it would still be worth contacting the company.
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02/11/2009 09:33 PM
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- Nigel
- Paignton
- 27 May 2008
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27
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Firstly I would steer clear of things like paint stripper and such like as these can cause polycarbonate to craze or even break up. Polycarbonate and other plastics are softer than glass and will develop very small scratches (invisible) that will helpthe cool glass to stick to the surface. Having had a look at the Bayer website I found this which implies that it just wipes off when dry, here's the link http://www.bayergarden.co.uk/news/displaynews.aspx?news_id=20 Dry weather could be bit scarce over the next few months though. If it doesn't wipe off I would be inclined to try a nylon scourer or something for cleaning plastic baths with and a nonscratch cleaner of the type recommended for plastic baths. I do hope the greenhouse is not large as getting to some of the panes will be problematic. Nigel
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02/11/2009 10:54 PM
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- Gro-way
- 12 Apr 2009
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15
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Thanks folks I will have a go with the nylon scourer and try the bicarbonate and vinegar and the bath/sink/hob/grill cleaner things. As I say it does come off if you use your nail but you have to give it a real strong push and keep that pressure as you scrape-which hurts your nail some what and would take 365 days to do. I tried to remove it 2 months ago but could not when things were dry. I think because I applied a lighter solution it burnt it self hard to the surface but is still removable but only just. A thicker solution would not do this and would come off. I noticed window cleaner was a tiny bit better than bleach for example-all tried on corner parts before applying to everything of course. Can anyone think of something which could act as a human nail if you like that would not scratch and be quicker and wider but not quite razor like? Probably expecting to much from you Guys but may be 4 heads are better than one!?
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03/11/2009 06:25 AM
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- kandeakay
- west sussex
- 03 Aug 2007
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101
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a wallpaper scaper might work.
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03/11/2009 12:33 PM
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In instances like this it is often worth trying to use a little diluted coolglass as cleaning solution to loosen the deposit - it is after all formulated to keep the titanium dioxide in suspension. Obviously it would be deeply unwise to let it dry on!
I wonder if windscreen scrapers might do the trick being made with a bit of give.
Having read the label, I note that Bayer suggest that the material can get caught in cracks, dips etc in the sheeting so a flaxible material like a strong nylon brush might be needed to remove the final traces
Boggy
Beware the bat-eared bogweevil
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05/11/2009 02:34 PM
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- Gro-way
- 12 Apr 2009
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15
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I cannot visualise a nylon brush. Can anyone say where I could get this and what it looks like. Good news a non-scratch top quality scourer does work but is painfully slow for whole greenhouse. Much appreciated Dave.
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05/11/2009 08:55 PM
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No vegetable grower should be without one:
http://www.lakeland.co.uk/vegetable-brush/F/product/6113?src=gpute&sq=vegetable%20brush
Boggy
Beware the bat-eared bogweevil
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