Canopy / Windscreen cleaner polish

[KevinL]

Originally Posted by Carl J. Niedermeyer

I use Brillianize mostly and Plexus every so often. Brillianize does not leave any residue, like some others do. Started using it on my sailplane's canopy years ago and carried it over to the RV-8.

http://www.brillianize.com/index.html

Use clear running water and your hand to first clean off the dust and dirt from the canopy and windscreen.

I'll second that. Use this on all shiny surfaces. Also the best for eyeglasses, motorcycle helmets, and very effective for keeping the belly of your plane clean.

[Steve]

I've been using the aerosol product generically labeled "Glass Cleaner" for about the last 12 years. It's available at Wal-Mart (or Sam's if you want a case) for about $3 per 15oz can. It works great and contains NO Ammonia. It does not build up over time, either. As previous posters mentioned, use a cotton or flannel rag for an applicator.

[FLY CUBS]

Originally Posted by Steve

I've been using the aerosol product generically labeled "Glass Cleaner" for about the last 12 years. It's available at Wal-Mart (or Sam's if you want a case) for about $3 per 15oz can. It works great and contains NO Ammonia. It does not build up over time, either. As previous posters mentioned, use a cotton or flannel rag for an applicator.

Is this sold in the automotive or house cleaning section? Do you have any issues with taking the cans to altitude? (say 8-10k?)

[Steve]

It's in the house cleaning aisle. Tall white can w/light blue markings and a pink cancer awareness ribbon.
I've taken my can of cleaner up to 9500 on the way to OSH without probs.

[gasman]

The canopy is the most expensive single part on the airframe...... and with that in mind, I use a 7oz can of PLEXUS purchased at Cyclegear for $16.

I clean the surface with water and a terrycloth rag. With the rag folded, I change to a fresh surface with each pass. Then I rinse the rag and start over... takes about a minute.

Rinse the rag and twist it as dry as possible and wipe dry the canopy. Spray a quick pass with Plexus (will do about 1/3 at a time) and polish with a CLEAN cotton cloth.

All plexiglas will get fine scratches on the surface once placed into service. Plexus will fill in the fine scratches that you see when the sun hits it just right. Plexus will leave a static free, smudge free surface that bugs won't stick to as easily.

So at $16 for 7oz (lasts about two years) it is expensive, but so was my canopy and one thing I like is a clean clear canopy.................... so to me it is worth $8 a year.

[Aerosport1]

For you who like plexus try your local motorcycle shop. I buy the large
cans for 11.99 no shipping.

FWIW

Geoff

[turbo]

90% of the time i use water and cotton tshirt cut into 5x5 pieces. i wet one and wipe vertically then dry next. i clean the windscreen after every flight.

once in a while i use specific product made for the windscreen.

[TroyBranch]

Just switched to Novus. I bought the small spray bottle and a big jug. Should be good for a while. Seams to do the job.

[flyingriki]

Originally Posted by KevinL

I'll second that. Use this on all shiny surfaces. Also the best for eyeglasses, motorcycle helmets, and very effective for keeping the belly of your plane clean.

Just got some and it is FAR SUPERIOR to Lexus and the AV products. Goes on easy, wipes off bugs etc. and polishes out with no hassles. No looking at all angles and lighting for areas where the haze remains.
Polished my canopy in about 60 seconds and went flying - crystal clear!
Thanks for the tip guys - great stuff!! And $12 for a quart, $26 for a gallon!! Will buy the big jug from now on.
Thanks again for a great tip.

http://www.brillianize.com/

[Capflyer]

Aeroshell Flight Jacket Plexicoat. I got one of the Flight Jacket kits a few years back with a purchase of some other goodie at OSH and got hooked on this stuff. It is like car wax, you apply it, let it haze for 10 min, then wipe it off with a microfiber cloth. It works very well and not expensive considering how long a bottle of it lasts (one bottle lasts me a year and costs around $12). The one con on this product is it cannot be applied in direct sun.
When I need quick touch ups, not enough time, or the bees are not out I'll use Lemon Pledge. Yes....the bees love Lemon Pledge and get attracted right to it.

By the way, also in the Flight Jacket kit is Oil & Exhaust Remover. This stuff does an incredible job of cleaning up my belly after blowing smoke. It emulsifies the oils so they come right up as opposed to other cleaners where it just loosens it and smears it around.