How to Restore Boat Windscreens

Many boats have windscreens, commonly called windshields, that protect the pilot and passengers from bow spray and wind buffeting. Subjected to the elements, like UV light, oxidation, salt and other contaminants, windscreens can turn a faded yellow and acquire minute scratches and stains. Plexiglas and vinyl are common materials used in boat windscreens and require a patient process of cleaning and polishing.

Instructions

1

Transport the boat to a convenient work location that has a water source. Soak the windscreen with fresh water for at least 5 minutes to loosen grime. Mix a solution of mild dish washing liquid and warm water in a bucket. Use a fine bristle brush and soap solution to clean the windscreen on both sides. In the case of an interior window inside a cabin, use a sponge and dish washing soap and then rinse with a wet terrycloth towel. Dry the window surfaces with a clean terrycloth towel.

2

Apply some plastic cleaner to a microfiber towel. Clean along all the edges of the windscreen on both sides, by hand. Use a finger to get in the corners and hard-to-reach areas where the circular polishing pad will miss. Clean to a distance about 1 inch from the edges and corners. Wipe the residue off with a terrycloth towel.

3

Apply some plastic cleaner to a microfiber towel. Use circular motions, by hand, to clean 1by-1-foot test sections of the inside and outside windscreen. The plastic cleaner will enter and lift dirt, oil and salts from the micro-cracks in the Plexiglas or vinyl. Spend more time cleaning the outside window, since it will have the most accumulation on it. Wipe all residue away with a clean terrycloth towel.

4

Apply some plastic polish to a microfiber towel. Clean the same areas by hand that you did with the cleaner. Rub back and forth along the edges, using a finger or two. Be sure to reach into the corners with your fingertips and use the corner of the towel. Clean both sides of the windscreen in this fashion and wipe away all residue with a terrycloth towel.

5

Apply a liberal amount of plastic polish to a foam backing pad, attached to an air drill. Turn on the drill and run the pad evenly back and forth and up and down over a 1-by-1-foot section of the windscreen. Use gentle strokes without applying heavy pressure.

6

Run the polishing pad as close to the edges of the windscreen as possible, overlapping the area you cleaned and polished by hand. Wipe away all residue with a clean terrycloth towel, including any splatter on the frames or interior wood surfaces. Check again for clarity.

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