Cleaning PVC / King Starboard / Azek

[CaptTom]

I've done a few projects with these PVC board materials, and it's great stuff.

Except for one thing: If I scuff it or get any marks on it while cutting, they're almost impossible to remove. Likewise, just about anything that brushes up against it leaves a streak. Mildew seems like it might also be a problem.

The stuff seems just porous enough to maintain streaks, marks and stains forever.

I'm reluctant to try harsh cleaners. I know what acetone will do to it.

Anyone have any experience keeping this stuff white? Is there any coating I could put on it to give it a more glossy surface?

[GordMay]

Cleaning components, parts and accessories made with King StarBoard® outdoor polymers is very simple:

To clean everyday dirt and stains, use a cleaner such as Soft Scrub® and a nylon scrubby or stiff nylon brush. Scrub lightly; excess force can mar the finish.
Persistent stains will usually go away if you soak the area with bleach (do not use 100% chlorine as used to treat swimming pools) and/or use a pressure washer.
Also, stains and marks have been successfully removed with the following branded products: Goof Off®, Mr. Clean Magic Eraser®, GOJO Orange Pumice Hand Cleaner and Simple Green.
To clean a petroleum stain such as grease or oil, use a citrus cleaner, alcohol or mineral spirits.
In severe cases, spray petroleum-based stains with WD40®. Then use toluene or acetone and a white nylon scrub pad (colored pads release staining dyes when combined with acetone).
Do not use MEK, turpentine or naphtha solvent.
If a mark or stain won’t come out, you may lightly sand the area. Be careful and only work on the stained area because sanding will remove the matte finish.
Any high-quality silicone marine caulk works well to replace old or worn caulking. Before caulking, the surface should be prepared by abrading it with a medium-grit sandpaper, then cleaning it with acetone, toluene or alcohol.

➥ Q&A | King Plastic Corporation

➥ http://www.plastecprofiles.com/uploa...care-maint.pdf

[Southern Star]

As always Gord, you are not only helpful and to the point, you are the master of internet research!

Cheers!

Brad

[Roy M]

Ditto, on Gordo's picks, especially Orange hand cleaner with pumice. Which, by the way, is my go-to for stubborn stains and black marks on Hypalon (the tubes on the RIB), followed by an application of 303 Aerospace Protectant.

[Scout 30]

There's a big difference between Starboard (polyethylene) & PVC (polyvinyl chloride)board. Starboard can't be glued or painted. PVC can be glued, glassed & painted but is softer so it stains & scratches pretty easily. I recommend painting it.

[CaptTom]

Originally Posted by GordMay

➥ Q&A | King Plastic Corporation

➥ http://www.plastecprofiles.com/uploa...care-maint.pdf

Originally Posted by Southern Star

As always Gord, you are not only helpful and to the point, you are the master of internet research!

OK, I guess I should have Googled that myself, thanks for not rubbing it in!

Originally Posted by Roy M

Ditto, on Gordo's picks, especially Orange hand cleaner with pumice. Which, by the way, is my go-to for stubborn stains and black marks on Hypalon (the tubes on the RIB), followed by an application of 303 Aerospace Protectant.

Now that was helpful. I always have plenty of that stuff on board anyway. Thanks!

What I don't see (I suspect because there is none) is any way to protect the finish BEFORE I manage to scuff/stain/scratch it.

[Getweh]

You can also try Foamy shaving cream on both starboard and PVC. Let it sit for a few minutes and most things just wipe away.