Isenglass

[a64pilot]

Along with the canvas of course goes the windows and curtains etc.
First I'm sure Isenglass is a brand name. Is it the best material to spec? As in long lasting, long time before it splits, doesn't turn yellow etc.
Are there other plastics that are just as good, or maybe better?
I'm sure it's also available in different grades, if so what grade or thickness should be used for Windows that will be rolled up and not removed and stored flat?

[Tetepare]

A couple good discussions if u search "isenglass vs strataglass"'.

Mine was just redone with isenglass so I'll let u know in five years.

[thinwater]

O' Sea 30mil. Perhaps 20 mil.

Stratoglass is very good, but it is stiffer.

O'Sea and and Strataglass are probably the most common coated materials, and Regalite and Crystal Clear for non-coated.

[a64pilot]

Coated is for scratch resistance?

[hellosailor]

Yes, for scratch resistance.

Actually, "Isinglass" is fish guts. You take the swim bladder of certain fish, clean it, dry it, scrape it nice and thin, and you have a translucent sheet of material that can be used in your windows, instead of that terribly expensive fragile "glass" stuff that has to be transported by oxcart on bumpy roads to your homestead or cabin. That use of that material is hundreds if not thousands of years old, so it is kinda disingenuous for some company to steal the name for a plastic product.

If I wanted a low carbon footprint, I'd order Isinglass for windows too.(VBG)

If you are going to roll up any plastic glazing, I'd expect the thinner materials to roll better. And regardless of coating, you want to rinse all the salt off before rolling them, or it will abrade the surface. PITA unless you're really into cleaning, but that's just how it goes.

[a64pilot]

I learned a trick from Jeeps years ago, roll the windows up around a piece of soft foam rubber insulation meant to go over airconditioner low pressure lines, you know very soft black rubber.
That keeps it from creasing and does seem to help protect it too.
Miata owners with soft rear windows learned to use a pool noodle to keep the window from creasing, creasing of course leads to splitting.

You wash aircraft windows with lots of running fresh water and your clean hand to remove anything that scratches first, then polish the plastic. That seems to work well for boats and Jeep windows too.

[foggysail]

What is commonly called isinglass today is vinyl. Personally I prefer 30 mil over the 40 and eliminated using smiles

[thinwater]

Originally Posted by a64pilot

Coated is for scratch resistance?

That is the claim, but not really. In fact, even the factory people will tell you that they can't easily tell samples apart. If there is an improvement, is is not actual scratches, but a slight improvement in abrasion resistance to fabric rubbing.

The main difference is fogging resistance in rain and dew conditions. Uncoated vinyl is must quicker to fog internally from water absorption than coated products. This clears once the sun hits them for an hour.

(I've done a lot of side-by-side testing and have 18 test panels aging in my side yard now).

[a64pilot]

I have that fogging now, and it's a little annoying.
Good to know, thanks

[SV THIRD DAY]

Isinglass as a brand hasn't been made for years, it's become a generic term. So if someone is selling "isinglass" the next question to ask us who us the manufacturer.