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s/v Jedi · 04-06-2009, 19:46

So, let's talk about an issue with lexan/makrolon (polycarbonates) : the coatings available.

Our Lexan XL 10 has an UV coating with 10 year warranty... but you loose that warranty when you touch it like washing the windows. This material is meant for use in roofs like shopping malls, stadiums etc. So, we wash them anyway... result: can't see anything through them after a couple of years.

So, I investigate, send emails to manufacturers etc. and they tell me that I should use Lexan MR10 or equivalent. GE gives a 10 year warranty on both UV and abresion. Bayer makes Makrolon and have a similar coating but no written warranty, Sheffield doesn't have it at all, so we go for GE MR10. I ask for quotes and they tell me that minimum quantity is 30 sheets. 8'x4' sheets that is. Like if I'm going to glaze a skyscraper ;-)

Also, you can NOT make curved windows with MR10 as this process will break the coating. But we are blessed and only have flat panels.

So, no MR10 because I can't buy a small quantity. Now what do we do... we wet-sand, first 330 grit followed by 500, 800, 1200 and 1500 grit. Now we switch to rubbing compound and the Makita polisher, followed by polishing compound. Result: perfectly clear windows that will turn back to opague in weeks. We are now doing it all again and finish with one of those new high tech coatings like 303 aerospace protectant (we use something similar from that CorrosionX company). We'll see how it holds up but the first windows are still clear after a month.

Also, we meet other boats that have shiny new MR10 windows which they had done by yards in the US. As I don't believe these yards buy 30 sheets, there must be better sources.

Question: anyone knows a source for GE Lexan MR10 3/8" or 1/2" thick, grey colored?

ciao!
Nick.

04-06-2009, 19:46	#7
s/v Jedi Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Boat: Sundeer 64 - Jedi Posts: 1,520	So, let's talk about an issue with lexan/makrolon (polycarbonates) : the coatings available. Our Lexan XL 10 has an UV coating with 10 year warranty... but you loose that warranty when you touch it like washing the windows. This material is meant for use in roofs like shopping malls, stadiums etc. So, we wash them anyway... result: can't see anything through them after a couple of years. So, I investigate, send emails to manufacturers etc. and they tell me that I should use Lexan MR10 or equivalent. GE gives a 10 year warranty on both UV and abresion. Bayer makes Makrolon and have a similar coating but no written warranty, Sheffield doesn't have it at all, so we go for GE MR10. I ask for quotes and they tell me that minimum quantity is 30 sheets. 8'x4' sheets that is. Like if I'm going to glaze a skyscraper ;-) Also, you can NOT make curved windows with MR10 as this process will break the coating. But we are blessed and only have flat panels. So, no MR10 because I can't buy a small quantity. Now what do we do... we wet-sand, first 330 grit followed by 500, 800, 1200 and 1500 grit. Now we switch to rubbing compound and the Makita polisher, followed by polishing compound. Result: perfectly clear windows that will turn back to opague in weeks. We are now doing it all again and finish with one of those new high tech coatings like 303 aerospace protectant (we use something similar from that CorrosionX company). We'll see how it holds up but the first windows are still clear after a month. Also, we meet other boats that have shiny new MR10 windows which they had done by yards in the US. As I don't believe these yards buy 30 sheets, there must be better sources. Question: anyone knows a source for GE Lexan MR10 3/8" or 1/2" thick, grey colored? ciao! Nick.