Lexan* Sheet Cleaning Recommendations

     These cleaning recommendations apply to all Lexan* polycarbonate sheet products, including, but not limited to , Lexan* solid sheet and signs, Lexan* coated Margard* sheet and Lexan* multiwall sheet.

     Periodic cleaning using correct procedures can help to prolong service life. For cleaning, it is recommended that the following instructions be adhered to:

 

Cleaning Procedure For Small Areas- Manual
1. Gently wash sheet with a solution of mild soap and lukewarm water, using a soft, grit-free cloth or sponge to loosen any dirt or grime.
2. Fresh paint splashes, grease and smeared glazing compounds can be removed easily before drying by rubbing lightly with a soft cloth using petroleum ether (BP65), hexane or heptane. Afterwards, wash the sheet using mild soap and lukewarm water.
3. Scratches and minor abrasions can be minimized by using a mild automobile polish. We suggest that a test be made on a small area of Lexan sheet with the polish selected and that the polish maufacturer's instructions be followed, prior to using the polish on the entire sheet.
4. Finally, thoroughly rinse with clean water to remove any cleaner residue and dry the surface with a soft cloth to prevent water spotting.

Cleaning Procedure For Large Areas- Automated
1. Clean the surface using a high-pressure water cleaner (max. 100bar or 1450psi) and/or a steam cleaner. We suggest that a test be made on a small area, prior to cleaning the entire sheet.
2. Use of additves to the water and/or steam should be avoided.

Other Important Instructions For All Lexan* Sheets:
* Never use abrasive or ghighly alkaline cleaneer on Lexan polycarbonate materials.
* Never use aromatic or glagenated solvents lie toluene, benzene, gasoline, acetone or carbon tetrachloride on Lexan polycarbonate materials.
* Use of incompatible cleaning materials with Lexan* sheet can cause structural and/or surface damage.
* Contact with harsh solvents such as methyl ethyl ketone (MEK) or hydrocloric acid can result in surface degradation and possible crazing of Lexan* sheet.
* Never scrub with brushes, steel wool or other abrasive materials.
* Never use squeegees, razorblades or other sharp instruments to remove deposits or spots.
* Do not clean Lexan* polycarbonate in direct sunlight or at high temperatures as this can lead to staining.
* For all mentioned chemicals consult the manufacturer's material safety datasheet (MSDS) for proper safety precautions.

Additional Important Considerations for Mutiwall, Corrugated and Sign Sheet:
* Cleaners and solvents generally recommended for use on polycarbonate are not necessarily compatible with the UV-protected surfaces of Lexan* mutiwall, corrugated and sign polycarbonate materials.
* Do not use alcohols on the UV-protected surfaces of Lexan* sheet.
* Never clean the dripgard surface of Lexan* mutiwall and corrugated sheets.

Graffiti removal from Lexan* Margard* sheet
* Use butyl cellosolve with a clean, soft cloth to remove paints, marking pen inks and lipstick. Afterwards, wash the sheet using mild soap and lukewarm water, then rinse with clean water to remove residue and dry with a soft cloth.
* Masking tape and adhesive tape work well for lifting off old, weathered paints.
* To remove labels and/or stickers, the use of kerosene or petroleum ether (BP65) is generally effective. If the solvent does not penetrate the sticker material, apply heat using a hair dryer to soften the adhesive and promote removal. Afterwards, the cleaning procedure for small areas as outlined above should be followed.