CLEANING AND POLISHING TRANSPARENT PLASTIC |
Plastics have many advantages over glass for aircraft use, but they lack
the surface hardness of glass, and care must be exercised while servicing
the aircraft to avoid scratching or otherwise damaging the surface.
- CLEANING: Clean the plastic by washing with plenty
of water and mild soap, using a clean, soft, grit-free cloth, sponge, or
bare hands. Do not use gasoline, alcohol, benzene, acetone, carbon
tetrachloride, fire extinguisher or deicing fluids, lacquer thinners, or
window cleaning sprays because they will soften the plastic and cause crazing.
- PLASTICS SHOULD NOT BE
RUBBED with a dry cloth since
this is likely to cause scratches, and also build up an electrostatic charge
which attracts dust particles to the surface. If after removing dirt
and grease no great amount of scratching is visible, finish the plastic
with a good grade of commercial wax. Apply the wax in a thin even
coat and bring to a high polish by rubbing lightly with a soft cloth.
- POLISHING: Do not attempt hand polishing or buffing
until the surface is clean. A soft, open-type cotton or flannel buffing
wheel is suggested. Minor scratches may be removed by vigorously
rubbing the affected area by hand, using a soft clean cloth dampened with
a mixture of turpentine and chalk, or by applying automobile cleanser with
a damp cloth. Remove the cleaner and polish with a soft, dry cloth.
Acrylic and cellulose acetate plastics are thermoplastic. Friction
created by buffing or polishing too long in one spot can generate sufficient
heat to soften the surface. This will produce visual distortion and
is to be guarded against.
From AC 43.13-1A
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