As a yacht owner, you hate to see scratches and salt deposits on your windows. Aside from being unattractive, they obstruct views, reduce resale value, and can even cause further damage if left unaddressed.
So if you notice a scratch or saltwater stain, what can you do? When it comes to removing salt from boat windows and repairing scratches, different materials require different care. Here are some techniques for removing salt and scratches to keep your boat in prime condition for years to come.
Removing Salt Water Stains from Vinyl Windows
Sure, saltwater stains are unsightly and obstruct your view of the open ocean. But did you know that salt water can also lead to long-term damage?
The last thing you want is brittle or weakened vinyl, especially when your boat has to contend with strong winds. Thankfully, all it takes to prevent degradation is a little prevention and maintenance.
First things first: Start with consistent prevention. Salt accumulates over time, and older deposits become increasingly difficult to remove, so rinse your yacht regularly to clear away dirt and salt before they build up to damaging levels.
Ideally, you should rinse your boat windows after every trip and cover your boat during the off-season. After rinsing, gently dry with a soft cloth — terry cloth and microfiber are generally safe options.
Even if you’re diligent about prevention, stains still happen. When it’s time for more than just a rinse, use a mild soap and water solution, a 50/50 solution of water and white vinegar, or a clear vinyl window soap like IMAR Protective Cleaner, which is available at West Marine. Never use abrasive soaps or cleaners on vinyl products. They will cause damage.
For particularly difficult salt buildup stains, you can use undiluted white vinegar as a spot treatment. Spray it on the tough spots, let it sit for a few minutes, then rub it in with a soft sponge or cloth.
Removing Scratches from Vinyl Windows
If you notice a scratch while you’re cleaning, a restoration formula might help repair it. Don’t forget to do your research — find the best restorer for your particular windows rather than using a generic vinyl restorer.
After the vinyl is thoroughly cleaned and rinsed with fresh water, you can apply the restoration formula to your windows using an applicator pad. Finally, treat your windows with a window wax (again, do your research!) to protect them from the elements.
If your windows are beyond repair, consider replacing them with a scratch-resistant option like Strataglass to ensure long-lasting clarity.
Removing Salt Water Stains from Glass Windows
First, make sure that what you’re working with is really glass, not plexiglass/acrylic or vinyl — glass cleaner will degrade these surfaces.
If you’re positive that you have real glass, you can use glass cleaners (like Windex) regularly, and commercial lime removal products for difficult spots when necessary.
If you have plexiglass or acrylic windows, on the other hand, you should never use cleaning solutions that contain ammonia and should therefore be wary of most glass-cleaning products. Instead, use products specifically formulated for plexiglass, such as NOVUS Plastic Clean & Shine No. 1.
Removing Scratches from Glass Windows
If you have glass windows with superficial scratches, this process is similar to repairing scratches in your car’s windshield. You can use metal polish, clear nail polish, or a DIY scratch-removing polish.
Again, the products you can use for plexiglass are a little different. Steer clear of anything that contains ammonia, and stick to specially formulated plexiglass polishes whenever possible. For superficial scratches, use Novus No. 2; for deeper ones, use a combination of Novus No. 2 and No. 3.
No matter what kind of glass you have or what product you use, you’ll need to clean and dry the area first so there is no debris in or around the scratch. Most products work best when applied using a clean, damp, lint-free cloth, but always refer to the instructions for specific recommendations when using commercial products.
