Strataglass™ Vinyl Window Material is a 40 gauge pressed, polished and coated vinyl window material. A polymer coating is used to seal in the plasticizers (the chemicals added to the vinyl to keep it soft and supple). This coating also makes Strataglass more scratch resistant.
Strataglass Attributes:
- VueShield™ scratch resistant coating to combat daily wear and tear
- Blocks 70% of UVA rays and 100% of UVB rays
- Treated with an anti-glare additive to reduce sun glare and improve low light visibility
Strataglass Installation:
Installation is made easier if double-sided tape is used to adhere the window material to the fabric before sewing and cutting. After the material is sewn in place, use scissors to trim away the fabric and expose the window.
Tip: We recommend using a #18 or #20 sewing machine needle.
Strataglass recommends using 3M™ Adhesive Remover to remove any glue left from fabrication. Then clean with IMAR™ Strataglass™ Protective Cleaner and use IMAR™ Strataglass™ Protective Polish as the final step in installation to provide a base of protection and good watershed.
Since new vinyl can easily get impressions in itself, it is recommended that enclosures be left in place as much as possible. If completely removed, interleave the vinyl with either acid-free paper (available from framing shops) or old sheets (the best choice) to prevent "pooling" in the glass. Vinyl "seasons" over time and becomes less impressionable. Roll all curtains down and fasten in place nightly to keep a perfect appearance.
Strataglass Care & Cleaning:
Cleaning your Strataglass regularly will help extend the life of the product. You should only use IMAR Strataglass labeled products. Using any other products on Strataglass will void the warranty and could potentially damage the vinyl.
Each time you use your boat, rinse your Strataglass with clean water to remove salt or other debris. Allow it to air dry or wipe it down with a chamois or microfiber towel.
Every 1-2 weeks spray Strataglass Protective Cleaner directly on the inside and outside of the vinyl and gently wipe away. This product should always be on hand for emergency spot cleaning if your vinyl encounters harmful chemicals, such as bug spray or sunscreen.
Every 1-2 months (especially when the vinyl is new) apply a light coat of Strataglass Protective Polish to both sides of the vinyl using a soft cotton cloth and small, light circular motions. Allow it to dry and buff again with a clean cotton or microfiber cloth. Over time this will build up a protective barrier on the vinyl. This is the most important part of vinyl maintenance.
Right after you’ve completed your sewing project using Strataglass, clean and polish it using the methods stated previously. This will help to establish a protective base on the new vinyl.
Things To Avoid:
- Do not handle Strataglass with sunscreen on your hands! It will damage the product.
- You should NEVER use Windex, Rain-X, Pledge, Plexus, Simple Green, Orpine or other harsh chemicals on Strataglass.
- Do not use any kind of car wash or wax products on Strataglass.
- Do not use any products intended for commercial grade vinyl or plastic.
- Keep in mind that new vinyl products are easily impressionable and should be kept on a clean, flat, soft surface. Do not place your clear vinyl anywhere that may scratch, dent or puncture the product.
Restoring: We once recommended a restoration process but extensive experience shows actual damage cannot truly be repaired. If IMAR Strataglass Protective Polish cannot restore the clarity and shine, it may be time to consider replacing the enclosures.
Please Note: The manufacturer lists the size of the sheet as 54" x 110", however we have found that the sheet size varies up to 3 inches in length and 1 inch in width.
Pro Tip: If you choose to use tape during fabrication, it is recommended that you only use green painter's tape. Other types may damage the material.
