As 2017 draws to a close and we look forward to the promise of a new year, we thought it might be a perfect time to pause and reflect on something very important to us – the do’s and don’ts of cleaning your bulletproof glass. While that might not make the top three on most people’s list of resolutions for 2018, here’s why it should. Bulletproof glass is an investment and at Total Security Solutions, we want to protect that investment. We know that more than bullets, the thing that most often spoils a beautiful, crystal-clear sheet of bullet proof glass is an unlikely culprit: Windex.
When bullet proof polycarbonate or acrylic are cut, drilled, or flame-polish, microscopic fractures form in the plastic. These are not visible to the naked eye, and are structurally inconsequential. “But Windex attacks the edges of those fractures,” Jim Richards, CEO of Total Security Solutions explains, “and it will look like there’s cracks going into the glass. It’s what’s called crazing, and it makes the material look terrible,” even though it has no impact on the material’s bullet resistance.
With proper maintenance, bulletproof glass will look great for years, but crazing creates a haze that penetrates the surface and according to Jim, “when it’s done, it’s done.”
Another important tip, skip the paper towel! One downside of polycarbonates is that they are prone to scratches. This scratch potential is why you’ll get a cleaning cloth with eyeglasses or sunglasses you purchase, and why computer and TV screens have special cleaning products as well. Should a scratch occur on your bulletproof glass, it can often be buffed out, but it’s best to avoid them all together and stick to a soft cloth for cleaning.
Proper Care and Cleaning of Bullet Proof Glass
- Gently dust with a soft lint-free cloth (like an old t-shirt).
- Wash with a solution of warm water and mild soap or detergent, using a soft cloth or natural sponge. Keep the sponge sopping wet. Blot dry with clean soft cloth.
- Remove grease and oil using hexane, kerosene, or naphtha, not aromatic compounds like benzene.
- Surface scratches can be buffed out of acrylic by hand.
- Polish acrylic or polycarbonate with quality commercial wax. This fills minor scratches, restoring the original smooth surface.
- Never use paper towels on bullet proof glass.
- Never use scouring compounds or abrasive cloth.
- NEVER USE WINDEX®!
NEXT STEPS:
- Sign up for our newsletter to stay up-to-date with the latest industry news
- Learn more about our planning, production and installation process
- Follow us on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn