Visor/plastic polish

[HungusMaximist]

Currently on the market there's Plexus plastic polish but I like to know if there's anything else out there which on the lines of a plastic polish which I can use for my visor.

Surely there has to be another plastic polish on the market which is a bit cheaper.

Suggestions and place of purchase?

[vifferman]

Pledge works very well, and you can buy it at the supermarket.

[scumdog]

Are you trying to get rid of scratches or just make the visor clearer and stop bug&shit sticking to it?

[sAsLEX]

And it has a nice orange smell.....

Te remove small scratches etc Autosol make a good plastic polish.

[Blackbird]

I use Nikwax visor shield. Probably very similar to Plexus. Certainly does the biz in the rain, keeps the droplets on the move at even low speeds.

[HungusMaximist]

Pledge works very well, and you can buy it at the supermarket.

If I can use Pledge, does that mean I can use those Mr Muscle Glass Cleaner on my visor?

I know Plexus sell their big bottles for about $29.99 and there's a small version for around $15.00 but I am looking for something that works just as well as Plexus but cheaper. An all rounder plastic polish.

Thanks.

[HungusMaximist]

And it has a nice orange smell.....

Te remove small scratches etc Autosol make a good plastic polish.

Would you happen to know the name, price and where I can get some?

I live in Auckland City, Thanks.

Hope it works just as good as that Plexus spray.

[sAsLEX]

The Autosol? Is called Autosol Plastic Polish .... REPCO or Supercheap should have it for about 7 bucks.

Pledge... any supermarket


<img src=http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=66688&stc=1&d=1185142781>
Part No 1020BP.
AUTOSOL Plastic Cleaner 75ml Cleans and protects plastic surfaces. Non abrasive so does not produce scratches or scour the surface. Restores natural condition of plastic without leaving an oily film. Use on fibreglass too! Can also be used regularly to treat hairline scratches in plastics visors, fairings, painted surfaces, removes dead wax from roof racks & door handles.

[imdying]

Plexus kicks arse! It's only about $22-23 for the large can, and that lasts me a year at least, so not bad at <50c a week.

[Roj]

If you have scatches I find Silvo is good for removing them,

[Hitcher]

Pledge is very good. In fact I think it's better than Plexus for wet weather performance -- raindrops seem to bead up and blow off better with Pledge.

[Big Dave]

I've had a mini bottle of plexus (like 20mm dia) in the 'wee willy' bag for 2 or 3 years. Use it after cleaning occasionally.

Cost a couple of $

[vifferman]

Having used Plexus for years, and also tried furniture polish (not Pledge), I'm going to use Pledge next. Plexus is good, but it's nothing special - just wax.

If I can use Pledge, does that mean I can use those Mr Muscle Glass Cleaner on my visor?
Well, I have. AFAIK, there's nothing in any of the glass cleaners that will damage visors - it's mostly water, with some ammonia, blue colouring, isopropyl alcohol, surfactants and detergent thrown in. However, they're better diluted a little, just to be sure. In fact, just warm water and a bit of dishwashing liquid is as good as anything for cleaning, then use summat waxy to help stop dead bugs, blood, snot, road spooge etc sticking to it.

The key to anything you use to clean your visor is to ensure you never use anything except soft cloths with them. Paper towels are the worst - the fibres are harder than the polycarbonate the visors are made from. They leave little scratches that give that lovely 'starburst' effect at night - which is where Plexus / Pledge comes in - it doesn't remove the scratches, but helps fill them.

[vagrant]

I have used pledge for years. It works better than the fancy aircraft window polish stuff we have at work.
In the "boot" of the fireblade I carry a small pump bottle of thin film cleaner, its also good for glasses and LCD screens too. It does a good job of dissolving the road grime. It won't stop new crud sticking to the visor though, just a good cleaner, not a polish.
I have had occasions when the pledge has gone "cloudy" on me in the wet, so if it is raining when I set out, or I know it will rain, then I dose the visor with some rainX. That stuff works great at stopping the rain beading, even road spray or light drizzle slides away. I use it on my car too, above 40K's I don't need to use the wipers at all. No streaky windows.
The only draw back to the rainX is that the film it leaves is soft, and in the dry the dust tends to stick into it, and once the film is scuffed, it doesn't work very well.

[sinned]

If I can use Pledge, does that mean I can use those Mr Muscle Glass Cleaner on my visor?
Thanks.

Be very careful with Glass Cleaners - in my opinion and from experience, I recommend you don't use them unless someone else already has and reports no damage. Glass cleaners work well on glass because they are highly abrasive. Most (especially car window cleaners) will scratch plastic.

[vifferman]

Be very careful with Glass Cleaners - in my opinion and from experience, I recommend you don't use them unless someone else already has and reports no damage. Glass cleaners work well on glass because they are highly abrasive. Most (especially car window cleaners) will scratch plastic.
Glass cleaners do NOT contain abrasive elements (or elephants) unless they are polishes. "Abrasive" by definition is something that abrades a surface because it contains particles that are harder than the surface. Mr Muscle, Windolene and most common glass cleaners are just solvent-based, not abrasive pastes.

But yes, I agree with the " recommend you don't use them unless someone else already has and reports no damage" bit.

[Big Dave]

Part No 1020BP.
AUTOSOL Plastic Cleaner 75ml Cleans and protects plastic surfaces. Non abrasive so does not produce scratches or scour the surface. Restores natural condition of plastic without leaving an oily film. Use on fibreglass too! Can also be used regularly to treat hairline scratches in plastics visors, fairings, painted surfaces, removes dead wax from roof racks & door handles.

Haven't tried it - actually I don't think I've seen it or I would have.
Will search it out.

After bathing in WD40 I would shave with Autosol chrome polish.

[Grub]

The thing I worry about is that in a previous KB thread, several products (like Pladge) were listed as destroying the shatter-proofing properties of visor material.

I can't remember the details now but it scared me off most "cleaners", not knowing which is safe and which isn't

[HungusMaximist]

I have a pair of glasses, which has lenses made out of plastic.

Can I use plexus and pledge on my glasses?

[vifferman]

The thing I worry about is that in a previous KB thread, several products (like Pladge) were listed as destroying the shatter-proofing properties of visor material.
I have a suspicion that this may be somewhat akin to being an urban myth. I've just spent AGES trying to find something about this on the Interdweeb, without success. However, I did find this chart of the effects of various solvents on polycarbonate. What I suggest you do, is look at the Greedy Ants list on the cleaner's container (provided they're not TopSecret) and see if any of the "Not recommended" ones in the list are present.
http://www.k-mac-plastics.net/data%20sheets/polycarbonate_chemical_resistance.htm

[vifferman]

I have a pair of glasses, which has lenses made out of plastic.

Can I use plexus and pledge on my glasses?
Well, definitely Plexus; I've used it on sunglasses, CDs, glasses, headlights, etc etc. It's (allegedly) used by the US military on fighter plane canopies made from polycarbonate, so it should be safe for glasses.
HOWEVER: some coatings used on ski goggles and other eyewear are more sensitive to the solvents used in aerosol cleaners/polishes that polycarbonate is itself, so be careful.
Interestingly, some anti-UV / anti-reflective coatings are themselves harmful to polycarbonate, while others make it more imprevious to chemical attack, as polycarbonate is somewhat naturally pervious (Pervy Us?) to liquids.
I also found out in my TravelsOfTheInterdweeb that it also blocks 98% of UV light, even if not tinted or mirrored!

[Freakshow]

I have found Rain x to eat the Coatings of the metalic lens but is fantastic on the clear lens. I do have one question about that Cat crap stuff and does it do anything? I thought I would give it a shot and have applied a few coats and before I even leave the driveway it is fogged. It is making a very cold commute!

[breakaway]

I thought it was bad to use Glass Cleaner on visors as it [ apparently ] removes the anti-shatter coating on the visor? Is this true?

[sinned]

I have found cat crap makes a good job of polishing the visor and minimises fogging. When my visor fogs I then remember cat crap - use it then forget I have some until the visor fogs again.
For the cost of $10.00 a pot it is good value and seems to do what is claimed. Is it better than other plastic polishes? I don't know.

[Freakshow]

I thought it was bad to use Glass Cleaner on visors as it [ apparently ] removes the anti-shatter coating on the visor? Is this true?

I would not believe that as I grabed a old scratched up visor and tryed to snap it. Hours later the thing still held its shape. You could turn it inside out and it still bounced back to original shape. Hammers, bricks nothing made a difference. I am quite happy about that though!

[vifferman]

For the cost of $10.00 a pot it is good value and seems to do what is claimed. Is it better than other plastic polishes? I don't know.
Is it a polish then, as well as a anti-misting agent? :spudwhat:
I can tell you that Plexus is not much chop as an anti-fogger, and the "ClearVue" anti-mister I am using is not much chop as a polish. But I don't mind using two different products for two slightly different jobs.

[Blackbird]

I thought it was bad to use Glass Cleaner on visors as it [ apparently ] removes the anti-shatter coating on the visor? Is this true?

To the best of my knowledge, there is no such thing as anti-shatter coating. I don't know whether things have changed but a few years back, cheap helmets had visors which were made out of cheaper materials. They scratched easily and were damaged over time by anything with solvent in it. (RainX for example but there are plenty more). More expensive helmets use Lexan, the same stuff as riot shields and other products which require shatter proof properties. This material carries its strength all the way through and is also highly resistant to solvents. Still better to avoid solvents though.

[HungusMaximist]

Paid a visit to foodtown while heading back home.

Found out Pledge comes in a few varieties, one is in the normal spray can. They also have two other flavours, one's orange and the other in some green colour and they have advanced cleaning slapped on the front. They cans are pretty much priced the same, so I can't really see what's so special.

There's also the new 500ml liquid based trigger bottle.

Suggestions on spray can - advanced? or trigger bottle?

[rustys]

PLEXUS, is the correct product or "Niki wax" to use on visors. Just bought a small (12gram) pump bottle from the bike shop, $12.98. Ideal to carry away, one pump is enough on your visor to clean. Wipe the bugs off first though.

[Hitcher]

Suggestions on spray can - advanced? or trigger bottle?

Spray can. Doesn't apply too much wax to have to wipe off.

[fergie]

i have been using mothers plastic polish to great affect, did a great job on the 20 year old screen on the bold'or

[vifferman]

PLEXUS, is the correct product or "Niki wax" to use on visors. Just bought a small (12gram) pump bottle from the bike shop, $12.98. Ideal to carry away, one pump is enough on your visor to clean. Wipe the bugs off first though.
Actually, if you don't have anything to wash the bugs off with, you're better to spray HEAPS of Plexus/Pledge onto them, leave it to sit for a while to soften them, then wipe off. Follow up with another squirt to polish the visor up.
Either that, or get a quick protein snack by licking the visor clean of bugs first. :shit:

[dvsfit5]

ive found that ajax floor cleaner to get out the scratches followed by Neopol all purpose polish including plastics works great and the rain beads off. :2thumbsup

[steveb64]

Actually, if you don't have anything to wash the bugs off with, you're better to spray HEAPS of Plexus/Pledge onto them, leave it to sit for a while to soften them, then wipe off. Follow up with another squirt to polish the visor up.
Either that, or get a quick protein snack by licking the visor clean of bugs first. :shit:

Yep. I'm voting for Pledge. Comes in all sorts of different flav.. err fragrances! Spray on, leave for a couple or three minutes, then wipe off, then polish up with clean cloth. Before I started using fog city's, it was my opinion that it also helped with anti fogging too. Helps mask small scratches too. My preference is the aerosol version, as it fits in the tank bag better.

[homer]

um the megueirs is fine to use
I actually just use a bit of a old black t shirt and just use armoural or finish 2000 same shit dif day .

usually find im running out of armoural or black ts most the time
Normally clean the whold bike with armoral

If you want to shed the water off the helmet visor (check its ok on the plastic first ) buy some rain x
Its brilliant

Any way if the plastex is bit more expensive "How much you gonna use"
Its a cleaner not a plaster. itll last ages for the price

Isnt that what most people want

[Hitcher]

Yep. I'm voting for Pledge.

After a brief flirtation with Plexus, Mrs H and I have gone back to Pledge. Way better wet weather performance -- water beads up and runs off way better.

[shafty]

I'm with Mr Hitcher Esquire on the vote for Pledge - there was p l e n t y of rain to test it out on the Grand Challenge - as a variation, I used the orange scented Pledge "wipes" - they come in a resealable plastic pack.

[saltydog]

Be very careful with Glass Cleaners - in my opinion and from experience, I recommend you don't use them unless someone else already has and reports no damage. Glass cleaners work well on glass because they are highly abrasive. Most (especially car window cleaners) will scratch plastic.

I agree, I wouldn't touch my visor with anything else but a wee bit of Palmolive and warm water. Tryed many products, Marg was always right. And it softens the hands!:wari:

[saltydog]

After a brief flirtation with Plexus, Mrs H and I have gone back to Pledge. Way better wet weather performance -- water beads up and runs off way better.

Rainex Rainex Rainex. Beads up more than a sweating Jazzasize instructor, and tested for over 1200 seadays.

[et al]

I found Mr Sheen to be the best for visors and everything in general however that has gone off the market here now (but is still available in Aus). I now use Pledge which is not as good to apply mainly because it tends to "splodge" out of the spray can whereas Mr Sheen was a squeeze/spray.
Hint: Mitre 10 Mega (Lower Hutt) have large can of Pledge at $9.50 (nice lemon fragrance too) which is better value than the smaller ones you get at Supermarket.

[Hitcher]

I found Mr Sheen to be the best

Denise Richards, however, had a different experience entirely.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Denise Richards, however, had a different experience entirely.

she had totally, like, BOdacious titties in "Starship Troopers"



I clean Mr Visor with warm water and detergent stuff (that pump hand soap thing in the bathroom). Sometimes I polish with Pledge afterwards... but not often.

[notasothers]

I only use mild soap with warm water to clean. A lot of cleaners can break down plastics. You wont see it right away but it may loose it strength over time. Not what you want happening to a Helmet.

[chanceyy]

interesting thread since i have just brought a tinted visor .. my clear one has a few wee scratches so really want to treat the tinted one right .. anything else i need to watch on this ?

[johnnyflash]

Ive used the stuff obtained from Opticians for cleaning plastic lens Specs, in a wee spray bottle on my tinted visor , did a magic job and no ill effects, Now if its scratched on the outside there is a product that will remove fine scatches a special plastic polish for that job, I cant for the life of me remember whats its called at the mo, and while Ive used it on non-tinted visors in the past without any problem I dont know about a tinted version... Ill try find the name....have a feeling it is a Mothers Product??, hmm maybe???

[chanceyy]

Ive used the stuff obtained from Opticians for cleaning plastic lens Specs, in a wee spray bottle on my tinted visor , did a magic job and no ill effects, Now if its scratched on the outside there is a product that will remove fine scatches a special plastic polish for that job, I cant for the life of me remember whats its called at the mo, and while Ive used it on non-tinted visors in the past without any problem I dont know about a tinted version... Ill try find the name....have a feeling it is a Mothers Product??, hmm maybe???

cheers appreciate it .. good to tap into all those yrs of experience for good advice .. :D :2thumbsup

[johnnyflash]

cheers appreciate it .. good to tap into all those yrs of experience for good advice .. :D :2thumbsup

Hey Chancyy, just remember whatever you use always test in a corner first, I usually take visor off first and test it at the pivot end so it doesnt matter if it doesnt make a good job..

[chanceyy]

Hey Chancyy, just remember whatever you use always test in a corner first, I usually take visor off first and test it at the pivot end so it doesnt matter if it doesnt make a good job..

even better tip :lol: .... ohh yeah helps now I know how to get it on & off :killingme

[johnnyflash]

even better tip :lol: .... ohh yeah helps now I know how to get it on & off :killingme

heheheh, I knew you were more than just a pretty face :lol:

[chanceyy]

heheheh, I knew you were more than just a pretty face :lol:

:lol: might be time to get ya eyes tested there Johnny .. :killingme

[johnnyflash]

Ok, here is the stuff I use..

McGuires Mirror Glaze -Clear Plastic Polish.... for removing fine scratches etc on my windscreen and clear visor..
McGuires Mirror Glaze - Clear Plastic Cleaner.... for general cleaning of same items above.
(Available at Auto Accessory places I understand)

Supershine Wax & Grease Remover... for removing grease, tar, glue etc off any painted or metal/chrome surface, doesnt damage paint ... DONT use on plastic or perspex..
(My son the Valet/Groomer gets this for me)

Auto Glym - Metal Polish... for Chrome pipes / engine bits etc, buffs up a real and lasting shine.

lens cleaner ex Optician (for plastic lenses) to clean my tinted visors..

Once again, as every surface is always a little different , I ALWAYS test products in a hidden corner or whatever to make sure its ok first...

If you want these products and cant get em then Roll & Shine Valet can put some small packs together if nessesary.. just PM me and Ill get it organised for you..