My dodger has Strataglass brand vinyl windows. It was expensive but beautifully clear. I've religiously used the Imar cleaner/protectant recommended by the Strataglass manufacturer but I find that the Imar doesn't remove waterspots completely and after a day or two the windows are a bit cloudy and not as clear as I would like. My slip neighbor uses Plexus spray cleaner on his Strataglass windows and they are beautifully clean and clear and stay that way much longer than mine. He says he's noticed no ill effects from using the "unauthorized" Plexus. I don't want to chance long term damage from using the wrong product on the Strataglass but I'm unhappy with the results I get from the Imar. Any thoughts on how to keep Strataglass looking clear? Thanks, as always, for your insights.
There are two treatments for StrataGlass:
IMAR StrataGlass Protective Polish
And..
IMAR StrataGlass Protective Cleaner
All I can say is we've seen LOTS (I do some consulting work for a high end canvas shop) of destroyed Strataglass from folks using the wrong products such as Plexus, Meguiar's and Pledge to name a few.
Remember, Strataglass has a very thin optical enhancing film on it to reduce distortion and improve clarity. If you wear it away, what you do when using Plexus, you now have lost the benefits of Strataglass and it's optical superiority that you paid for. While your buddies glass may look good he has eaten away much of the film and UV protection and it is most likely not as distortion free.
Feel free to use what you want but we have had lengthy conversations with our Strataglass rep and heard many "war" stories of destroyed Strataglass.
Use the Protective Polish once or twice per season then follow up in-between with Protective cleaner. The Protective Polish will remove the water spots unless they are acid rain etching which you can do nothing about.
Strataglass has NO vested interest in IMAR they make ZERO money from recommending it. They have simply tested it and find it is the BEST product for their product. They recommend it because they want to uphold their reputation and wearing away the optical coating will not do that..
These windows are now 8 years old and have only been cared for with Strataglass approved products.
Ignore the child and focus on the 8 year old windows (photo taken 3/26/08)!!