Why Proper Strataglass Care Matters

Strataglass is a premium clear vinyl often used for boat enclosures and cockpit windows. It’s engineered for clarity and durability, but its unique urethane coating requires precise care. One wrong cleaning choice can cause clouding, brittleness, or costly surface damage. Avoiding these issues starts with understanding the most common mistakes, and knowing how to choose the safest products.

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1. Using The Wrong Cleaner

Many boat owners think any glass or multi-surface cleaner will do the trick. This is one of the biggest and most expensive mistakes you can make. Avoid products like Windex, Simple Green, Rain-X, Plexus, ammonia sprays, and household window cleaners. These can damage or even destroy the protective urethane layer on your Strataglass.

Only use:

• Imar Strataglass Protective Cleaner
• Imar Strataglass Protective Polish
• Mild soaps designed for delicate vinyl (such as Imar Yacht Soap Concentrate)

Other cleaners will void any manufacturer warranty and cause the dreaded "orange peel" or dull haze effect across your panels.

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2. Wiping With the Wrong Materials

You should never use paper towels, rough sponges, or any old rag to clean Strataglass. Paper towels, even when new, are abrasive and will cause micro-scratches that dull the surface.

Required cleaning cloths:

• Microfiber detailing cloths
• New, soft, clean cotton towels
• Synthetic chamois

Keep a set of cloths reserved strictly for your Strataglass, never cross-use them for other projects on your boat.

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3. Allowing Sunscreen or Bug Spray Contact

Touching your Strataglass after applying sunscreen or bug spray is a recipe for permanent, often irreversible clouding. The chemicals in sunscreens and repellents attack the vinyl coating. Even a brief touch can leave fingerprints or hazy spots.

What to do if it happens:

• Clean the area immediately with Imar Strataglass Protective Cleaner.
• Do not wait longer than 24 hours after exposure.

If not addressed quickly, damage from sunscreen or bug spray is nearly always permanent.

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4. Incorrect Rinsing Techniques

Some think blasting Strataglass with a hose clears off salt and grime. A hard stream actually grinds abrasive particles into the surface, causing scratches you can’t polish out.

Best rinse method:

• Gently drench the panels with clean, fresh water.
• Let gravity do the work, avoid high-pressure sprays.
• Rinse thoroughly before ever touching the surface with a cloth.

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5. Skipping the Pre-Rinse

Wiping dry or salty Strataglass before rinsing brings dirt into direct contact with the soft, coated vinyl. This causes swirls, scratches, and reduces clarity.

Proper sequence:

1. Always rinse with plenty of fresh water first.
2. Let the debris flow off before you wipe or dry.

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6. Using Dirty or Contaminated Cloths

Old cloths, towels previously used for stainless steel, or anything with residual cleaner or wax left in the fibers can ruin your Strataglass. Even the smallest leftover grit will scratch.

Best practices:

• Dedicate a set of premium microfiber or soft cotton cloths to Strataglass use only.
• Wash them separately with mild detergent, without fabric softener, and let them air dry.

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7. Forgetting Long-Term Protection With Polish

Routine cleaning keeps Strataglass clear in the short term, but ongoing protection is essential for longevity. Skipping the polish step leaves your enclosure exposed to UV, salt, and environmental fallout.

How to protect:

• Use Imar Strataglass Protective Polish after cleaning.
• Apply a thin, even layer using a fresh microfiber cloth.
• Buff lightly to maintain shine and flexible protection.

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The MyBoatStore Solution: Cleaning Essentials Bundle

To make this easier, MyBoatStore offers a simple, proven fix for the most common Strataglass mistakes: the MyBoatStore Imar Bundle.

This essential kit includes:

• Imar Strataglass Protective Cleaner
• Imar Strataglass Protective Polish
• High-quality Microfiber Detailing Cloth

These products are explicitly formulated for strataglass cleaner applications. All ingredients are tested safe for the delicate urethane coating, no risk of haze, brittleness, or premature yellowing.

Why this bundle matters:

• Protects your investment and preserves warranty eligibility.
• Prevents cloudy, scratched, or dull panels.
• Delivers the clarity and shine that makes your enclosure look professionally detailed.

Get yours on our website: MyBoatStore Strataglass Care

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How To Clean Strataglass: Step-by-Step

1. Flush:
   Rinse panels gently with plenty of fresh water, especially after exposure to saltwater or airborne debris.
2. Clean:
   Apply Imar Strataglass Protective Cleaner with a clean, soft microfiber cloth. Wipe gently, never rub hard or scrub.
3. Dry:
   Use a separate, dry microfiber or chamois for drying. Dab away any remaining water, avoid circular rubbing motions.
4. Polish:
   About once a month, apply Imar Strataglass Protective Polish. Work it in with a fresh microfiber, then buff gently for maximum protection.

Helpful reminders:

• Clean strataglass only when the panels are cool and out of direct sun.
• Wash your hands before touching the plastic, avoid oils, sunscreen, and sprays.

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What Not To Use On Strataglass

Avoid these at all costs:

• Windex, Rain-X, ammonia-based cleaners
• Simple Green, pine-based cleaners, Pledge, or car wax
• Paper towels, T-shirt rags, abrasive sponges
• Old towels or cloths used on other parts of the boat
• Any product not clearly listed as safe for Strataglass

If you’re not 100% sure, don’t use it.

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FAQs: Strataglass Cleaner & Care

How often should you clean Strataglass?
Rinse after every boat day; clean thoroughly every 1-2 weeks. Polish once a month.

Can you use regular glass cleaner in a pinch?
Never. Even occasional use increases risk for dulling and brittleness.

Will Imar products work on other marine vinyl?
Yes, but always check manufacturer recommendations.

Where can you purchase Imar Strataglass Cleaner?
Directly at MyBoatStore.com or through our authorized dealers.

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Final Thoughts: Protect Your Investment

Every boater wants a clear view and a long-lasting enclosure. Avoiding these everyday cleaning mistakes, and investing in products made specifically for Strataglass, will keep your boat looking sharp and protected year after year.

Explore our full selection of strataglass cleaner and care essentials at MyBoatStore.com. For questions, contact our product support team( your boat’s clarity is our priority.)