I need help removing manufacturers plastic covering from uPVC window frames, exterior uPVC window le

Discussion in 'Other Trades Talk' started by Charl Du Plooy, Aug 23, 2011.

  1. Charl Du Plooy

    Charl Du Plooy New Member

    I am starting a cleaning job in a few days to clean some uPVC window frames, doorframes and windowledges and unfortunately the manufacturer decided to put two layers of plastic sheeting over it to protect it from render, cement and the like.
    I tested one item and the top layer comes off easily and the bottom layer does to some extent with gentle pealing, I do however have a deadline and have about 60 doors and 120 windows to clean with a small team and can't afford to spend more than 20 minutes per item. The main contractors labourers on site used SX Siroflex trade strength PVCu solvent cleaner and it really works on getting the sticky residue off, extremely well but i don't know if any solvent will soften the actual plastic protective cover layer so that it comes off quick and easy. I have been told that a sponge soaked in this stuff dabbed onto the covering should do the trick and will find out shortly if it does. I've only tried getting it off by rubbing directly after application but it only seems to clean the plastic film. not ideal..

    I can not use a heat source and don't fancy giving labourers something that could damage the PVC and that extends to blade scrapers. Plastic scrapers are the only scrapers that I will give them but need a chemical to soften the plastic covering and not damage the white PVC frames.

    ive added a few photos.
     

    Attached Files:

  2. gadget man

    gadget man Screwfix Select

    Nice bit of spam I see!.
     
  3. Charl Du Plooy

    Charl Du Plooy New Member

    Spam will be a bit greasy but thanks for the advice..lol.
    seriously, it seems to be a common problem but no helpful hints anywhere on any discussion forums Ive found.
     
  4. Mr. Handyandy

    Mr. Handyandy Screwfix Select

    That's the worst kind, too thin to get a good running strip.
    Give each of your team a hairdryer.  Get a good start then heat the part(sticky) peeling as you go.

    The cleaner is for when the cover is removed.


    Mr. HandyAndy - Really
     
  5. Charl Du Plooy

    Charl Du Plooy New Member

    I don't know if the weather will permit dryers outdoors i'm affraid. if it were indoors I would most definately have given it a go. I have got another chemical called De-sov-it that works very very well on stickers, but again the stickers are mostly paperbased and the chemical seeps into it and turns the glue to goop and just wipes off.
     
  6. Hoolijet

    Hoolijet New Member

    Hi.
    I have the same problem as you did.
    Did you find a sucessful solution on the end?
    Regards.
     
  7. Neilwhite22

    Neilwhite22 New Member

    Get some stelph max and spend about 1 1/2 hours a window . The finish will be very dull after. If it's been painted over get a Stanley blade scrapper and scrape backwards . The fluid will help flatten any scratch marks and clean at the same time . Use a dish cloth . Or you need some one like me that knows how to restore plastic windows

    Hope this helps
     
  8. Mr. Handyandy

    Mr. Handyandy Screwfix Select

    Brilliant. Give advice on how to ruin plastic, then plug yourself to come and fix it!

    Mr. HandyAndy - Really
     
    Biffo likes this.
  9. Biffo

    Biffo Member

    walk away !!! any solvent will thin the tape more. nightmare how long has the tape been left on for ?
     
  10. Neilwhite22

    Neilwhite22 New Member

    It will not ruin the plastic . It may take the hight gloss finish out of the profile depending on how much fluid is needed to thin the tape to remove it.

    Your other option is to pick at it for days and days

    I should of probably said that iv been cleaning ,repairing and recolouring plastic for over 10 years .Speaking with a lot of experience (mr handy bandit )
     
  11. Mr. Handyandy

    Mr. Handyandy Screwfix Select

    And although I don't work at it right now, I started working with uPVC back in 1987, and anything that dulls the top layer should be avoided at all costs.
    Once that's gone, the degradation due to the elements is drastic. Don't matter how you shine it up after that, the top shiny layer was the best possible protection.

    As I said earlier in the thread, gentle warming just to soften the adhesive, peel and remove gunk with turps and IMMEDIATELY clean and rinse off. No abrasive.

    Mr. HandyAndy - Really
     
  12. mike-tw

    mike-tw New Member

    Just a suggestion - try giving a call to one of the specialist companies that apply security, solar and other films to windows. They put them on and may know how to get them off
     
  13. paul english

    paul english New Member

    I was able to Karcher "Jet wash" some old film off a plastic window everything else including pan scrubber would not shift it
     

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