Ticket Window General Cleaning Guidelines

The glazing in a bullet resistant system can maintain that like-new, crystal-clear, transparent appearance for many years with the appropriate care and maintenance. However, some people may be surprised to learn that the glazing in many bullet resistant windows and pass-thru systems are not glass at all but is often comprised of either polycarbonate or acrylic. For these materials, there are some very important instructions that should be followed that otherwise could lead to irreparable damage to the glazing on your unit.

Harsh chemicals, even household items such as Windex, can cause a process called crazing which can bring on what appear to be scratches on the surface, usually around the edges of the glazing, making the unit appear badly damaged and/or weathered. This damage is irreparable and replacing the glazing can be quite expensive, so with a bit of care and attention, please follow the instruction below to help keep your unit looking like new. 

General Cleaning Instructions

• Do not clean your bullet resistant glazing in direct sunlight or elevated temperatures.
• Flush surface with clean water to remove loose debris.
• Uniformly apply a mild detergent / water solution using a mild dish detergent such as Joy or Palmolive to the surface using soft, clean cloth, chamois, sponge or another similar applicator. These applicators can also be used for dusting by gently wiping down the window or pass-thru system. Do not use paper towels.
• Ensure your applicator is free from metal, sand, or foreign particles that can become trapped between the cloth and the substrate. These particles, if allowed to contact the glazing surface, can tarnish and damage it.
• Do not use abrasive cleaners. Strictly stay away from using benzene, window cleaner (i.e. Windex), alcohol (or alcohol based cleaners), lacquer thinners, alkaline cleaners, carbon tetrachloride or petroleum based solvents such as acetone or MEK.
• Never use metal scrapers, squeegees, razor blades, scouring pads or putty knives.
• Flush the unit with clean water and dry the surface, gaskets, sealants, and framing with a soft flannel or cotton cloth to avoid potential deterioration or staining.
• Surface scratches can be buffed out of acrylic or polycarbonate by hand polishing with a soft cloth, wiping parallel to the scratch. Electric buffers and excessive rubbing should be avoided.
• The glazing can also be polished using a high-quality commercial wax to fill in the scratches. Apply a thin coat and rub gently with a soft, dry cloth. Polishing may not restore the glazing to its original condition but will help to conceal blemishes.