Dark grey/blue polycarb/acrylic windows

seanfoster

seanfoster

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I've been looking for a supplier of replacement windows but want a dark black/grey/blue tint, I can only seem to find clear or bronze tinted suppliers, can anyone recommend any suppliers?

Also what should I look for, cast or extruded acrylic or polycarbonate? What are the differences in terms of longevity, cost, workability? I was going to send off templates for cutting, but drill my own holes.

Also I know this has been covered previously, but I would like to install some sort of gasket for sealing, can anyone suggest the best (easiest and cleanest!) methods?
 
Try a local sign maker. Polycarbonate is stronger and lasts longer, but surface is softer so can scratch. Sensible to get it cut by the supplier, but drilling usually relatively easy - make sure it is oversize to avoid stress cracks. Personally I rely on a Polysulphidee sealer, but others have used sealing strips.
 
You dont say where you have tried ( dark black is an unusual choice)

Eagle Boat Windows

Not sure if C&J International will supply the plastic or if they just rebuild

Down here in the South

Project Plastics or UK Plastics Fabrications. Both in Colchester

Hadlow Marine

Seaclear

Sunlight Plastics or TP Marine Plastics in the Portsmouth area


Google will find all the above Some will have tape for sealing.

BTW drill holes oversize to allow for expansion. Do not countersink!
 
I fond Nu Signs in Plymouth very helpful (01752 266599) Speak to Sam or Stewart. They are sign makers but, being in Plymouth they have plenty of experience of the quirky requirements of boat owners. They will supply by mail order.

You may well find it difficult to get the colours you are after in the thicknesses which are usually used in boats. Even assuming the colours/thicknesses are actually made the problem may be that stock just isn't available unless you are prepared to buy full sheets.

Arguably cast acrylic is better than extruded, but don't worry too much about it; you'll most likely that the decision is made for you (i.e. if you want that colour in that thickness then it will only be available in just the one grade)

Drilling holes is OK but don't go at it like a bull in a china shop. Take it gently with a sharp drill and if you can use a drill stand you'll have better control of the drill. Be gentle otherwise you'll end up with chips and that's where cracks are most likely to start. Chamfer the edges of the hole with a countersink. Ideally get a proper drill for use with plastic, (but try as I might I was never able to locate one)

Personally, I wouldn't bother with polycarbonate unless strength alone were the requirement.

I used Sikaflex 295 when I did mine. Mind bogglingly, jaw droppingly expensive but there's been absolutely no leaks and it should be OK for a couple of decades.

But I think that the biggest problem you will have is finding those colours in the required thickness.
 
seanfoster said:
I've been looking for a supplier of replacement windows but want a dark black/grey/blue tint, I can only seem to find clear or bronze tinted suppliers, can anyone recommend any suppliers?

Also I know this has been covered previously, but I would like to install some sort of gasket for sealing, can anyone suggest the best (easiest and cleanest!) methods?
Click to expand...

Eagle windows (mentioned above) do a good job for a reasonable price (no connection). But you have to mail the frame, even if you drill the fixing holes yourself later.

In my case, I removed the existing window pane and took it to the Colchester suppliers mentioned above; good price and cut exactly to shape. Sikaflex is the sealant you want - I took the view this would do a proper job and it has. But you have to think out the application carefully and not overload the frame or you will have gunk under your eyelids!

PWG
 
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