Routine Cleaning

Clean your acrylic blocks with a solution of mild soap (liquid dishwashing detergent) and lukewarm water.  Use a clean soft cloth, applying only light pressure.  Rinse with clean water and dry by blotting with a damp cloth or chamois.  Grease, oil or tar may be removed with a good grade of hexane, aliphatic naphtha or kerosene.  These solvents may be obtained at a  paint or hardware store and should be used in accordance with manufacturers recommendations.  DO NOT USE:  Abrasive cleaners, alcohol, paint thinners, solvents, Clean Shower or other shower sprays, or window cleaning sprays.

Stubborn stains can easily be removed before drying by rubbing gently with a soft cloth soaked in kerosene.  DO NOT USE: gasoline or pressure washes.  Afterward, a warm final wash should be made, using a mild soap or detergent solution, and ending with a thorough rinsing with warm water.

To protect the window and maintain its surface gloss, occasionally polish with a good plastic cleaner and/or polish.  Apply a thin, even coat with a soft clean cloth and polish lightly with cotton flannel.  Then, wipe with a damp cloth to help eliminate electrostatic charges, which can attract dust particles. 

Scratch Removal

You will need:  masking tape, Novus Heavy Scratch Removal Compound, Novus Light Scratch Removal Compound, paper towel, and very fine micron paper. In addition, deep scratches require fine 220 grit sandpaper, medium 600 grit sandpaper and steel wool. 

To remove deep scratches follow all of the below steps.  To remove mild scratches, follow steps 1,3,4 and 5.  To remove fine scratches, follow steps 1 and 5 only. 

1	Place a perimeter of masking tape one inch away from and around the entire scratch to be removed.  Protect the window frame, metal muntins, grout and glazing with masking tape in the area of the scratch repair.
2	Using a fine 220 grit sandpaper, sand perpendicular to the scratch.  Sand in a broad area around the scratch so to not create a "gully."  Feather sand the scratched area to blend with the unscratched surface.  Sand the scratched area until scratch is completely out of block. Using medium 600 grit sandpaper, sand the scratched area lightly, until a consistent sanded finish appears in the masked off area. Using steel wool, further fine sand the masked off area.
3	Using very fine micron paper, sand the scratched area until there is a consistent sanded finish in the masked off area.
4	Using Novus Heavy Scratch Removal Compound and paper towel, rub the masked off area in a circular motion until the masked off area appears "clean."
5	Using Novus Light Scratch Removal Compound and a paper towel, rub the masked off area in a circular motion until the area is shiny.  Avoid scratch removal compound contact with the window frame, muntins, grout, and glazing.

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Block Replacement

1	Locate the block that needs to be replaced. If an entire window or a group of blocks needs to be replaced, contact us fir further instructions and assistance.
2	Using a utility knife, cut a slit in the middle of the grout surrounding the block to be replaced. Be sure not to damage the frame or surrounding blocks. Follow this procedure on both sides of the window.
3	Using a 1/2" diameter drill bit (plastic drill bit recommended), drill two hole deep in the opposite corners of the block. Drill through both sides of the block using even pressure.
4	Using a close quarters hacksaw or a reciprocating saw, cur around the perimeter of the block. Cut as close to the edge of the block as possible. Be certain that the blade cuts evenly through both sides of the block.
5	Cut four slits in the perimeter of the damaged block, one in each corner. Cut no more than a 1/2" from the top and bottom grout line of the block. Be certain that the blade cuts evenly through both sides of the block, all the way to the middle of the grout line. Take care not to cut into the surrounding block or frame.
	IMPORTANT: This step is to ensure that the four remaining side sections clear the inside connecting tabs and remove easily. Refer to Step 6 for clarification.
6	Using even pressure, pull all four side sections of the block out with your hand. Pull each section far enough to clear the protruding side connecting tabs. Be careful not to cut your hand on the rough edges of the cut block: use protective gloves if desired.
7	Using a utility knife, clear the remaining grout from the perimeter of the surrounding blocks and frame. Approximately 75% of the grout can be removed this way: not all of the remaining grout will need to be removed for the repair. Be careful not to damage the surrounding blocks and frame. Follow this procedure on both sides of the window.
8	Using a close quarters hacksaw or reciprocating saw, cut off the connecting tabs of the surrounding blocks. After cutting off each tab, file the remaining material smooth to the edge of the undamaged blocks with a standard wood file. There should be a total of 16 side connecting tabs surrounding the interior of the vacant space.
9	File away the middle connecting tabs on the surrounding blocks, using a standard wood file. Plug the breathing hole on the bottom of the top block with tape so that unsightly fillings do not enter into the block. Make sure the area is clear of any protruding tabs.
10	Insert the replacement block into the vacant space, referring to the sticker on the bottom of the replacement block as a guide. A ruler can be used to make sure the replacement block is even and level with the surrounding blocks.
11	Using acrylic glue, place a dab of glue in each corner and in the middle of the grout line surrounding the replacement block. (The acrylic glue will not adhere to the frame.) Follow this procedure on both sides of the window. Let the glue set for 5 to 10 minutes before continuing.
12	Using a caulking gun and siliconized grout, grout around the replacement block. Be careful not to get too much excess grout on the surrounding blocks and frame. Follow this procedure on both sides of the window.
13	Using a grout tool, clear away the excess grout from the grout line. Use smooth strokes, being careful not to dig too deep into the grout line. Follow this procedure on both sides of the window.
14	Dip your index finger into a solution of mild dish soap and water. Run your finger across each grout line of the replacement block to smooth out the grout in the line. Follow this procedure on both sides of the window.
15	Let the fresh grout dry for 48 hours. Use a cotton cloth to rub dried excess grout away and clean the window using mild dish soap and water. Follow this procedure on both sides of the window.