Bookmark this question. Show activity on this post. I recently replaced a broken small window with Lexan polycarbonate. Lexan is reported to yellow after 10 years.

Does polycarbonate turn yellow?

The polycarbonate sheets without UV protection fail prematurely as they turn yellow. This reduces their performance significantly.

Will polycarbonate yellow over time?

Unlike acrylic though, the colour clarity of polycarbonate does diminish over time and will adopt a yellow hue with prolonged exposure to the UV rays.

How long will polycarbonate last?

about 10 years

Though polycarbonate is durable, it should be treated with UV protectant to prevent it from turning yellow or breaking down. With proper care, polycarbonate can last about 10 years, a fraction of how long glass lasts.

How do you keep your Lexan from turning yellow?

New Member. by lexan with UV protection and make sure you have it sun side out. for old signs that are yellow, Spray Nine gets rid of most of the yellow but it wil come back as the old stuff had no protection.

How do you clean yellowed polycarbonate?

Clean polycarbonate gently using warm water with a few drops of liquid detergent and a microfibre cloth. Put plenty of water in your bucket so that you can rinse the cloth frequently. This prevents any dirt and grit from scratching the polycarbonate.

Does polycarbonate scratch easily?

Like acrylic, polycarbonate has some cons to consider. It is typically not a shiny material, but it can be polished. Although it resists cracking and chipping, it dents and scratches easily.

What are the disadvantages of polycarbonate?

The main disadvantage of polycarbonate is that it isn’t resistant to scratches. For example, if a branch should happen to fall on a patio canopy made of polycarbonate, it may be scratched. This problem can be solved by polishing the polycarbonate.

Which is better for greenhouse acrylic or polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate is your ideal composite material for things like bulletproof glass and riot shields. Its high impact strength and high light transmission make it ideal for greenhouses. Acrylic, like polycarbonate, has very high light transmission, but is also extremely scratch resistant.

Which is cheaper acrylic or polycarbonate?

One of the biggest differences between acrylic and polycarbonate is the cost. Polycarbonate sheets can cost on average about 35% more than acrylic.

What’s the difference between polycarbonate and Lexan?

Yes, they are the same thing. Lexan™ is actually a brand name of polycarbonate manufactured by Sabic Innovative Plastic.

Does polycarbonate discolour?

Polycarbonate panels are resistant to extreme temperature either hot or cold, sunlight, snow, rain, and impact. This enables the panels to last for many many years without fading or discoloring while also remaining damage free from any various impacts over the years.

Does Lexan yellow over time?

Cons of Lexan:



Can be yellowed over time by UV rays. Low level of resistance to abrasive cleaners and surfaces.

Does polycarbonate crack when drilled?

Polycarbonate (or PC) is available in two types: solid and twin wall polycarbonate. The twin wall type is, in fact, unsuitable for drilling: because of the internal stresses, it will quickly crack or break. Drilling it is not impossible, but great caution is required.

Can you drill holes in polycarbonate?

You can use an ordinary iron drill or HSS drill bit to drill holes in polycarbonate. Position the drill perpendicular to the polycarbonate and run the drill at medium speed immediately. Don’t use too much pressure but let the drill do the work. It’s important to use a drill that is not brand new but is still sharp.

Is Lexan acrylic or polycarbonate?

LEXAN and Plexiglass are both trade names for plastic sheet materials known as Polycarbonate and Acrylic. LEXAN™ is one of the most popular brands for polycarbonate; other brands include Palsun from Palram, or Tuffak (formerly Makrolon) from Plaskolite.

Does acrylic turn yellow?

Acrylic (Plexiglas®, Lucite®, and Acrylite®) comes from natural gas and is completely inert when in solid form. American-made acrylic does NOT yellow in the sunlight.

Can you drill holes in Lexan?

Youtube quote:You know perfectly hopefully perfectly drilled hole through plexi lexan or almost any type of acrylic.

Which is stronger Lexan or polycarbonate?

Acrylic and lexan are similar in many ways. They both are stronger than glass; however, polycarbonate is an extra 3 times stronger than acrylic. Similarly, they both have a glass-like transparent appearance, but polycarbonate loses its clarity with time.

Can you bend polycarbonate?

Polycarbonate sheets can be bent or deformed both hot and cold so that the material can be used for many different applications.

Does plexiglass yellow in the sun?

Or try to drill Acrylic sheet. ANYWHO! As mentioned, Acrylic aquaria built using quality float cast plastics should give you decades of service if properly cared for (not scratched and gouged). A yellowing can happen, sure if in direct sunlight, overheated, oe bombarded by UV.