Pit polish

[Dave M]

Is a polish that contains petroleum distillates harmful to cured resin? Will the cured resin in the pit break down over time because a pit polish containing petroleum distillates was used? For example...turn yellowish or creamy colored or become brittle. Does Delta Kits pit polish contain petroleum distillates?

[Brent Deines]

Delta Kits pit polish does contain petroleum distillates. It does not contribute to the deterioration of cured pit resin. In fact, just the opposite is true. It is formulated to help protect the surface of cured resin (acrylic) from damage caused by sunlight, dirt, rain, snow, pollution, etc. It is not a coating like wax. It contains a mild abrasive that works with the petroleum distillate to fills in the pores in the surface of the acrylic as it polishes.

Typically either flame polishing or a combination of chemical and abrasive polishing is used to seal and protect the finish of acrylic products. In some cases a protective coating is also applied, as is the case with polycarbonate headlight lenses.

Over time "all" acrylics and polycarbonates, including cured glass repair resin, will begin to deteriorate if exposed to an outdoor environment. A windshield presents a particularly harsh condition as wipers are constantly pushing dirt, salt, chemicals and other contaminates a across the surface, effectively sanding away at the glass and anything else in its path. A good pit polish will provide limited temporary protection but it does not last forever.

[Dave M]

Thank you Brent, good answer!