A customer asked us: “A surveyor has specified soft washing render with Benz Lightning Cleanze and masking the windows. What is your experience of masking windows and window frames when applying Lightning Cleanze at 5:1 on render, where some overspray and run-off onto the windows and frames is inevitable?”
We replied: We do not generally mask windows and frames when soft washing render and have not found it necessary. Some overspray and run-off is difficult to avoid, particularly around windows, but that does not mean the frames will be damaged.
We keep a hose or pressure washer with a rinsing nozzle ready and rinse any product from glass, frames, fascia and soffits as we work. A test patch on an out-of-the-way section of the window and frame is always sensible before starting a full elevation.
When Lightning Cleanze turns white uPVC orange
The first time you see a white uPVC frame turn orange, it can be a heart-stopping moment. It looks as though you have permanently stained the customer’s windows.
In hot weather and strong sunlight, Lightning Cleanze can temporarily turn certain white uPVC frames, doors, fascia and soffits orange or brownish. The heat increases the reactivity of the product on the surface.
Rinse the area thoroughly and allow it to dry. The frame will return to its normal colour, sometimes quite quickly and sometimes over the following 48 hours. How long it takes depends on the strength of mix, the weather and how long the product was left on the surface.
It is worth explaining this before starting the job, particularly where a surveyor or site manager is involved. Carry out a small test patch, rinse it and show them the result. It gives everyone confidence that a small amount of overspray is not going to cause a lasting problem.
What about masking tape?
If masking is specified, test the tape as well as the window frame. In hot weather, adhesive can bake onto uPVC and glass and become extremely difficult to remove.
If you do use tape, remove it as soon as the work is complete rather than leaving it in direct sunlight. In many cases, careful application, a proper test patch and prompt rinsing are a more practical solution than masking every window on the property.
We wish you the best in your softwashing business,
Team Benz
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