Untreated Lexan Cold Frame/GH protectant products?

15 years ago

We got some Lexan remnants locally that we plan to make a large cold frame with maybe a small lean to type GH for city lot backyard gardening.

After reading about the failing polycarb HFGH's, we didn't want to go the cheap GH route.

The Lexan panes are 15"x34" so it will be easy to UV coat or window film them as we go. Was also thinking of using a light window screen material if the lexan gets too hot (in addition to venting)

We will custom design the CF/GH to make maximum use of the yard, so we're starting from scratch. We have 80 15x34 lexan panels to work with.... 1/8" (3mm) thick clear 9030 Lexan sheets. We have enough to double wall to effectively have 6mm walls, tops.

With so many GH's having failing polycarb panels, have you found a good aftermarket product to add UV protection that is cost effective?

appreciate it.

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Comments (4)

mudhouse_gw
15 years ago
oldhousefreak, I mentioned in a thread last year that I was going to try a clear coating made by Top Secret; they told me in emails it would work on polycarbonate, and would provide some level of UV protection, although they were not able to specify how much protection. I did order the product, but I'm embarrassed to admit I have yet to apply it; an illness and a house renovation really messed up my plans. At this point, my roof and south panels are so yellowed I know it will no longer be a decent test for the product, so I really muffed my chance to learn much.

I did quite a bit of internet research looking for such a product, and found very little. The folks at Top Secret admitted they had no knowledge of anyone using their products on greenhouses, so it's a guess at best as to how truly effective it would be. For what it's worth, the link to the product I have (still sitting in the can) is here:
TS-100 1 part epoxy coating

Sorry to not be of more help, maybe someone else has made more progress than I have.
Sheri
oldhousefreak
Original Author
15 years ago
thx sheri. the link says "UV stability", but you're right, nothing about any rating. It sounds like the epoxy coating won't deteriorate by UV.

I think window film will probably be the way to go. I was thinking maybe an opaque paint as a possibility also.

I have 80 sheets so even if I do nothing, I have plenty to replace the ones that wear out. I only paid $1. per sheet. I'm more concerned with the plants burning and UV protection for them.
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mudhouse_gw
15 years ago
You might shoot the manufacturer of your window film a quick email to ask about applying it to Lexan before you purchase it. I asked one major company about applying it to polycarbonate, and they said their product absolutely would not adhere correctly...that it would bubble up. Plus, the window film I found locally was more expensive than I'd expected (cheapo me.)

Even if my panels had the UV protection as advertised, I know I'd still need shadecloth to prevent my plants from sunburning (our sun is wicked here.) The nice thing about shadecloth instead of a coating is it's easily changed...I can do single layers, double layers, or none at all, on different parts of the greenhouse, as the seasons change.

Good luck with your greenhouse (I love finding bargain materials...) :-)
oldhousefreak
Original Author
15 years ago
thx for the tips! I'm in roasting hell OK, so I know the heat problems. I'm wondering how I'll even be able to set foot outside for a summer garden here lol.

I'll definitely research the film. Alot of ppl use lexan for different things now, so there should be some good materials tips out there.

oh yeah I love a good bargain too. I surf craigslist daily ;-)

After reading about yours and others HFGH's, no way. I'd rather scrape up materials and custom build it to site, than pay for a throw away. I'm sick of buying crap that has to be improvised to work.

Untreated Lexan Cold Frame/GH protectant products?

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Untreated Lexan Cold Frame/GH protectant products?

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