Hey Pa juice (and others),

Saw the thread a little late, but figured you guys aren't seeding yet.

Few things:
1. The plastic used is called TPX (or polymethylpentene), and it does have UV inhibitor built with the base material as well. (Cant use more UV inhibitor, as it'd cause issues with the plastic)
-In short, best chemical resistance for a clear plastic possible. We've looked at glass alternatives, but it seems the majority of manufacturers can either not make that small of a tapered column, or it'd be iffy quality and pretty absorbent cost.
-As with all clear plastic, it will get hurt by UV. Ideally cover them up (even if stored inside), as you might be surprised when light is entering the shed through a window and sitting on the drill for months.

2. For cleaning, chances are the chemicals applied aren't going to hurt the inside of the flow indicator itself. TPX is pretty much all that can be used because some of the chemicals applied will actually melt other clear plastics like PVC.

On the outside though, the sun/UV breaksdown the outer layer, so you might be micro-cracking.

-If you were trying to buff it out, unless you use really fine (like 1000+ grit or like a foam/wool), it might end up looking like you just scuffed it even worse. Depending how bad, you might need to scrub it down with a 800grit first to get rid of deeper cracks, then go to a finer grit.

-From users using a clear coat, many of them will provide a little extra protection from UV. The tough thing is if you have the micro-cracked exterior, sometimes the clear coat might not look as nice as you'd like. All in all, I've heard good results with using the clear coat to extend the life after you've buffed them out. If you ever have any questions on whether you are putting something on it will soften/wreck it, take a look at a chemical resistance sheet for TPX.

- For the headlight buffer (like this), it'd do the same thing. You'd just need to make sure you have a drill or something that your pad is small enough to make it an effective job.

For some of the stuff with solvents or other cleaners (like OFF/DEET, dish soap, and some other products), it might make it look good as you have applied it, but typically it will look like a nastier stickier mess as soon as you've let it dry. (Or if you try wiping it down with a shop towel or something)

All in all though, treat them as a precision instrument. Even to the point of taking the manifold off the drill during storage and having it covered up. Its the same kind of plastic that is literally used in laboratory equipment.

Let me know if you had any more questions or if I can lend a hand.