Nixol shading

[cornish crabber]

nixol was mentioned by Sanjo on another thread. Apparently it goes opaque in sunlight but goes clear in dull weather.
Sounds brilliant. Has anyone had any experience if it? How long does it last? Does it need cleaning off at the end of the season and if so is it easy to remove?

[Sanjo]

nixol was mentioned by Sanjo on another thread. Apparently it goes opaque in sunlight but goes clear in dull weather.
Sounds brilliant. Has anyone had any experience if it? How long does it last? Does it need cleaning off at the end of the season and if so is it easy to remove?

Hello Cornish crabber, sorry only just picked this up. Have been camping for a week and one of my first jobs is back on the computer!!!! How sad is that.
(Mind you I have been outside and put canes in all the runner beans that survived me not being here.
I do not as yet have much experience of the Nixol as it isn't long since we did it. I have just mentioned in another thread that I diluted it according to instructions for the roof (on the basis that is where most of the sun comes in) but less diluted on the sides. I haven't done the back at all as it is not affected by sunshine.
So far I am very impressed. It doesn't go CLEAR in the damp or wet but there is a definite difference from when it is sunny outside. Netting is fine if you are going to be around but I wont be at home all the time as we occasionally go away and I didn't want to leave something up that would stop any light on a really dull day. This seemed a good alternative. Some might think it expensive, and of course the cost could have been put towards more permanent netting but my OH reckons I should get 3 seasons use out of it
According to the company's blurb one application last up to 7 months, it doesn't wash off in the rain but can be removed by rubbing with a damp cloth or brush. Check out the company's website Two Wests - Please enable your cookies
Hope that helps. Sanjo

[cornish crabber]

Thanks Sanjo
I think this must be a new product - no one else seems to have used it.
I might give it a try. I don't really want to use a permanent shading as my greenhouse is only in the sun from late morning to late afternoon. I've been using shade netting on the outside for hot days, but that's not the best solution if I'm away from home.

[webby23]

Hi chaps, have you had a look at Sunclear and Varishade on the LBS garden warehouse site? Sounds the same sort of thing. I'd love to know what you think as I'm having the same dilemma. cheers

[Sanjo]

Hello webby23, the Varishade does indeed sound like the same sort of thing. Don't know how the price works out though. £10.09 for 300ml (have I got that right?) seems a lot dearer than the Nixol at £7.95 for a kilo which covers 300 sq. feet. Mind you my arithmetic is hopeless ( I ALWAYS got the chalk thrown at me) so I could be working it out wrong.
It's difficult isn't it, trying to work it all out. When you think you have it sussed up will pop another grape to say it's not worth it in their opinion.
Well, we ask for advice but I suppose the onus is on us to choose it or not.
Good luck with it anyway.
As I have already said. I am very pleased with it. If I was going to be around at home on a regular basis throughout the summer then I would definitely go for netting and rig up any easy pulley system.
As I am not, then this product ticks the boxes for me.

[vikkib]

I'm definitely going to give the Nixol a go.

I'm always rushing around here, there and everywhere with a million things on my mind and even if I'm in the chances of me remembering to go and adjust the shading are slim!

I'm more than happy to pay a bit of money for the peace of mind that I don't have to worry about it... or forget to worry about it!

I haven't got my greenhouse assembled yet but will report back when I have something to report on the Nixol front!

[rodofgod76]

This stuff sounds interesting.......just wondering how easy it will be to remove from polycarbonate. I know they do the special variety for polycarbonate, but our's is the transparent polycarbonate, not the opaque corrugated stuff that a lot of greenhouses have. Worried it might scratch the glazing upon removal!

[Sanjo]

This stuff sounds interesting.......just wondering how easy it will be to remove from polycarbonate. I know they do the special variety for polycarbonate, but our's is the transparent polycarbonate, not the opaque corrugated stuff that a lot of greenhouses have. Worried it might scratch the glazing upon removal!

Rodofgod, why not give the company a ring. I am sure they will be of help. Telephone their advice line on 01246 451 077.
By the way all, I have absolutely no connection with this company.
Realised that as I keep plugging this stuff it may come across that I know them. I do, but only as a satisfied customer.
PS. Every morning this week I have got up and looked at the greenhouse, and where the morning dew is on it (the roof) there is a definite difference in opacity (if there is such a word!) to the sides which are still cloudy so I feel that it works as they said it would.