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How does one polish small scratches out of glass?

Started by resq302, May 02, 2013, 10:53:40 AM

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resq302

Is there a way to polish a very light scratch in automotive glass?  The reason why I am asking is that there is a very faint scratch that I can not even catch with my finger nail on the windshield of our 69 gtx vert.  It seems like the wiper at some point had made contact with it and since it is an original correct date windshield, I would like to try and save it if at all possible.  It could even very well be just the aluminum from the wiper blade that transferred over onto the glass.   :shruggy:  What would the best way to try and get this cleaned up?  White polishing compound?
Brian
1969 Dodge Charger (factory 4 speed, H code 383 engine,  AACA Senior winner, 2008 Concours d'Elegance participant, 2009 Concours d'Elegance award winner)
1970 Challenger Convert. factory #'s matching red inter. w/ white body.  318 car built 9/28/69 (AACA Senior winner)
1969 Plymough GTX convertible - original sheet metal, #'s matching drivetrain, T3 Honey Bronze, 1 of 701 produced, 1 of 362 with 440 4 bbl - auto

Dino

Quote from: resq302 on May 02, 2013, 10:53:40 AM
Is there a way to polish a very light scratch in automotive glass?  The reason why I am asking is that there is a very faint scratch that I can not even catch with my finger nail on the windshield of our 69 gtx vert.  It seems like the wiper at some point had made contact with it and since it is an original correct date windshield, I would like to try and save it if at all possible.  It could even very well be just the aluminum from the wiper blade that transferred over onto the glass.   :shruggy:  What would the best way to try and get this cleaned up?  White polishing compound?

I'd take it to a glass shop, they have the needed polish to take the scratch out, or at least reduce it.  I've heard too many stories about glass warping when polishing too much but if it's that light it should be okay.
Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.

Patronus

FWIW, I buff my glass all the time, cleans up real good.
'73 Cuda 340 5spd RMS
'69 Charger 383 "Luci"
'08 CRF 450r
'12.5 450SX FE

A383Wing

Quote from: Patronus on May 02, 2013, 09:22:21 PM
FWIW, I buff my glass all the time, cleans up real good.

with what? does it take small scratches out?

Bryan

1970Moparmann

Quote from: Patronus on May 02, 2013, 09:22:21 PM
FWIW, I buff my glass all the time, cleans up real good.

:popcrn: :popcrn: :popcrn: :popcrn:

How would you suggest getting some OLD primer overspray off of a window?
My name is Mike and I'm a Moparholic!

WHITE AND RED 69

Quote from: 1970Moparmann on May 02, 2013, 09:35:51 PM
Quote from: Patronus on May 02, 2013, 09:22:21 PM
FWIW, I buff my glass all the time, cleans up real good.

:popcrn: :popcrn: :popcrn: :popcrn:

How would you suggest getting some OLD primer overspray off of a window?

A clay bar might get some of it.
1969 Dodge Charger R/T
2016 Jeep Grand Cherokee 75th edition
1999 Jeep Grand Cherokee
1972 Plymouth Duster

Dino

Quote from: 1970Moparmann on May 02, 2013, 09:35:51 PM
Quote from: Patronus on May 02, 2013, 09:22:21 PM
FWIW, I buff my glass all the time, cleans up real good.

:popcrn: :popcrn: :popcrn: :popcrn:

How would you suggest getting some OLD primer overspray off of a window?

Razor blade + acetone and steel wool if persistent.  If you use steel wool you need to use compressed air afterwards to get the little fibers off your car or you may end up with a freckled car.
Extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence.

Patronus

NO no steel. You will scratch it. Prob buff out though. I would use an old wool pad to start. Use #3 polish. (I believe its the 3m Perfect- it line) Im not home to look. Should buff out though, you can be pretty aggressive with glass, its much stiffer than the body panels. With anything, start soft and work your way back to the coarser grit. Work the windshield probably three times getting lighter pressure every time. Then try to remove all your product.. rinsing pads along the way. Just like paint. You could even break out the trizac on some old glass. Hell, your could try rubbing compounds even. I have all new glass so its a maintenance issue. I generally buff it when I buff the car. Also done a few friends cars with great results.

Edit: on the primer issue.. lacquer thinner is about the nastiest stuff I would use. Let it sit. Use a lot of fresh razor blades if you do, even with the thinner.
'73 Cuda 340 5spd RMS
'69 Charger 383 "Luci"
'08 CRF 450r
'12.5 450SX FE

A383Wing

I agree to the "no steel wool"

I tried that on mine...now it's all scratched up where I rubbed it with the wool....right in my line of sight as well....

which is why I was asking on how to take these out without replacing the windshield

Bryan

Patronus

http://search.eastwood.com/search?w=glass+polishing&ts=custom

I looked at some of it. The reviews are hit or miss...You really need to start fine to medium and then harsh abrasives.. Its a brave man who walks up to a windshield with a drill.. Practice on some old glass first. You wont be sorry.
'73 Cuda 340 5spd RMS
'69 Charger 383 "Luci"
'08 CRF 450r
'12.5 450SX FE

A383Wing


fy469rtse

Quote from: Patronus on May 03, 2013, 10:29:05 PM
http://search.eastwood.com/search?w=glass+polishing&ts=custom

I looked at some of it. The reviews are hit or miss...You really need to start fine to medium and then harsh abrasives.. Its a brave man who walks up to a windshield with a drill.. Practice on some old glass first. You wont be sorry.
.   I bought and tried the kit from Eastwood , worked wonders well worth the money

resq302

I ended up ordering a kit off of Amazon which appears to be the exact same kit only $10 less.
Brian
1969 Dodge Charger (factory 4 speed, H code 383 engine,  AACA Senior winner, 2008 Concours d'Elegance participant, 2009 Concours d'Elegance award winner)
1970 Challenger Convert. factory #'s matching red inter. w/ white body.  318 car built 9/28/69 (AACA Senior winner)
1969 Plymough GTX convertible - original sheet metal, #'s matching drivetrain, T3 Honey Bronze, 1 of 701 produced, 1 of 362 with 440 4 bbl - auto

1970Moparmann

Based on the ratings and comments of the kit- it works very well.  Thanks for sharing!  Will be picking up a kit! :2thumbs:
My name is Mike and I'm a Moparholic!