Removing Scratches from Glass Windshield

[drewpster]

I remember years ago reading an article for a process to remove scratches from windshield glass. I am sure I remember reading that you use a rubbing compound to buff the glass out. I just dont remember the type or grit. It could also be jewler's ruge. I just do not remember. I have good glass in my windshield but it is 30 years old. Anyone ever tried to buff old glass? What works?

 

[erikgreen]

Re: Removing Scratches from Glass Windshield

From the fiberglassics site:

http://www.fiberglassics.com/restoration/fixing-a-scratched-windshield

Erik

 

[Greg Mrozinski]

Re: Removing Scratches from Glass Windshield

Erik - good article but that is for plastic window glass. I think Drew was referring to a real glass windshield.

Drew - try this site www.caswellplating.com. They have all different kinds of buffing products to include a glass windshield scratch removal kit.

 

[fshngho]

Re: Removing Scratches from Glass Windshield

Two things to remember Drew: if you can feel the scratch with a fingernail you may not be able to remove it. If you try to remove too much (by buffing) you will cause a distortion that may be worse than a scratch.
In any case, most auto glass shops have a machine to remove scuffs/scratches.

 

[LangDog]

Re: Removing Scratches from Glass Windshield

On the series Muscle Car they just aired an episode where they took scratches out that could be felt with a fingernail. They used a kit from this site.

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

Cheers and full steam ahead!

 

[fshngho]

Re: Removing Scratches from Glass Windshield

I know. I have removed them from as deep as almost 1/8". When you remove them though, you are removing the glass around it to the level of the bottom of the scratch. That leaves distortion. Its a personal call.
I used a professional machine (cost 4k), from my workplace.
The glass is either laminated or tempered, or should be, so the glass determines how deep you can go to remove, or how lucky you feel.
Laminated is 2 pcs of 1/8" glass with a vinyl innerlayer, so you can only go 1/8" deep before you hit the vinyl. Tempered is unstable due to the tempering process, so it is always possible it may 'blow up' while you attempt the buffing.

 

[btbilder2]

Re: Removing Scratches from Glass Windshield

A great product for removing scratches from plastic or acrylic is "Perspex". Don't know who makes it. When I was in Canadian Navy, Fleet Air Arm, we used it on all aircraft windows with excellent results, Check your local municipal airport - you may be able to buy a container, (8 or 12 oz.) from a repair facility there. Cheers, btbilder2