Windshield scratches
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,950
Likes: 5,076
Windshield scratches
I know that this belongs in the "general" forum, but Ex owners are generally smarter and more clever than the "general" population. 
My Ex has light scratches in the windshield due to overuse of the windshield wipers on dry glass by the previous owner.
Is there a way to minimize the effect of the scratches without replacing the windshield?
My Ex has light scratches in the windshield due to overuse of the windshield wipers on dry glass by the previous owner.
Is there a way to minimize the effect of the scratches without replacing the windshield?
Logistics Pro
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 4,884
Likes: 3,413
From: Ohio
I looked at a few links from a google search for "windshield scratches". Seems the gist of it is to try polishing compound or jeweler's rouge. This quoted description copied below sounds reasonable, but as it says only works for light scratches. Can't say I have any personal experience with trying it myself.
On another somewhat unrelated note, I am a huge fan of Rain-X. (this won't help your scratched windshield) It really works and I find with a fresh coat of it, I don't use the wipers at all in rain as long as I am going 35+ MPH. (often slower) The rain just slides right off and the general visibility is significantly better.
Detailing a scratched or nicked windshield
Most windshield scratches or nicks defy do-it-yourself fixing. And, in fact, fixing at all. Pro-detailers and windshield glass specialists have a "rule of thumbnail": if, rubbing a thumbnail across the scratch, you can feel the scratch, it's probably too deep to fix.
A tiny surface scratch can sometimes be rubbed or buffed out with very fine powdered pumice or with jeweler's rouge (both are available from glass shops). Make a heavy paste using water and pumice (or jeweler's rouge). Spread the paste on and around the scratch. If machine buffing, use a non-abrasive foam buffing pad on a low-speed orbital buffer. Use very gentle pressure while buffing. You may have to re-apply the paste and rebuff several times to buff out the scratch.
Rubbing out the scratch manually involves the same water and pumice/rouge technique, only you use a very soft, non-abrasive cotton cloth as your rubbing tool.
While deeper scratches can sometimes be removed by machine buffing, the result is seldom satisfactory. Although you may rid the windshield of the scratch, deep buffing causes a concave place where the scratch was. Result: Vision through the former scratch area is distorted. Far better to keep the scratch than to cause windshield-and vision-distortion.
On the market are a number of "fixit" kits for reducing the visibility of windshield nicks, rock pocks, and scratches. Generally, the results are not very satisfactory. The patch places are often as obvious as the windshield damage they "correct". In most cases, it's not detailing that an injured windshield needs, but replacement.
On another somewhat unrelated note, I am a huge fan of Rain-X. (this won't help your scratched windshield) It really works and I find with a fresh coat of it, I don't use the wipers at all in rain as long as I am going 35+ MPH. (often slower) The rain just slides right off and the general visibility is significantly better.
Detailing a scratched or nicked windshield
Most windshield scratches or nicks defy do-it-yourself fixing. And, in fact, fixing at all. Pro-detailers and windshield glass specialists have a "rule of thumbnail": if, rubbing a thumbnail across the scratch, you can feel the scratch, it's probably too deep to fix.
A tiny surface scratch can sometimes be rubbed or buffed out with very fine powdered pumice or with jeweler's rouge (both are available from glass shops). Make a heavy paste using water and pumice (or jeweler's rouge). Spread the paste on and around the scratch. If machine buffing, use a non-abrasive foam buffing pad on a low-speed orbital buffer. Use very gentle pressure while buffing. You may have to re-apply the paste and rebuff several times to buff out the scratch.
Rubbing out the scratch manually involves the same water and pumice/rouge technique, only you use a very soft, non-abrasive cotton cloth as your rubbing tool.
While deeper scratches can sometimes be removed by machine buffing, the result is seldom satisfactory. Although you may rid the windshield of the scratch, deep buffing causes a concave place where the scratch was. Result: Vision through the former scratch area is distorted. Far better to keep the scratch than to cause windshield-and vision-distortion.
On the market are a number of "fixit" kits for reducing the visibility of windshield nicks, rock pocks, and scratches. Generally, the results are not very satisfactory. The patch places are often as obvious as the windshield damage they "correct". In most cases, it's not detailing that an injured windshield needs, but replacement.
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
Getting deep scratches out of glass is very difficult since glass is so much harder than paint. The process also generates alot of heat which can also distort the glass. The problem lies in trying to match the different levels of thickness between the glass and the scratch depth.
I have in the past used cerium oxide (spelling?) on a classic car windshield with some pretty deep scratches but it was a messy process. You had to keep it wet or all you did was induce more scratches to the glass. When finished you could still see them a bit but it was definately an improvement to where I started.
I have also used Meguiars M105 with some light hazing marks on glass and it worked pretty well.
Do you have access to a buffer by chance? I have seen some newer glass restoration kits at places like Auto Detailing Solutions and Autogeek but never got a chance to try those out.
Chances are if you can not feel the scratch with your fingernail you should be able to get them to a very acceptable level.
I have in the past used cerium oxide (spelling?) on a classic car windshield with some pretty deep scratches but it was a messy process. You had to keep it wet or all you did was induce more scratches to the glass. When finished you could still see them a bit but it was definately an improvement to where I started.
I have also used Meguiars M105 with some light hazing marks on glass and it worked pretty well.
Do you have access to a buffer by chance? I have seen some newer glass restoration kits at places like Auto Detailing Solutions and Autogeek but never got a chance to try those out.
Chances are if you can not feel the scratch with your fingernail you should be able to get them to a very acceptable level.
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,950
Likes: 5,076
+1 on the Rain-X. 
I've never tried to polish a windshield and know nothing more about it than what I can read. Glad to hear that someone here has first-hand knowledge.
Now the challenge is going to be getting to the center of the windshield without resorting to opening the doors and standing on the running board.
I've never tried to polish a windshield and know nothing more about it than what I can read. Glad to hear that someone here has first-hand knowledge.
Now the challenge is going to be getting to the center of the windshield without resorting to opening the doors and standing on the running board.
Last edited by BassFantasizer; Nov 7, 2011 at 12:55 PM. Reason: I can spell. I just can't spell the same way twice...
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
Agreed, it is going to be challenging to get into a good enough position to apply enough pressure. Before I ever tried doing this myself I ended up practicing on an old piece of glass that I had lying around at the time. This would be a good idea if you have never tried it before I think.
Trending Topics
Senior User
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 133
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
Just talked to a friend who has been detailing for over 15 years and he recommended using Diamondite Glass Resurfacing Creme. He says this is his go to now when dealing with light wiper scratching. Im not sure if you alredy have some detailing equipment, but if not he says they should make a kit that comes with that specific cream and just about everything you need.
Oh another side note I thought of was that you should thoroughly clean the glass including using detail clay as you would with any paint surface before beginning. You would be amazed at what detail clay will pull off your windshield.
Oh another side note I thought of was that you should thoroughly clean the glass including using detail clay as you would with any paint surface before beginning. You would be amazed at what detail clay will pull off your windshield.
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
AEV FXL Super Duty - the Super Duty Raptor Ford Doesn't Make
Brett Foote
Lobo Vs Lobo: Proof the F-150 Lobo Should Be Even Lower!
Michael S. Palmer
Ford's 2001 Explorer Sportsman Concept Looks For a New Home
Verdad Gallardo
10 Best Ford Truck Engines We Miss the Most!
Joe Kucinski
2026 Shelby F-150 Off-Road: Better Than a Raptor R?
Brett Foote
2027 Super Duty Carhartt Package First Look: 12 Things You NEED to Know!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Most Surprising 2026 Ford Truck Features!
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Ford Trucks Coming to Mecum Indy 2026
Brett Foote
5 Best / 5 Worst Ford Truck Wheels of All Time
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
|
Hotshot
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 11,950
Likes: 5,076
Just talked to a friend who has been detailing for over 15 years and he recommended using Diamondite Glass Resurfacing Creme. He says this is his go to now when dealing with light wiper scratching. Im not sure if you alredy have some detailing equipment, but if not he says they should make a kit that comes with that specific cream and just about everything you need.
Oh another side note I thought of was that you should thoroughly clean the glass including using detail clay as you would with any paint surface before beginning. You would be amazed at what detail clay will pull off your windshield.
Oh another side note I thought of was that you should thoroughly clean the glass including using detail clay as you would with any paint surface before beginning. You would be amazed at what detail clay will pull off your windshield.
Over the years I've used a light touch with fine steel wool to get "stuff" off of a windshield. It never occurred to me to try the detail clay.
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
75SuperCab
1978 - 1996 Big Bronco
3
Apr 10, 2002 09:28 PM
