I'm wondering if minor scratches can be removed from my windshield. Anyone have experience with this? This is a high quality build so I want it to look right.
From my research on this problem is if the scratch can be felt by running your fingernail over it it cannot be fixed, there are compounds that you can buy that you can use to take the scratch out but it will cause distortion in the glass. I have used the compound and tried and it did remove the scratch but did not leave desirable effects. Best just to bite the bullet and get new windshield. Product I used was from Eastwood
Bob, do a google search on cerium oxide powder. I used it before with fantastic results for removing light scratches.
Thanks Craig. Did you buy it as a liquid dispersion or a powder? How did you apply it to work the scratches out?
Same here Brian - I bought a kit from JC Whitney that you ran on a drill. It was a messy job and I was glad I did it on a padded saw horse instead of mounted in the car. It really cleaned up the flea bites and tiny scratches. I don't think it would work well on a deep scratch like from a missing wiper blade. But for the light stuff it was great.
Kits are now made for deep scratches too.... although a deep scratch is not what I had.... http://www.glasspolishshop.com/diy-glass-scratch-repair-kit-gp-wiz-system
It's quite possible to get decent results with these kits but just keep in mind that it's always best to use professional sized tools and pads if you need to make quick work of it. Hand tools will do it but the stages and work goes up, is all. I watched a few other experienced glass guys do it and was told and always found it best to concentrate on the worst areas first and then continue polishing out and away from the heavier removal areas until the entire windshield is done. This helps avoid potential distortion issues like Mike mentioned above as it's similar to feathering edges out like you would with body putty. The deeper the scratches.. the more feathering involved.
