Proven ways to remove scratches from car windows without replacing them
The glass in the car should not be damaged, because the driver’s safety on the road depends on the quality of the view.
One of the problems that car owners face is scratches. They can appear due to dirt getting under the wipers, sharp branches and stones flying off from under other cars.
Read the article about the means by which you can remove scratches from car glass, including deep ones.
Content
Damage removal options
There are two options to get rid of scratches - remove them yourself, or contact a specialist.
You will be able to deal with the problem yourself if the defects are minor. If the glass is severely damaged, then it will not be possible to do without the help of a specialist..
To understand how significant the defect is, you need to run your fingernail over it. If it falls into the recess and clings to the walls, the scratch is deep.
You will be able to remove the defect yourself if it appeared due to sand getting under the wipers or due to improper washing of the car. When scratches are the result of stones flying into the windshield or the result of too aggressive cleaning of ice, you will need the help of a specialist.
You need to be prepared for the fact that deep defects cannot be completely removed. Such scratches can be polished by approximately 60%. This improves the appearance of the car, but it is no longer possible to make the glass look like new.
Removal instructions
There are proven products that allow you to remove scratches from your windshield at home. These include:
- paste GOI,
- toothpaste,
- sandpaper.
They all work on the same principle - polishing the surface.
Paste GOI
GOI paste is a substance based on chrome green, organic fats and auxiliary additives (silica gel, stearin, kerosene, etc.). It was developed at the State Optical Institute, after which this unique composition was named. The paste is used for polishing and grinding various glass surfaces, including car windows.
Algorithm of actions:
- Moisten a soft cloth with a small amount of kerosene or gasoline, and then lubricate it with GOI paste.
- Apply a small amount of industrial oil to the glass.
- Start polishing. Periodically, the paste on the fabric needs to be renewed.
- Do not press too hard on the glass. Continue rubbing until the scratch disappears and the glass begins to shine.
- The remaining paste is removed with a damp cloth. The work takes about an hour.
Polishing paste is available in the form of hard pencils and bars; it can also have a creamy consistency. In the latter case, the composition is packaged in plastic jars. The average price for 100 g is 250 rubles.
To polish glass you can use GOI paste No. 2 and No. 3. They do not contain large abrasive particles that can damage the surface of the product.
Sandpaper
Polishing with sandpaper requires care. If you overdo it, you can provoke the appearance of new defects.To process glass, fine 2500 grit paper is used, but you can start with 600 grit paper.
Procedure:
- It is most convenient to sand the surface with a grinder with an attachment for sandpaper with Velcro;
- the glass is wetted, the device is turned on at low speed (no more than 1500 per minute), if this indicator is exceeded, the surface may burst;
- process the defect with 600 grit sandpaper, after which they switch to 2500 grit sandpaper;
- complete the process by applying any polishing compound, spreading it with a felt circle.
To prevent the glass from overheating, water must be supplied to it.
This video will show you how to remove scratches from car glass:
Toothpaste
To get rid of scratches on glass, you can use toothpaste. To get results, you should choose a composition with a whitening effect. Only this paste contains abrasive particles that can polish the glass surface.
Mode of application:
- To make the surface of the glass smooth, you need to polish it with a grinding machine with a felt disc.
Its rotation speed should not exceed 1600 rpm. If you don’t have such a device, you can use a felt cloth.
- A small amount of the product is applied to the disc or material.
- Rub it into the glass in a circular motion.
- When the damage becomes invisible, the treated area is washed with water and wiped dry.
Toothpaste has low effectiveness, so it can only cope with minor surface defects.
What to do with deep defects?
If the scratches are very deep, you will not be able to cope with them on your own.. You need to go to a car repair shop and ask a specialist if it is possible to save the glass.
The fact is that a deep scratch can burst at any moment or split into many small defects. The crack impairs visibility and often causes accidents. Therefore, it is better to replace glass with a deep scratch or have it repaired by a professional.
How much does the service cost and how to find specialists?
The service for removing scratches from glass is provided in auto repair shops.. Private craftsmen do similar work. The cost depends on their volume, number and depth of defects. The average price in Russian cities is 500 rubles.
You can find specialists through advertisements on the Internet. As a rule, in each city there are several workshops that provide polishing services for car parts. It is recommended to choose proven services that have positive reviews.
Before agreeing to carry out the work, you need to clarify what result will be obtained in the end and whether the treatment will affect the strength of the glass.
Helpful information
Tips for removing scratches from glass:
- Before sanding, the surface must be thoroughly cleaned. The ingress of small contaminants will lead to the appearance of new defects.
- Do not press too hard on the glass. Movements should be circular and fast.
- After processing, the glass is cleaned with a soft cloth to remove any remaining polishing agent.
- If the glass is removed for work, it must be securely fixed. However, you cannot use clamps that are too powerful, as it may burst.
- If polishing is being done for the first time or with a new product, it is better to first practice on some unnecessary glass.
A lot of useful and important information about methods and means of removing scratches on a car can be found Here.
Video on the topic of the article
The video will show you how to remove a scratch on car glass using soda:
Conclusion
Driving with scratched windows is not only unpleasant, but also dangerous.. If the defects are minor, you can deal with them on your own using polishing compounds. Deep and extensive damage should be dealt with by specialists.