Best method for polishing scratches out of glass?

HWYCRZR

Old Man with a Hat
FCBO Gold Member
Joined
May 13, 2015
Messages
5,005
Reaction score
6,662
Location
Fargo, ND
I have seen that scratches can be polished out of the tempered glass side windows. But not sure what to use and the process required. Some say to use buffing compound others say they have the magic formula.
What have people here used to get out glass scratches?

Years of going up and down with dirty wipers.
ACC02989-5BC9-47F9-8FC6-5372D26CD284.jpeg
 
The new glass for a door isn’t that expensive. Find the brand and get the size and call a local glass shop. Buy the glass and change it yourself. About an hours work
 
Oops I didn’t put the vintage I am inquiring about.
I am not sure if they have 68 Polara glass sitting on the shelf. Plus it is curved. All glass is out and disassembled.
18CF5C61-9C90-46B8-BD92-6FF02CAB7728.jpeg
FD3A3914-1CA1-4C3D-81D2-A10DAB6F008C.jpeg
 
My go to product for glass, stainless, plastic, paint etc is Rottenstone (about $12/lb on Amazon). Mix it with water, light oil etc depending upon what you are polishing. I've always used elbow grease but one of those fancy buffers would work as long as its not pushed too hard. Heat is your enemy when polishing glass, plastic and paint.
 
I tried the pumice/ rubbing compound method, but believe my scratches are too many and too deep. I ended up ordering some sanding disks. I think I will have to start with them.
28A85D38-541A-4D25-B61A-4E6DE3A75566.jpeg
99A6076F-7F39-42D5-BCCC-BAAFA0062F02.jpeg
 
I don’t have much to loose. I have a drill adapter, but would rather fine a 3” wheel for my buffer to help keep the disks flat. Keep a spray bottle handy to keep it cool.
 
I wonder if layer of clear coat would fill-in the scratches. Then wheel polish it out.
 
I wonder if layer of clear coat would fill-in the scratches. Then wheel polish it out.
That did cross my mind. Because when it is wet they disappear. The trick would be a clear durable material that isn’t affected by UV. ( maybe I just described clear coat)
 
I don't think you are going to get those scratches out. They look too deep in this pic. There's a point at which you start distorting the glass and it starts looking "wavy" as you look through it.



28a85d38-541a-4d25-b61a-4e6de3a75566-jpeg.jpg
 
You could try also 0000 steel wool. I tested it on my Newport, what has been sitting in California desert since 1989. My glass is trashed, windows are like sandblasted. So tested to clean them with normal foam etc window cleaner... didnt work. But steel wool.... damn, so smooth and clean windows. Was afraid it looks like spiderweb againts light. But nope, no reflections.
 
Can you catch your nail on any of the scratches?

There are 2 spots that I can catch my finger nail. Both are within a couple of inches of the bottom felt. So may have a chance. I am going to experiment. If I mess it up I am only out time.
If I get lucky I can save it.
If I am really lucky I could end up with an Optometrist grind and not have to wear my glasses while driving.
 
cerium oxide is what is normally used to polish glass, but in a pinch a mixture of good old fashioned white toothpaste, baking soda and water will work.
 
The scratches were pretty aggressive. No amount of polishing would do anything. Not one to give up I went online and found these.
image.jpg

And these for my buffer.
image.jpg

Yep it is sandpaper
Started with the 3”, but was too small and easily left more scratches. So went up to 4-1/2”. A little more finesse required due to the curved glass.
 
Two weeks later and doing it twice I got the vertical scratches out, but introduced some small circular ones that I cannot seem to get out. This wasn’t fun at all.
Over all it is better. It is not as clear as new. So I introduced some distortion, but is about like looking through safety glasses. It will be drivable and keep the weather out until I find a really good used one or stumble upon a NOS piece. My other windows are scratched but not as bad. I think polishing only.

A09DDCB6-3248-4114-9E3B-75631B2DE94F.jpeg
5BD80A32-19BC-4C7F-BD07-3C83C6E3E500.jpeg
 
Back
Top