A Complete Guide On How To Remove Scratches From A Windshield

Brandon Trenton

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How To Remove Scratches From A Windshield

A scruff or a scratch on the windows and windshield of your vehicle can compromise its integrity. It can also hinder your vision when driving, especially in bad weather. If you are distracted by even a single scratch while driving, it can even compromise your safety. This problem does not require a new windshield or window. You only need to figure out an affordable, handy method to make your windows look as good as new.

Minor cracks are known to get deeper over time, and hence you should not neglect to fix it. You will be required to change the windshield if the cracks are beyond repair. Repairing of these cracks depends on their depth. We recommend an immediate home-based fix, which is very easy to perform and can be invaluable when done correctly.

Steps to Remove Scratches From Auto Glass

These methods use products that can be found in an average household or can be bought at a very affordable price. You don’t need to use any sophisticated tools, and the repair takes very little time. We do recommend that you perform this indoors so that the dust particles do not get in your way. Here is a comprehensive do-it-yourself guide to easily make glass repairs:

Step 1: Check The Depth

  • Use your fingernails to check how deep the scratches on your windows are.
  • If your windows have developed minor scratches, these will be too shallow to reach with your nail.
  • You are likely to need a professional facility if your nail can reach them. They will have advanced compounds and tools as the cracks and scratches are too deep to manage yourself.

Step 2: Gather Your Supplies

Assuming that the scratches are shallow, proceed by gathering the supplies you need. The key to an effective repair that removes all scratches depends on the compound that you use. Even though industrial compounds are readily available, these ingredients are very affordable and effective:

  • Water
  • Dry-erase marker or Tape
  • Glass cleaner
  • A spatula
  • Soft cloths
  • Small bowls
  • Drill with rubber polishing wheel

Some items on the list are optional but recommended as they make the repairing work easier.

Products to Fill the Scratches:

You will need the product to fill the scratch. Here are three options which you can consider:

  • Clear Acrylic Nail Polish – Easy to find in most households, this product works on shallow scratches only. An Acrylic scratch remover can also be used alternatively. Clear acrylic nail polish is preferred as it is much more readily available.
  • Cerium Oxide – Considered to be the best for minor scratches, this product is hard to find. A sealant, Cerium oxide is used on ceramic, metal, and glass. It is also known as ‘jeweler’s rouge’ and is very affordable.
  • Baking Soda And White Toothpaste – Although it works fine, this product might need multiple applications.

Step 3: Clean The Scratch

  • Before starting the actual repair, make sure no debris interferes with the bonds between glass and the repairing product.
  • Clean the surface thoroughly with a soft cloth and a glass cleaner.
  • You don’t need to clean all parts of the glass as it is bound to get dirty with the repairs. Some fingerprints and repairing products will naturally make the glass dirty.

Step 4: Mark The Scratched Area

When the repair starts, you might have trouble locating the scratched area. Marking the affected portion is highly recommended.

  • Outline the scratch using a dry-erase marker from the opposite side of the glass.
  • Or you can also place some tape on the unaffected side.

Step 5: Prepare The Repair Product

The procedure to prepare the products will vary slightly according to the product you prefer. If you prefer an acrylic-based product, skip this step.

  • For cerium oxide, mix the powder with some water using a spatula in a small bowl.
  • Keep mixing until you get a slurry with the same consistency as Elmer’s Glue.
  • You should have some additional water handy in case this mixture gets dry during repairing.
  • For white toothpaste and baking soda, use one teaspoon baking soda with about a quarter of the toothpaste tube.
  • Mix them thoroughly with water till a slurry gets formed.
  • The baking soda should not be detectable.
  • Make sure that all items are handy since you might need to remix them for multiple applications.

 

Step 6: Apply The Repair Product

  • If you are using an acrylic-based product, fill the scratch, and wipe off any excess material.
  • Leave it to dry for some time and check if the product gets clear and hard.
  • A minimum buffing is needed here.
  • If you are using cerium oxide, slowly fill the scratch while you gently buff it.
  • The rubber polishing wheel and the drill will make buffing easier.
  • Proceed until the final product is smooth and precise.
  • To get the best results, you can apply cerium oxide to a soft cloth and use it to wipe the scratch gently.
  • You need to be careful as this solution can cause scratches if it gets spilled somewhere else on the glass.
  • If you are using a homemade mixture, you should follow specific directions for cerium oxide.
  • Ensure that you are very gentle when you buff and cause minimal distress to the rest of the surface.
  • Also, be prepared to apply some more coats in case of a spill.

Step 7: Clean The Window

After the repair, you should wipe off any residual repair product and clean all surfaces of the window and the windshield. The result will be a scratch-free clear glass.

 

What to do If The Car Has Major Scratches?

If there are significant scratches, your vehicle needs the attention of a professional. Let them take care of it for you. An efficient professional will ideally make all the repairs within one day. 

Conclusion

Scratches on the windows and windshield of your car are a frequent nuisance but should be appropriately managed.  Nonetheless, the solution is not necessarily an expensive trip to a professional or a scratch removal kit.

This is a fairly constant issue, and you might prefer a solution that can be done with minimal effort or expense. There are a lot of home-based products that can come in handy and are reasonably easy to apply. However, you need to take care while repairing since any spills can result in more scratches on an otherwise clean surface.

Follow the fingernail rule religiously. If a scratch is deep enough for your nail to dig into it, you need to consult a professional. You might end up doing more damage to the windows than before if you tackle it yourself. You can also classify the scratches based on their depth and repair the shallow ones yourself.