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OT: Getting Scratches Out of Window Glass


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Posted

I noticed some light scratches in the door glass of my daily-driver '05 Grand Caravan that must have happened during our last ice storm a few days ago. They are definitely in the pattern that I scrape the glass. Is there a way to polish them out? Bon-Ami, maybe? Any thoughts appreciated.

Harold

Posted
Rule of thumb — if the scratches are deep enough to catch with a fingernail, you're not gonna polish them out.

These are very light and don't catch my fingernail. What surprised me is that I only use a plastic ice scraper on windows, and I've never had this happen before.

Posted

If you can't feel the scratches you have a decent shot at getting rid of them. Maybe talk to a reputable glass shop and get their opinion.

Chances are your scratches weren't actually caused by the plastic scraper, but by a bit of road grit already on the window that got picked up by your scraper and dragged along the glass.

Posted

I would look very closely at the "scratches", While automotive glass is usually softer than other glass, it is still a pretty hard substance, much harder than the plastic most scrapers are made of these days. Certainly not loke the brass ones of years past. So unless you can actually determine the scratches are ito the glass, my guess it that its probably plastic residue onthe glas surface. I have found over the years that Bona Ami cleanser and water is excelent for cleaning road film from auto glass. Put some of the powder on a wet soft cloth (flannel or diaper or similar) then wet the glass and scrub the area. Use several different directions of scrubbing.

If you can't find Bon Ami, look for Bartenders or barkeepers friend. Both are made with non scratching abrasive (feldspar) instead of silicon based. They also have a liquid product that might be easier to use on glass. Whichever, make sure you rinse well and get all the residue off. Especially if you use it on the widshield.

You might try to clean the area with some lacquer thinner or similar first.

Posted

Greg got a good method for getting antifreeze residue off the insides after a heater core leak? Replaced mine on saturday but haven't managed to get the film off yet.

Posted

I did a round of cleaning with the glass cleaner I use which has ammonia in it. Still on there. Is it just a matter of a rinse repeat type situation?

Posted

Ok Tim how many times will Carmon need to wash before it comes off?

Posted (edited)

Give lacquer thinner a try. Denatured alcohol will probably do the trick also. Also get one of those squegees they sell for showers and use it after spraying on the solvent.

Edited by greg g
Posted

Denatured alcohol is a great cleaning agent. Be careful in your car though, it will smell like a Schnapps distillery and the local PD may look at you funny if you happen to get pulled over. :D

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