Your vehicle’s glass is your portal to the world as you drive, but over time, it’s not uncommon for scratches to mar this essential piece of auto glass. Whether from debris on the road or an accidental scrape, these imperfections can obstruct your view and compromise your safety. But before you rush to replace the entire windshield, it’s worth exploring the possibility of fixing those scratches yourself. In this comprehensive guide, Auto Glass Shop will walk you through seven easy and effective steps to restore your auto glass to a spotless, scratch-free condition.
7 Effective Steps To Fix Scratches in An Auto Glass
We have enlisted all the required supplies, followed by seven effective and easy steps to fix scratches in auto glass.
Supplies You’ll Need To Fix Scratches
- Water Spray Bottle
- Glass Cleaner
- Soft Glass
- Spatula
- Soft microfiber cloths
- Drill with Rubber Polishing Wheel
- Protective Gear
- Masking Tape
Step 1: Analyze the Depth of Scratches
Before fixing, you must analyze the depth of scratches on your auto glass. For a DIY approach, it will be easy to check the depth of scratches by running a fingernail. If your fingernail smoothly catches in the scratch, it is a deep scratch and requires professional fixing service. Otherwise, it will be a surface-level scratch if your nail does not catch the scratch.
You can also analyze the depth of scratches by observing them in different lighting conditions such as sunlight and a flashlight. If the scratch casts a shadow upon falling light, it will be a deep scratch. Moreover, you can also use plastic bags to examine the depth of scratch precisely.
Step 2: Clean the Scratches
Secondly, you need to wash the entire glass surface thoroughly with liquid soap and a soft microfiber cloth to remove all the dust and debris. After washing, it must be ensured to rinse the glass’s surface with water to remove all soapy residue from the glass. Now, after drying the glass you can apply a glass cleaner to completely remove the soap and water spots.
Step 3: Mark the Scratched Area
After cleaning the glass, you must mark the scratched area precisely to target the repair efforts. For marking, you can use masking or carpenter tape to outline the boundaries of scratches. Furthermore, if the scratched area is long, you can also use a marker or small tape pieces to do the lining of the area. If you have the availability of measuring tape, you can measure the length of the glass scratch.
Step 4: Formulate the Repair Product
Formulation of the repair product is the most essential step in this procedure. Repair products may vary depending on the availability of the material. You can use cerium oxide or baking soda for fixing purposes. When working with cerium oxide, you can use a spatula to blend the cerium powder with water. Stir these two materials until they create a slurry resembling the texture of Elmer’s Glue.
Moreover, If you’re using baking soda and white toothpaste, mix approximately 1 teaspoon of baking soda with a quarter of a toothpaste material. Mix them with water until you achieve a slurry, ensuring the baking soda is thoroughly incorporated. Keep all your materials handy, as you might require more for subsequent applications.
Step 5: Apply the Repair Product
After preparing the repair product, the next step is to apply the product on the affected glass surface. The application method ultimately depends on the type of your chosen product for repair. Use a soft microfiber cloth or a lint-free cloth to apply the repair product. If you’re using cerium oxide or a similar slurry, dab a small amount onto the cloth. Gently rub the slurry or paste onto the scratched area using circular or back-and-forth motions. Continue to rub for a few minutes, periodically inspecting the scratched area to check the progress.
Step 6: Buff the Auto Glass
Buffing helps to further smooth out the surface and blend the repair mixture into the surrounding glass, improving the overall appearance of the auto glass. Buff the repaired area of your car glass in circular motions. After buffing, examine the repaired surface of the glass to see whether it is scratch-free or not.
Step 7: Clean the Glass
After following all the essential steps, you will need to clean the glass surface again to make it spotless and clear.
Conclusion
In conclusion, those annoying scratches on your auto glass don’t have to be a permanent eyesore. With the right supplies and a bit of patience, you can significantly improve the appearance of your glass and restore its clarity. However, for deeper or more extensive damage, it’s always wise to seek professional assistance. By following these seven effective steps, you’ll be taking a proactive approach to maintaining your vehicle and ensuring a safe and clear view of the road ahead.