How to Restore Etched Auto Glass

Etching is a problem that occurs to glass as a result of exposure to hard water, sharp pieces and other foreign matter coming into contact with the fine surface of the glass. Auto glass, such as windshields and windows, can suffer from all of these sorts of damage and not only detract from the look of your vehicle, but also impair your ability to safely see through the glass. Instead of putting in a new piece of glass in place of the etched pieces, you can restore it easily yourself.

Instructions

1

Pour a small amount of glass restoration polish onto a glass-buffing pad. Start with an amount the size of a coin and add more as you need it.

2

Start in one corner of the glass and rub the pad in small, even circles to work in the polish. Apply more polish to the pad as it dries out, working the polish completely into the glass.

3

Spray a thin coat of glass cleaner over the glass and rub it clean with a dry towel. Remove any traces of the polish from the glass by rubbing it with the towel.

4

Wet the entire surface of the glass and dry it with a squeegee. Make sure the glass is completely dry.

5

Look over the glass for any remaining etching or traces of polish. Use additional polish to get rid of the stubborn etching and wash down any residue with water and a squeegee.

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How to Restore Boat Windscreens

Many boats have windscreens, commonly called windshields, that protect the pilot and passengers from bow spray and wind buffeting. Subjected to the elements, like UV light, oxidation, salt and other contaminants, windscreens can turn a faded yellow and acquire minute scratches and stains. Plexiglas and vinyl are common materials used in boat windscreens and require a patient process of cleaning and polishing.

Instructions

1

Transport the boat to a convenient work location that has a water source. Soak the windscreen with fresh water for at least 5 minutes to loosen grime. Mix a solution of mild dish washing liquid and warm water in a bucket. Use a fine bristle brush and soap solution to clean the windscreen on both sides. In the case of an interior window inside a cabin, use a sponge and dish washing soap and then rinse with a wet terrycloth towel. Dry the window surfaces with a clean terrycloth towel.

2

Apply some plastic cleaner to a microfiber towel. Clean along all the edges of the windscreen on both sides, by hand. Use a finger to get in the corners and hard-to-reach areas where the circular polishing pad will miss. Clean to a distance about 1 inch from the edges and corners. Wipe the residue off with a terrycloth towel.

3

Apply some plastic cleaner to a microfiber towel. Use circular motions, by hand, to clean 1by-1-foot test sections of the inside and outside windscreen. The plastic cleaner will enter and lift dirt, oil and salts from the micro-cracks in the Plexiglas or vinyl. Spend more time cleaning the outside window, since it will have the most accumulation on it. Wipe all residue away with a clean terrycloth towel.

4

Apply some plastic polish to a microfiber towel. Clean the same areas by hand that you did with the cleaner. Rub back and forth along the edges, using a finger or two. Be sure to reach into the corners with your fingertips and use the corner of the towel. Clean both sides of the windscreen in this fashion and wipe away all residue with a terrycloth towel.

5

Apply a liberal amount of plastic polish to a foam backing pad, attached to an air drill. Turn on the drill and run the pad evenly back and forth and up and down over a 1-by-1-foot section of the windscreen. Use gentle strokes without applying heavy pressure.

6

Run the polishing pad as close to the edges of the windscreen as possible, overlapping the area you cleaned and polished by hand. Wipe away all residue with a clean terrycloth towel, including any splatter on the frames or interior wood surfaces. Check again for clarity.

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