How to Fix Scratches in Auto Glass

Scratches on the windshield can be caused by a number of factors; some hard foreign material on the wiper blade, contact with twigs, or accidents which make contact with the glass surface. These events result in either surface scratches or deep scratches.
Surface scratches are those which can be easily run over by the fingernail, and these can be easily repaired with a couple of materials that are found in the hardware store. Probably the easiest way to fill in the scratches would be to use a kind of acrylic scratch remover.
- To repair the glass, the first thing you ought to do is clean the surface with car soap and some water. This helps ensure that no debris are lodged into the scratch. Using distilled water is advised since it has no tiny foreign particles unlike hose water. It is also advised to use cool water since heated glass surfaces can be distorted. It is for this reason that it is probably best to repair the glass in a shaded area with an artificial source of bright light.
- Once the washing is done, proceed to drying the glass with a microfiber cloth. This removes all moisture and any excess particles which may be lodged on the glass.
- Allow it to air dry for a few more minutes and once completely free from moisture, follow the instructions indicated on the acrylic scratch remover you have purchased. Typically, all it takes for you to do would be to apply it with clean fingertips or a clean cloth.
- After applying, allow it to sit for the required number of minutes, you can proceed to buffing the area to make sure it blends in evenly with the original glass surface. Buffing can be done by hand or by using a rotary buffer which would be more efficient.
- When the buffing is done and the scratch seems to have faded from view, remove the excess materials and allow it to set completely.
- The same steps can be done but instead, use cerium oxide. This has very low abrasiveness and can act as a good polish which can fill in light scratches.
- Add some water to the powder and achieve a thick, glue-like viscosity.
- Cover the affected area with the paste and using a drill with a rubber polishing wheel, use light pressure and grind the surface until it becomes smooth. This will be easier if you mark the underside of the glass and work your way from there.
- The cerium oxide method may take longer but the result of both these methods would be a smooth and scratch-free surface.
If these are too taxing or if you are hesitant that you might cause more damage, it is still best to just go for professional auto glass repair instead. They can also fix deeper scratches which can no longer be fixed by DIY glass repair kits which can be purchased at hardware stores. Professional services also help ensure you get lasting glass repair which would cut the cost and effort of having to rebuff and repair the glass yourself.