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Lotus Europa Forums => Off Topic Subjects => Topic started by: Kendo on Wednesday,April 05, 2023, 10:18:04 AM

Title: How do you take light scratches out of glass?
Post by: Kendo on Wednesday,April 05, 2023, 10:18:04 AM
I was cleaning some silicone glue from shower glass and used a too-rough Scotchbrite sort of pad. It left light scratches I'd like to polish out if possible. Any suggestions?

I don't usually miscalculate this badly, but you know... Reminds me of the saying, "Experience gained is in direct proportion to equipment ruined."
Title: Re: How do you take light scratches out of glass?
Post by: BDA on Wednesday,April 05, 2023, 10:58:50 AM
I'm surprised a Scotchbright type pad would scratch glass! A quick duck duck go search for "glass polish" (no quotes) pointed to this which seems like it's worth a try (https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/how-to-remove-scratches-from-glass/).

Good luck!
Title: Re: How do you take light scratches out of glass?
Post by: Kendo on Wednesday,April 05, 2023, 11:20:38 AM
It wasn't a kitchen pad, but a rough reddish colored one I bought for cleaning rusty metal. So, not a good choice :)

Thanks for the link. Brasso, that's interesting. When I was young my dad used Crest toothpaste for watch glass polishing. It has a slight tooth to it.
Title: Re: How do you take light scratches out of glass?
Post by: BDA on Wednesday,April 05, 2023, 11:39:36 AM
Toothpaste used to have abrasives in it but I'm not sure if it still does. It might be something to try until you get some Brasso.  I also thought fine compounding paste used for the clear coat on cars might be good too but then I came upon the Brasso article.
Title: Re: How do you take light scratches out of glass?
Post by: 4129R on Wednesday,April 05, 2023, 12:55:07 PM
I would ask a glass shop what type of abrasive you would need to use to polish he scratches out.

Polishing with a mild abrasive is the only way that I know, but it's effectiveness depends on the depth of the scratches.
Title: Re: How do you take light scratches out of glass?
Post by: EuropaTC on Wednesday,April 05, 2023, 02:03:11 PM
There's quite a few windscreen scratch removal products on the market, that would be my first guess. Something like this

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsJQ4nDDT08&ab_channel=FocusedGarage (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EsJQ4nDDT08&ab_channel=FocusedGarage)

I think I've seen references to cerium oxide paste as well and a quick youtube search came up with https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZJPPC1ak50&ab_channel=GlassPolishShop (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ZJPPC1ak50&ab_channel=GlassPolishShop)
Title: Re: How do you take light scratches out of glass?
Post by: TurboFource on Wednesday,April 05, 2023, 02:15:54 PM
I have used the original Crest on modern headlights to clean them up.
Title: Re: How do you take light scratches out of glass?
Post by: dakazman on Sunday,April 09, 2023, 06:17:35 PM
  I used cerium oxide on many windows. Works well on even on deeper scratches but will fishbowl the glass .  You mix the powder into a paste and apply to a dense cotton buffing pad. Full instructions can be downloaded from site on picture. Aim your phone at the site .
  I can send you a capful or two of the powder, I purchased a pound which is plenty for my lifetime.
Dakazman
Title: Re: How do you take light scratches out of glass?
Post by: Kendo on Monday,April 10, 2023, 10:54:38 AM
Dakazman, thanks you. I'll take you up on that offer. Look for a PM.

Re the Brasso, it didn't do much for the scratches. But it did a great job of removing the hard water spots on the glass, really a clear improvement.
Title: Re: How do you take light scratches out of glass?
Post by: dakazman on Thursday,April 13, 2023, 01:55:08 PM
 Packaged it up today, can’t wait to see the postal employees face when I tell it is a powdery substance 😂😂😂. I’ll keep you updated.
Dave
Title: Re: How do you take light scratches out of glass?
Post by: EuropaTC on Thursday,April 13, 2023, 02:22:49 PM
Packaged it up today, can’t wait to see the postal employees face when I tell it is a powdery substance 😂😂😂. I’ll keep you updated.
Dave

don't worry, we'll all chip in to send you a cake with a file in it.....   ;)
Title: Re: How do you take light scratches out of glass?
Post by: dakazman on Thursday,April 13, 2023, 03:07:22 PM
    :beerchug:

 Dave