Polishing Glass A sound understanding of the proper technique and the correct process will produce excellent results even with a mediocre product. A quality product used without the proper surface preparation or application technique will never obtain a satisfactory result. Using the proper methodology (surface preparation, using a quality product, along with the correct application technique) will ensure an excellent result. Skill Level Some methods described may be beyond the capabilities of the average detailer or enthusiast; in this case we strongly encourage the reader to consult a professional detailer or body shop concerning the matters discussed herein. Liability The writer assumes no responsibility, expressed or implied, due to misuse or misinterpretation of the information or methods used, or for any vehicle damage or injury that may occur due to the suggestions and information offered. Product Quality and Technique Proceed with this in mind; the products you use constitute a very small factor in the equation. Methodology and technique constitute 95%; the reasoning behind the choice of quality products is to eliminate any limiting factors, thus enabling you to place emphasis on technique used. a) Stage One Corrosion [: defined as a surface with light to moderate corrosion damage to the paint surface] b) Stage Two Corrosion [: definition when the dirt/corrosion deposits are no longer on the surface but have started to break down the molecular structure, leaving an etched or white haze on the surface after the stain has been removed, with moderate to serious paint damage] Once the glass surface has been washed and cleaned (detailers clay) any minor imperfections can be removed with an abrasive glass polish (Autoglym Car Class Polish or DP High Performance Glass Restorer) This thick citrus-based cream safely pulls contaminants out of the glass, including alkaline mineral deposits, and then smoothes out etched glass (autogeek.org) Methodology •Clean glass to remove dirt, dust or road grime from surfaces (also see note 1) •Apply clay (Magic Clay®) and lubricant solution (WooliteTM / Water 5:1) onto the glass surface (Do not apply to plastic as dulling may occur.) •Apply a quarter (coin) size amount of Autoglym Car Glass Polish™ or Iz Einzette Glas Polish to a damp cutting / polishing foam pad (LC Orange or White) attached to a Porter Cable HS rotary polisher set at speed 1200 rpm. •Heat caused by abrasive polishing can soften and damage glass; foam pad and product used must minimize heat build-up. Since glass is a poor heat conductor any friction heat built up from polishing must be kept to a minimum by using sufficient product and regular misting of both the polishing pad and glass surface with water. •Apply to half of the windshield, polishing first in an up and down motion then in a left-to-right motion and then repeat on the other side, proceed to other glass surfaces. •Go over the glass several times in each direction, glass will polish virtually residue free. •Wipe off any residue, and polish with a clean dry 100% cotton Micro fibre cloth. •Inspect glass for clarity and smoothness. Repeat if necessary. •If the glass has PPG Industries Optech clear coating a more aggressive polish may be required Alternative products / methods: a) Apply Zaino Z-12 with a damp cotton cloth to cool glass, apply to small sections at a time and allow to completely dry, buffing with a clean dry cotton towel. If there is any smearing or residue left just use Stoner’s Invisible Glass or any good quality glass cleaner to remove excess residue. b) Janvil Scratch Remover (JV-326 / Glass Renew JV-325) - Janvil Glass Restore Scratch System c) Glass Technology Inc Alternative pads- these 4-inch ‘Metal Polishing Pads’ are made of course, 600 grit nylon (Scotchbrite®) and are designed for hard / rough surfaces like aluminium diamond plate, pitted aluminium, chrome, and glass. Top of the Line Auto Detailing Supplies Glass Scratch Removers This glass polishing kit comprises one 2-inch diameter felt bob mounted on a ¼-inch shaft, with a tub of abrasive optical grade Cerium powder. This will remove glass scratches that you can’t feel with your fingernail (approximately 0.004") To remove scratches that you cannot feel with your fingernail, mark them on the inside of the glass with a crayon or a piece of tape. (Deeper scratches may not be possible to completely remove.) Mix up a small quantity of the abrasive powder with some water to make wet slurry, and dip the flat end of the felt bob in it and use the fastest electric drill speed available, work the slurry up and down across the scratch until it is removed, keep the surface wet - do not allow the slurry to dry out, otherwise the glass will get hot Note - Do not use an abrasive polish on Targa ‘glass’ tops as they are actually a plastic (Lexan) and an abrasive will remove the tint Suggested product- Plexus (BTI Chemicals Plexus® Glass Polish & Cleaner) Should I repair or replace my windshield? Be aware the some imperfections cannot be removed and you may have to replace it. If you can catch your fingernail in the scratch 0.4 Mil (0 .004 –inch deep) you should consult a professional glass repair / replacement company. A replacement windscreen can sometimes be claimed on an insurance policy without loss of no-claim bonus, dependant upon coverage (check first with insurance company).Some windscreen ‘glass’ is actually a plastic resin and will scratch easily, consult your dealer to find out what material was used for the OEM windshield. There are various types of windshield glass; some newer cars have acoustic glass or rain sensors built in, so be sure you get the correct type of glass. Aftermarket glass is not required to meet the same Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) regulations as original equipment manufactures (OEM ) glass. OEM glass is usually stronger and this may be important when you realize that the windshield becomes the backing plate for your air bags in a crash. The glass windshield provides up to 60% of the cage strength in the event of a rollover accident. OEM glass is more expensive as it is more costly to make. Yet the windshield may save your life or your family's lives in a crash. Glass Polishing Kit for Deep Scratches most glass polishers contain Cerium Oxide an optical polishing compound (belonging to the group of elements known as rare earth) all necessary precautions should be used with regard to the dust produced. Removes deep scratches from automotive glass and save the replacement costs, this abrasive system literally grinds away imperfections until scratches disappear, works best with a HS Rotary set at 1500-2000 RPM. Warning- this system removes glass, maintain a wet surface and keep pad moving to avoid heat build-up an avoid causing optical distortion Eastwoods kit includes: self-adhering hook and loop pad, coarse, medium and fine abrasives. (Pro Glass Polishing Kit (40011) and instructions from Eastwood.com) Glass Polishing System (Lake County GPS Kit) Polish and restore automotive glass and other glass surfaces, machine powered system restores clarity by removing wiper tracks, light scratches and other minor defects •3 7/8 – inch Backing Plate (5/8” x 11 Thread) •DA Adapter •4 oz. Glass Polish •3.5 oz. Glass Sealant •Sealant Applicator •2 - Abraded Levelling Discs Lake County Mfg Notes: 1. Do not use on Lexan, Plexiglas or clear plastics (See Polishing Plastic). 2. Do not use abrasive glass polish on after market-tinted glass or you will probably scratch the surface 3. For deeply etched water spots' or pits (caused by sand or road stones) in the glass surface, do not attempt to polish them out, consult an automotive glass vendor as glass used on later model cars is soft and thin (this may vary by manufacturer) due to weight / cost savings by vehicle manufactures and polishing could cause glass to crack. 4. Do not use on glass with either internal antenna or defroster elements. 5. Some windshields and mirrors have a tinted plastic coating or a blue tint that will scratch or be damaged, only polish or use synthetic wool on uncoated glass. Information resource- Automotive Detailing Inside & Out; A Knowledge Base for the Perfectionist– by Jon Miller © TOGWT ™ Ltd Copyright 2002-2008, all rights reserved Detailing Articles This is one of is one of a series of unbiased and informative, knowledge based, subject specific articles, which are dedicated to the automotive detailing enthusiast or professional detailer in search of development and further education Copyright Protection and intellectual property rights-© This work is registered with the UK Copyright Service All original material is copyright, unless otherwise state (1) it may be copied and distributed for non-commercial purposes only provided that you retain all copyright and other proprietary notices contained in the original material, (2) the information is copied in full with no changes unless prior written agreement is obtained from TOGWT, and a reference to © TOGWT ™ is included, any unauthorized use of these materials may violate copyrights and/or trademarks
