With a few tools at home and skills, minor scratches from car windows can be easily repaired. If your vehicle has a shallow scratch, there are DIY tricks to minimize the intensity or remove it completely. Here’s a basic step-by-step guide for those wondering how to remove scratches from car glass.
Here are a few seamless steps to follow that may help you remove scratches from car windows. The same method can be used for windscreen scratch repair if the scratch intensity is minor. Let’s go through the steps below:
The first step before you remove scratches from car windows is to inspect the area with a fingernail and feel its depth. If your nail isn’t caught in the groove, you’re touching a surface scratch and it is doable. Whereas, you will need professional help for auto glass scratch repair if it catches your nail. Advanced compounds and tools are required to mend deep cuts and avoid a full-blown crack inside out.
If it’s your first time, you may want to get a repair tool kit. Minor scratches can be repaired by gathering some supplies at home.
There are a few tools required that you may get from a nearby car repair shop or online automotive tools store. Here is the list of tools that you will need in removing scratches from vehicle windows:
There are three options for the scratch-repair solution to choose between. You can get either of these three:
One can easily find the first combination at home but the compound often requires multiple attempts. Another option is to use an acrylic remover which many people may have, but it only works on shallow scratches. If you get a car window glass scratch remover from the market, it will have Cerium Oxide which is a sealant and polish used on glass as well as metal and ceramic. This compound doesn’t cost as much and is needed in only a small amount so you can save it for the future.
It is important to clean the affected area before repairing scratches on car windows, so the product finely stays on the glass. You can use a glass cleaner and soft cloth to clean the surface. However, it is recommended to avoid cleaning the entire glass at this point as you may leave some fingerprints here and there.
The next important step to remove scratches from car windows is to mark the scratched area. You can either use a dry-erase marker or put tape on the opposite side of the glass.
Those going for acrylic remover can skip to the next step.
If you are using Cerium Oxide to remove scratches from car glass, mix the powder with water in a container. It is recommended to use gloves and goggles to avoid direct contact as the product might irritate. Also, you may want some water at hand just in case the solution begins to dry out during the repair process.
In another case, mix 1 teaspoon of baking soda and a quarter tube of any standard white toothpaste. Mix it well with water until baking soda completely dissolves and forms a slurry.
For acrylic-based scratch remover, simply apply and wait for it to dry and wipe clean afterwards.
Depending on the solution you’re using, carefully and properly apply it to the affected area of the glass window. In case you got a car window scratch repair tool kit, don’t forget to read the labels and instructions. Apply multiple coats until you don’t see a scratch letting the product dry before each reapplication.
You’d have to keep the area surrounding the scratch, clean and dry. Wipe off any drips and smears so no other spots are affected.
A crack may develop into a deep cut or lead to spider webbing if left unattended for a longer period. To avoid reaching the point where you may have to replace your car’s windshield, consider car window scratch repair a priority. Knowing how to remove scratches from car glass may save you a lot of trouble.
While it works for most minor scratches, it isn’t always a success in some cases. If it doesn’t work, it might be a sign that you need professional help to remove scratches from car windows.
If there are scratches on other exterior parts of your car, read the guide on all about car scratch repair.
Generally, removing scratches is not a time consuming or costly process. If you are evaluating a used car for sale in the UAE, it is not the kind of damage you should worry about. However, if the car windshield has cracks or is covered with a lot of scratches, it is best to keep the cost of windshield replacement in mind.
Stay tuned to UAE’s top auto blog for more DIY guides to fix various components of your vehicle and more.
