Best method for polishing scratches out of glass?

[HWYCRZR]

I have seen that scratches can be polished out of the tempered glass side windows. But not sure what to use and the process required. Some say to use buffing compound others say they have the magic formula.
What have people here used to get out glass scratches?

Years of going up and down with dirty wipers.

 

[Rwc]

The new glass for a door isn’t that expensive. Find the brand and get the size and call a local glass shop. Buy the glass and change it yourself. About an hours work

 

[HWYCRZR]

Oops I didn’t put the vintage I am inquiring about.
I am not sure if they have 68 Polara glass sitting on the shelf. Plus it is curved. All glass is out and disassembled.

 

[Ross Wooldridge]

There are kits for polishing. Try Amazon - I'm interested in this too.

Talk to a glass shop and see what they use.

Here's the hit list from a quick Amazon search:

https://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_...x=auto+glass+polis,aps,367&crid=3T0XGU4J9HU5C

 

[Big_John]

Try this. It's cheap to do and seems to work..

 

[HWYCRZR]

That just might do the trick.

Thanks

 

[Ross Wooldridge]

Interesting!!

 

[Fury440]

My go to product for glass, stainless, plastic, paint etc is Rottenstone (about $12/lb on Amazon). Mix it with water, light oil etc depending upon what you are polishing. I've always used elbow grease but one of those fancy buffers would work as long as its not pushed too hard. Heat is your enemy when polishing glass, plastic and paint.

 

[HWYCRZR]

I tried the pumice/ rubbing compound method, but believe my scratches are too many and too deep. I ended up ordering some sanding disks. I think I will have to start with them.

 

[LocuMob]

I tried the pumice/ rubbing compound method, but believe my scratches are too many and too deep. I ended up ordering some sanding disks. I think I will have to start with them.
View attachment 204906 View attachment 204907

Use that for a sanding block? Those don't look so good, be fun to watch this one.

 

[HWYCRZR]

I don’t have much to loose. I have a drill adapter, but would rather fine a 3” wheel for my buffer to help keep the disks flat. Keep a spray bottle handy to keep it cool.

 

[rapidtrans]

I wonder if layer of clear coat would fill-in the scratches. Then wheel polish it out.

 

[HWYCRZR]

I wonder if layer of clear coat would fill-in the scratches. Then wheel polish it out.

That did cross my mind. Because when it is wet they disappear. The trick would be a clear durable material that isn’t affected by UV. ( maybe I just described clear coat)

 

[Big_John]

I don't think you are going to get those scratches out. They look too deep in this pic. There's a point at which you start distorting the glass and it starts looking "wavy" as you look through it.

 

[MarPar]

Can you catch your nail on any of the scratches?

 

[Slantsix]

You could try also 0000 steel wool. I tested it on my Newport, what has been sitting in California desert since 1989. My glass is trashed, windows are like sandblasted. So tested to clean them with normal foam etc window cleaner... didnt work. But steel wool.... damn, so smooth and clean windows. Was afraid it looks like spiderweb againts light. But nope, no reflections.

 

[HWYCRZR]

Can you catch your nail on any of the scratches?

There are 2 spots that I can catch my finger nail. Both are within a couple of inches of the bottom felt. So may have a chance. I am going to experiment. If I mess it up I am only out time.
If I get lucky I can save it.
If I am really lucky I could end up with an Optometrist grind and not have to wear my glasses while driving.

 

[1970cat]

cerium oxide is what is normally used to polish glass, but in a pinch a mixture of good old fashioned white toothpaste, baking soda and water will work.

 

[HWYCRZR]

The scratches were pretty aggressive. No amount of polishing would do anything. Not one to give up I went online and found these.

And these for my buffer.

Yep it is sandpaper
Started with the 3”, but was too small and easily left more scratches. So went up to 4-1/2”. A little more finesse required due to the curved glass.

 

[HWYCRZR]

Two weeks later and doing it twice I got the vertical scratches out, but introduced some small circular ones that I cannot seem to get out. This wasn’t fun at all.
Over all it is better. It is not as clear as new. So I introduced some distortion, but is about like looking through safety glasses. It will be drivable and keep the weather out until I find a really good used one or stumble upon a NOS piece. My other windows are scratched but not as bad. I think polishing only.