How to get rid of scratches on a windshield

**BigRed** · 07-31-2014, 10:17 AM

I have a clear windshield that's been sitting in a box for quite a while. I took it out a couple of days ago and noticed that where the plastic was touching the inside of the box there are now surface scratches.

Is there a way to get rid of those scratches? I've heard of people using glass etching solution to "eat away" the scratches but that seems risky.

**cnc** · 07-31-2014, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigRed

I have a clear windshield that's been sitting in a box for quite a while. I took it out a couple of days ago and noticed that where the plastic was touching the inside of the box there are now surface scratches.

Is there a way to get rid of those scratches? I've heard of people using glass etching solution to "eat away" the scratches but that seems risky.

I would be afraid that solution is made to etch glass ready for painting, it would really do a number on plastic.
You can polish out or minimize some scratches with plastic polishes like "I glass"
Or "meaghers" has scratch remover, polish and cleaner made for clear plastic.
If you have a boat store near you try them, they should carry a good range of products as boat windshields and convertable enclosures have plastic windows.

**HwyRider** · 07-31-2014, 10:43 AM

That windshield is made from .187 aircraft grade acrylic not Lexan. Maybe something you need to know when shopping for a cleaner.

recumbentbob · 07-31-2014, 10:53 AM

Plexus plastic cleaner works great. Safe for acrylic. Most Mc dealers around here sell it.

**HwyRider** · 07-31-2014, 10:54 AM

I would contact Cee Bailey and ask them how to get the scratches out.

http://www.ceebaileys.com/contact/index.html

Boscoe · 07-31-2014, 11:16 AM

+ 1 on Plexus. Works great and easy to use. I got some at Menards.

boomerang2120 · 07-31-2014, 04:00 PM

Any reason a standard kit for polishing up faded/dull car headlights wouldn't work? The kind that comes with various 'sanding' pads with progressively finer grits?

ubernomad · 07-31-2014, 07:49 PM

I used Emmy cloth with water to sand out the scratches and some fine polish compound. Takes some elbow grease and a DA, but turned out like new. Won't do much for chips or dings, but completely removes surfaces scratches.

mapleleafalumnus · 07-31-2014, 11:31 PM

I've heard (heavy emphasis on "heard") that toothpaste yields good results. Anyone ever tried this for themselves?

ubernomad · 08-01-2014, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mapleleafalumnus

I've heard (heavy emphasis on "heard") that toothpaste yields good results. Anyone ever tried this for themselves?

Yes, it is possible to use toothpaste as a polish but it needs to be a plain jane type.....your basic toothpaste that has fine grit for cleaning.

But to be honest, I wouldn't use toothpaste because there are so many other better choices which are designed to polish acrylic. Save the toothpaste for your teeth, not your windscreen.

Dave · 08-02-2014, 02:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ubernomad

Yes, it is possible to use toothpaste as a polish.........

I guess this leaves the British out.

redjay · 08-02-2014, 08:39 AM

"I guess this leaves the British out".

What does that mean ?

**BigRed** · 08-02-2014, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HwyRider

I would contact Cee Bailey and ask them how to get the scratches out.

I've already sent them an email and did not get a response. I guess I will have to give them a call.

**BigRed** · 08-02-2014, 05:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redjay

"I guess this leaves the British out".

What does that mean ?

I think he is making a dental reference suggesting that Brits have bad teeth.

**BigRed** · 08-02-2014, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ubernomad

I used Emmy cloth with water to sand out the scratches and some fine polish compound. Takes some elbow grease and a DA, but turned out like new. Won't do much for chips or dings, but completely removes surfaces scratches.

What's an Emmy cloth?

07-31-2014, 10:17 AM	#1
BigRed Join Date: Jul 2013 Location: Central Massachusetts Posts: 765	How to get rid of scratches on a windshield I have a clear windshield that's been sitting in a box for quite a while. I took it out a couple of days ago and noticed that where the plastic was touching the inside of the box there are now surface scratches. Is there a way to get rid of those scratches? I've heard of people using glass etching solution to "eat away" the scratches but that seems risky. __________________ VBA #02996 2008 Kawasaki Vulcan 1600 Nomad Login or Register to Remove Ads
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07-31-2014, 10:43 AM	#3
HwyRider Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Shore, MA Posts: 4,629	That windshield is made from .187 aircraft grade acrylic not Lexan. Maybe something you need to know when shopping for a cleaner. __________________ VBA # 02424 VROC # 35971 2010 Nomad 1700 Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Titanium
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07-31-2014, 10:53 AM	#4
recumbentbob Sr. Member Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Newburgh IN Posts: 3,404	Plexus plastic cleaner works great. Safe for acrylic. Most Mc dealers around here sell it. __________________ VBA #01084 "A well regulated militia being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the People to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed."
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07-31-2014, 10:54 AM	#5
HwyRider Join Date: Jun 2013 Location: South Shore, MA Posts: 4,629	I would contact Cee Bailey and ask them how to get the scratches out. http://www.ceebaileys.com/contact/index.html __________________ VBA # 02424 VROC # 35971 2010 Nomad 1700 Metallic Diablo Black/Metallic Titanium Login or Register to Remove Ads
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07-31-2014, 11:16 AM	#6
Boscoe Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Jefferson City, Missouri Posts: 372	+ 1 on Plexus. Works great and easy to use. I got some at Menards. __________________ 2011 Voyager 1700, Ebony/Pearl Meteor Gray Bridgestone Exedra Max tires in stock sizes Heated Avon grips with Throttle Mod Cobra Scalloped Slip-ons Thunder Mfg. Intake Gasket DEI Titanium exhaust header wrap Corbin heated seat. Polk Audio db521 speakers Mobil 1 Racing 4T 10W-40 with Mobil 1 M1-110 filter Kuryakyn Longhorn Offset Dually Highway Pegs Chrome passenger running board covers All new fluids and lube.
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07-31-2014, 04:00 PM	#7
boomerang2120 Member Join Date: Dec 2009 Location: Winston Salem, NC Posts: 115	Any reason a standard kit for polishing up faded/dull car headlights wouldn't work? The kind that comes with various 'sanding' pads with progressively finer grits? __________________ '00 - 1500 'Carbed' Nomad VBA #01600
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07-31-2014, 07:49 PM	#8
ubernomad Member Join Date: Apr 2013 Location: Spokane Posts: 143	I used Emmy cloth with water to sand out the scratches and some fine polish compound. Takes some elbow grease and a DA, but turned out like new. Won't do much for chips or dings, but completely removes surfaces scratches.
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07-31-2014, 11:31 PM	#9
mapleleafalumnus Member Join Date: May 2013 Location: Thrae Tenalp Posts: 132	I've heard (heavy emphasis on "heard") that toothpaste yields good results. Anyone ever tried this for themselves? __________________ Wanna go, pretty boy? Illegitimati non carborundum -Gen. Joseph Stilwell 1999 VN 1500 Nomad
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08-02-2014, 08:39 AM	#12
redjay Top Contributor Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Ontario Posts: 6,926	"I guess this leaves the British out". What does that mean ?
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