Ethan Clarke
A clean windshield is an important safety feature of your car. Driving can leave your windshield covered in dirt, dust, bugs, and road debris, all of which can obscure your vision. To keep your windshield clean, you can use a glass cleaner or car wash soap, or you can go a step further and polish your windshield. Polishing your windshield can help remove scratches, swirls, and other imperfections, and can leave your windshield sparkling. There are a variety of products available on the market for polishing windshields, including glass polishing kits, glass polishers, and restorers.
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right products
Glass Cleaners
Firstly, it is important to use a glass cleaner specifically formulated for automotive use. Ordinary household glass cleaners often contain ammonia and other chemicals that can damage your car's surfaces. Automotive glass cleaners, such as Dash & Glass or a high-performance car wash soap like M.A.X., are designed to safely and effectively clean your windshield.
Glass Polishers
There are various glass polishers and compounds available on the market that can enhance the clarity of your windshield. You can opt for a glass polishing kit, which typically includes specialised polishing discs that can remove severe scratches, blemishes, and light spots. These kits may require a certain level of skill and patience to achieve desired results. Alternatively, you can choose a high-quality glass restorer or compound that focuses on removing light spots and scratches. Some specific products mentioned in forums include Griot's glass polish, xNet glass polishing kit, Brasso, and 3M glass polish.
Microfiber Cloths
Microfiber cloths are essential for both cleaning and polishing your windshield. Ensure you have a good supply of clean microfiber cloths to wipe down your windshield during the cleaning and polishing process. These cloths help ensure a streak-free finish and reduce the likelihood of scratching the glass.
Sealants
Applying a glass sealant is an important final step in the polishing process. A sealant helps the glass stay smooth and clear for longer by sealing the pores of the glass. Look for a high-quality automotive glass sealant, such as Griot's glass sealant, to complete the process and protect your polished windshield.
Polishing Pads
When using a mechanical polisher, it is important to select the right type of polishing pad. Foam pads in sizes ranging from 4 inches to 6 inches are commonly mentioned. These pads help distribute the polish evenly and reduce the risk of damaging the glass. Make sure to choose a pad size that is compatible with your polisher and comfortable for you to work with.
Remember to always read the instructions and recommendations provided by the manufacturers of the products you choose. By selecting the right products and following a careful process, you can effectively polish your plastic windshield and improve its clarity and appearance.
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Applying the polish
To achieve a polished plastic windshield, you can use a glass polishing kit, which comes with specialised polishing discs that can remove more severe scratches or blemishes. Alternatively, you can opt for a high-quality glass restorer that targets light spots and scratches. Here is a step-by-step guide for applying the polish:
Firstly, ensure you have cleaned the exterior and interior sides of the windshield. Then, select a glass polish that suits your needs. If you are aiming to remove severe scratches, a glass polishing kit with specialised discs may be the best option. For lighter spots and scratches, a high-quality glass restorer should suffice.
Before applying the polish, ensure you are working in an area that is not under direct sunlight, as this can cause the glass cleaner to dry out and leave streaks. It is also important to ensure that the windows are fairly dry before applying the polish.
Apply the polish to the polishing pad. Use the amount directed on the product label, or spread the polish evenly across the entire pad. If desired, you can apply lubricating oil to the polishing pad first, which will help the polish spread more easily and reduce abrasiveness.
Start at the upper corner of the glass, holding the handle with your dominant hand and using your other hand to guide the polisher. Remember, do not apply pressure as the pad will provide enough pressure on its own to effectively polish the glass. Work in 2' x 2' sections, moving the polisher from side to side at a gradual pace. Avoid jerking the rotary polisher to prevent accidental damage to the glass.
Continue until the entire surface of the glass is moistened with polish. Once the polish starts to dry, stop the machine. Be mindful of the specific movement pattern of the rotary polisher, which moves upward when directed to the right and downward when directed to the left. Work with the rhythm of the machine rather than against it.
Finally, buff away any remaining polish residue with a clean microfiber cloth, using gentle, even pressure in a small circular motion. Ensure that no streaks or residue remain.
For added protection, you can apply a glass sealant after polishing. This helps seal the pores of the glass, keeping it smooth and clear for longer. Apply a small amount of sealant to an automotive sponge and wipe it across the glass, moving in the same side-to-side and up-and-down motion.
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Removing scratches
Clean the Windshield
Firstly, clean the exterior and interior sides of the windshield. Use a glass cleaner specifically labelled for automotive use, as ordinary household glass cleaners may contain ammonia and other chemicals that can damage the plastic. Spray the cleaner and wipe with a microfiber cloth, using both up-and-down and side-to-side motions.
Select a Polish
There are many glass polishers available, but for plastic windshields, you should opt for a product specifically designed for plastic. You can use a general plastic polish, such as Rain X, or a product designed for car windscreens, such as Hybrid Solutions Pro 1 & Done Polishing Compound.
Apply the Polish
Apply a small amount of polish to an applicator pad, a microfiber cloth, or a mechanical polisher. Work in small sections, approximately 2' x 2', and ensure you follow the instructions on the product label. Do not apply too much pressure, as this can cause damage.
Buff Away Residue
Once you have covered the entire exterior surface, buff away any remaining polish residue with a clean microfiber cloth. Use gentle, circular motions until no streaks or residue remain.
Clean and Seal
Finally, clean the exterior of the windshield again using an automotive window cleaner and a clean microfiber cloth. This will ensure that any residual polish or lubricant is removed. You can then apply a glass sealant to help the plastic stay smooth and clear for longer.
It is important to note that while light scratches can be removed, deeper scratches may require professional assistance or a replacement windshield. Additionally, always work in a well-ventilated area and wear protective gear when handling chemicals.
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Cleaning the windshield
Cleaning your plastic windshield is an important step to ensuring your safety on the road. The windshield is constantly being hit with gravel, bugs, dirt, dust, road debris, ice, and hail, so it is important to keep it well-maintained.
First, you should clean the exterior and interior sides of the windshield. Use an automotive glass cleaner, or a high-performance car wash soap, and a microfiber cloth. Spray the cleaner onto the windshield and wipe it with the cloth, moving in an up-and-down and side-to-side motion. Then, use the dry side of the cloth to remove any remaining dampness. Rinse with clean water and gently spray the glass with a hose for the outside, and a spray bottle for the inside. Wipe the glass dry with a clean microfiber towel.
Once the glass is clean, you can start to polish it. Apply a small amount of polish to an applicator pad, a microfiber cloth, or a mechanical polisher. Work in small sections, around 2' x 2', and ensure you follow the instructions on the product label. Once you have polished the entire exterior surface, clean the windshield exterior again using an automotive window cleaner and a clean microfiber cloth to remove any residual polish or lubricant.
Finally, once the exterior is clean, polished, and protected, you can finish the glass on the inside. Using a clean microfiber cloth designed for glass, and a spray cleaner formulated for auto glass, clean the interior of your windshield. Mist your towel, not the glass, and use it to apply the cleaner directly. Then, use a second, glass-specific microfiber cloth to wipe down the entire inside of the windshield again, ensuring you leave no residue.
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Using a sealant
Once you have polished your plastic windshield, you can apply a sealant to make it more resistant to future scratches.
Firstly, ensure your windshield is clean and dry. You can use a mild detergent or a specialised glass cleaner to clean the windshield, removing any dirt, bugs, and residue on the surface with a microfiber cloth or sponge. Rinse with clean water to avoid streaks.
Next, you can apply the sealant. You can use a polish applicator to apply the product more evenly. You can use a glass sealant such as Griot's or Opticoat, or a sealant such as Chemical Guys M Sealant. You can also use a glass coating such as DP Glass Coating or FlyBy30, which is a glass-type coating that will have rain fall right off the windshield at over 30mph.
After applying the sealant, wipe down the windshield with a microfiber cloth to remove any remaining residue.
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Frequently asked questions
You can use a product like Hybrid Solutions Pro 1 & Done Polishing Compound, or a glass-specific product like Bon Ami, Brasso, or Griot's Glass Polish.
You will need a glass cleaner specifically labelled for automotive use, a glass polish, a microfiber cloth, and a low-speed rotary polisher.
First, clean the windshield with a glass cleaner and a microfiber cloth. Then, apply a small amount of polish to an applicator pad, a microfiber cloth, or a mechanical polisher and work in 2' x 2' sections. Once the polish begins to dry, stop the machine and buff away any remaining residue with a clean microfiber cloth.
The polisher should have a speed setting between 1000 and 1200 RPM. Start at the upper corner of the glass and move the machine from side to side at a gradual pace. Do not apply pressure, as the pad will provide enough pressure on its own.
You can try using a glass repair kit from a company like Glassrenu, or a product like Cerium Oxide. However, keep in mind that windshields are not flat, so you may introduce some distortion even if you are a professional glass polisher.
