Minor Scratch and Abrasion Removal
- Remove or reduce minor scratches and abrasions by following the
polishing procedure.
- Take precautions in order to prevent distortions of vision.
- Double vision may result if an attempt is made to remove deep
scratches.
Do not remove deep scratches from an area in the driver's line of vision.
Replace the glass.
- The following procedure was developed using a cerium oxide compound.
Follow the manufacturer's directions when any other materials are used.
Recommended Equipment
- A low speed (600-1300 RPM) rotary polisher
- A wool felt, rotary polishing pad 7 mm (3 in) in
diameter and 51 mm (2 in) thick.
- Powered cerium oxide mixed with water.
This is the abrasive compound.
- A wide mouth container in order to hold the abrasive compound.
Polishing Procedure
- Mix at least 44 ml
(1.5 oz) of cerium oxide with enough water to obtain a creamy consistency.
• | If the mixture is too thick it will cake on the felt pad more
quickly. |
• | If the mixture is too runny, more polishing time will be needed. |
- Draw a circle around the
scratches on the opposite side of the glass with a marking crayon or equivalent.
- Draw a line directly behind the scratches in order to serve as
a guide for locating the scratch while polishing.
- Cover the surrounding area with masking paper in order to catch
the drippings or splattered polish.
- Dip the felt pad attached to the polisher into the mixture.
• | Do not submerge the pad. |
• | Do not allow the pad to stay in the mixtures it may loosen the
bond between the pad and the metal plate. |
- Polish the scratched area.
When polishing the scratched area, note the following items:
• | Agitate the mixture as often as needed in order to maintain the
creamy consistency of the compound. |
• | Use moderate but steady pressure when applying the polish. |
• | Hold the pad flat against the glass. |
• | Use a feathering-out motion. |
• | Dip the felt pad into the mixture every 15 seconds in order
to ensure that the wheel and the glass are always wet during the polishing
operation. |
• | A dry pad causes excessive heat to develop. |
• | Keep the pad free of dirt and other foreign substances. |