Minor Scratch and Abrasion Removal
Minor scratches and abrasions can be removed or reduced by following
the procedure below. Use care to prevent distortions of vision. Double vision
may result if an attempt is made to remove deep scratches. Deep scratches
should not be removed from an area in the driver's line of vision. If deep
scratches are present, the window should be replaced.
The polishing procedure that follows was developed using a cerium oxide
compound. Follow the manufacturer's directions if using other materials.
The polishing should not be used on deep tinted windows. The coating
on the windows could be damaged.
Recommended Equipment
| • | A low speed (600-1300 RPM) rotary polisher. |
| • | A wool, felt, rotary polishing pad 76 mm (3 in)
in diameter and 51 mm (2 in) thick. |
| • | Powdered cerium oxide mixed with water. This is an abrasive compound. |
| • | A wide-mouth container 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,
the mixture cakes on the felt pad more quickly. If the mixture is too runny,
more polishing time is needed.
- Draw a circle around the scratches on the opposite side of the
window with a marking crayon, or the 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 the spattered polish.
- Dip the felt pad attached to the polisher into the mixture. Do
not submerge the pad or allow the pad to stay in the mixture because this
may loosen the bond between the pad and the metal plate.
Notice: Never hold the tool in one spot or operate the tool on the window any
longer than 30 to 45 seconds. If the window becomes hot to touch, let it air
cool before proceeding further. Cooling with cold water may crack heated window.
Avoid excessive pressure. It may cause overheating of the window.
- Polish the scratched area, but note the following:
| • | Agitate the mixture as often as needed in order to maintain the
creamy consistency of the compound. |
| • | Use moderate but steady pressure. |
| • | Hold the pad flat against the window. |
| • | Use a feather-out motion. |
| • | Dip the pad into the mixture every 15 seconds in order
to ensure that the wheel and the window 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. |
- After removing the scratch, wipe the area clean of any polish.
- Clean the polishing pad.
