Quick Ways to Remove Scratches from Your Car’s Glass Windows

If your car’s window or windshield has a shallow scratch across its surface, you can easily minimize its conspicuousness or remove it completely by filling the crevice. Here’s a basic guide on how to remove a scratch from the glass.

Step 1: Inspect the scratch

A scratch isn’t the same as a crack or chip. If your car’s glass has the latter, it could grow and worsen into a much larger problem. If the scratch is shallow enough that you don’t actually feel it when you run your finger over it, continue to the next step. But if it’s deep enough to feel, you should contact a professional.

Step 2: Choose your solution

There are a variety of scratch-filling solutions you can use on glass, differing in cost, ease of obtaining, ease of application, and effectiveness.

• The most effective is cerium oxide (aka jeweler’s rouge), which you’d need to purchase. It requires careful application following the product’s directions and a buffing tool. It’ll last the longest and have the highest success rate if applied correctly.
• An easier solution is using a clear acrylic nail polish, applying a couple of coats, and wiping off excess with nail polish remover.
• The cheapest solution is a combination of baking soda and white, non-gel toothpaste, which you may have to reapply every year if the scratch reappears.

Step 3: Identify the scratch

Make sure the damaged spot on the glass is obvious by marking it off with painter’s tape or a dry-erase marker on the opposite side.

Step 4: Clean the glass

Start by preparing the surface for treatment. Spray it with a suitable glass cleaner and wiping it with a microfiber cloth to remove any dirt or residue.

Step 5: Apply the repair product

Depending on the product you’re using, apply it properly and carefully to the damaged area. Apply multiple coats, letting the solution dry each time before reapplying, until you don’t see a scratch in the glass anymore. Keep the area around the glass clean, wiping up any unintentional drips or smears so no other spots become damaged.

There’s no guarantee that these solutions will work, so if you aren’t having success filling the scratch yourself, you should pay a professional to fix it for you.

Aaron is unashamed to be a native Clevelander and the proud driver of a Hyundai Veloster Turbo (which recently replaced his 1995 Saturn SC-2). He gleefully utilizes his background in theater, literature, and communication to dramatically recite his own articles to nearby youth. Mr. Widmar happily resides in Dayton, Ohio with his magnificent wife, Vicki, but is often on the road with her exploring new destinations. Aaron has high aspirations for his writing career but often gets distracted pondering the profound nature of the human condition and forgets what he was writing… See more articles by Aaron.

How To Remove Scratches From Car Windows: Quick Fixes

Are you looking for the best way to remove scratches from car windows? When your window has a scratch, it looks very uncomfortable. Furthermore, scratches on a car window such as the windscreen may blur your vision, making it hard to drive your car. Blurred vision can lead to severe accidents and loss of lives on the road.

However, you do not need to get a new window or windshield when it has a scratch. There are several ways you can use to fix the scratches on your car window cheaply. It is very economical, and most car windows are costly. Replacing them would cost a fortune and make a huge dent in your wallet.

It would be best to remove scratches from the windshield immediately they occur. Cracks develop into deep cuts over time, making the process more cumbersome and costly. If left unattended for long, it may be worse, and you may have no option but to replace it with a new one. Here is the best guide for a quick fix to enable you to fix your car window scratches effortlessly.

Step 1: Determine the Depth of the Scratch

Firstly, you have to determine the depth of the scratch to ensure it is fixable. It is an essential venture since you may use your resources, time, and effort to do an activity that will not produce any results at all in the end. Some extreme cases of scratches will require you to get a new car window.

The inspection process is also straightforward. You don’t need any special equipment to carry out this process. Start by running your finger over the scratch. You have to be very careful since some glass could cut you while you move your finger on top of the window. To be careful, you need to do the process slowly.

When the surface is smooth, and you can smoothly run your fingers on top of the window, then the scratch is simply a surface scratch, and you can mend it easily. However, when the scratch catches your finger, it will signify a deep scratch that may need you to purchase a new window.

These types of deep cuts spread quickly on your window, making them full brown cracks. It would be best to clear them once and for all by removing the window or windshield altogether.

Step 2: Prepare Your Supplies and Tools

You need to have some necessary equipment and materials to complete your work effectively. An auto repair kit would be perfect for this task. You will get virtually everything you ought to have in this procedure on the kit to aid in your car glass scratch repair.

Here is a checklist for all you need for the procedure:

• Enough water, preferably flowing water
• Glass cleaner
• Pieces of soft cloths
• A clean spatula
• Some small bowls
• Markers or tapes
• Drill
• Rubber gloves
• Dust mask
• Goggles

You may not use all this equipment, but it will come in handy to make your process more comfortable and practical. Apart from the equipment, you need to get the scratch repair products. These are the essential product for removing your window scratches. There are three options to choose from, depending on your personal needs.

The rubbing compounds are:

1. Clear Acrylic Nail Polish

It is the most popular product people use because it is highly available. However, it only works on very shallow scratches. The product works by forming a layer that will bond to the glass, making it firm and will not be disturbed and continue cracking as when left alone.

2. Cerium Oxide

This product is not very popular. It’s the most effective product when you want to eliminate your scratches and give your window a new look. It works very simple and seamlessly, creating a protective layer that bonds the crack together. It will reduce all chances of the crack becoming worse.

3. Baking Soda and White Toothpaste

Every home has these products, and they are cheap from any retail shop around you. When you use them, you may require multiple procedures to make your work effective. It will also work effectively to protect your window and avoid any further cracks.

Step 3: Prepare the Surface of Scratch

Get the part of the window ready for the procedure of removing the scratch. Most windows and windshield accumulate dirt, debris, and several contaminants. Wipe them off using a microfiber towel and ensure the surface remains clear and clean.

After cleansing the surface, use a sprayer to spray your glass cleaner on the surface. It would be best to spray while brushing the surface thoroughly to remove any glass particles or remaining contaminants. Sometimes, you may need to wash your glass. However, ensure it dries off well before working on it.

You may not need to clean all the glass but focus on the part where the scratch is. Don’t use ordinary soap since you may not get the best-required result; use distilled water and vinegar for the best results. To remove tough stains, get special glass cleaners to remove them. Ensure nothing is left on the glass.

After successfully cleaning the scratched surface, cover the edges of the window. It is crucial to ensure your paintwork is not affected by the compound you will be using. It would be best if you also marked the area you will be fixing. After a thorough cleaning, it may be hard to find the scratched surface. Use a dry-erase marker to mark the surface.

Step 4: Get Your Repair Product Ready

Preparation of your repair product is differentiated according to your choice. The products are both used differently. You need to know all these procedures to help you whenever you have to choose any product.

When you have cerium oxide, mix the powder effectively in a bowl with water. The mixture should be slurry and not thick. You can add water when the slurry tends to dry. It will give you an easy time to put it on the surface effectively and smear it.

When using toothpaste, ensure it has baking soda as an ingredient. Sometimes you may need to purchase baking soda separately. Now mix one spoon of baking soda and a quarter of toothpaste in a standard tube. Mix until you form a slurry mixture with no effect on the baking soda.

Step 5: Smear the Repair Product on the Surface of Scratch

When you are using cerium oxide, ensure you wear protective clothing effectively. It causes mild irritation when it touches bare skin. It would help if you also worked outside where there is enough flow of oxygen. Smear the compound on the surface of the scratch. It is easy to apply when it is in a tube since you need to press to release the product and apply it all over the area.

After applying, you can smear the slurry paste with a microfiber cloth. Don’t use too much pressure when spreading, be gentle but firm to ensure the product gets into the crevice effectively. The product should dry on the surface to be hard and clear for proper visibility. You will also need to buff the surface with a buffing machine or pad.

The buffing process should start from slow-rising your way up steadily. Fill the surface more and more as you continuously buffer to reach a clear and smooth surface with no crack. The buffing pad edges should align to the scratch as you carry out the process.
Please leave it to dry before you embark on doing any other thing to the surface of the window. The period of rest is about 20-30 minutes.

Step 6: Cleanse the Window Once More

After your procedure, you should clean your window to ensure that the product remains are virtually wiped out. You can wash your window normally and check if there is any part remaining with a scratch. The result should be precise and uniform glass.
You can then create a schedule to reapply the products again.

It is because the products wear off with time from pressure such as heavy downpours. Ensure your window remains intact for the most prolonged time.

1. How do you get scratches out of auto glass?

You can use scratch removal products such as cerium oxide or toothpaste with baking soda.

2. What causes car window scratches?

There are several causes, such a defective windshield wiper blades, and collisions.

3. Can toothpaste remove scratches from the windshield?

Yes, but you have to ensure it has ingredients of baking soda. Otherwise, you will buy baking soda and mix it with toothpaste.

4. Can you polish auto glass?

Yes, you can do this by using a window polish kit and use it for polishing.

Final Thoughts

Here is a guide to the most straightforward way on how to remove scratches from automotive glass. You can use them to save costs by buying new windows and windshields. Ensure you do it immediately to avoid getting deeper scratches.

How to Remove Scratches From Car Windows, The Smart Ways

Over the course of owning a car, you will encounter problems like windshield scratches and marks. Having scratches on your windshield is not just annoying, but can also be very dangerous as larger and deeper marks and scratches can obstruct your view. Accidents may happen and may cost you and your passengers’ lives if you are not careful. This guide will show you how to remove scratches from car windows as well as scratches from your car’s windshield.

Before you try to remove scratches from your car windows, inspect the affected part, and check if the scratch is deep or is only superficial. Deep scratches are dangerous as slight pressure can rip the scratches apart and break the windshield or car window. If you have deep scratches on your car windows and windshield, don’t waste time. Have it replaced ASAP.

But for light scratches or superficial scratches, we have some of the best ways to remove scratches from auto glass for you.

Using a car window scratch repair kit

A scratch repair kit comes with all the things you need to fix a light scratch: a bottle containing liquid glass cleaner, polishing cloth, glass repair solution, and safety materials like a pair of gloves and mask. Remember that this method of removing windshield scratches only works only for light scratches and never on deep cuts.

• Clean the car window or windshield with the glass cleaner

Start by cleaning the car window or your windshield with the glass cleaning solution that came with the kit. Follow the directions on how to use this solution and always protect your hand with gloves and cover your nose and mouth with a mask.

• Dry the area completely

After cleaning the area with the glass cleaner, dry the area with some paper towels. You may also use a hairdryer on the lowest setting.

• Apply the glass repair solution

Once the area is completely dry, apply the glass car window scratch repair solution. Follow the instructions on the bottle. Usually, glass repair solutions come with a special applicator or brush. Use only this applicator and never other brushes or wands for even and effective application of the solution. Let the solution dry completely; leave it under the sun.

• Wipe the area with a polishing cloth

Wipe the treated area with a polishing cloth.

How to Get Deep Scratches out of Car Windows

Car window scratches can occur for a variety of reasons including those caused by the blades of the window wiper. It may also be that your jewelry or bag may scratch the car windows. Sometimes wiping the glass may also cause scratches when not using a clean microfiber cloth.

Scratches on your car windows can spoil the fine appearance of your car. More importantly it may be a driving hazard. Scratches can cause car windows to be uneven that may in turn deflect light affecting your visibility of the road.

Dealing with car window scratches especially the deep ones is a more complicated process than car paint touch up. When deep car window scratches are left unattended, it could cause the car windows to shatter anytime leading to a possible serious accident and more expenses. When your car window shatters you will need to have it replaced to maintain the safety of your car.

Fortunately, there are quick and easy remedies to deal with deep scratches in car windows. You can either get a commercial car window scratch removal product or make one yourself.

Assessing the Scratch

The first thing that needs to be done is to assess the window scratch – its length and depth.

The fingernail test will help you determine the depth of the scratch. Run your fingernails or finger through the scratch. Your finger will run through a smooth surface if the scratch is merely on the surface. If your finger gets caught in the scratch, then it is a deep scratch.

Light to moderate scratches can be entirely dealt with a car polish that is safe to use for car windows. Deep scratches need repairs.

Getting Deep Scratches out of Car Windows

As a car owner, it will save you a lot of money if you know how to remove scratches from your car windows.

For surface scratches a scratch removal agent can fill up the scratches. This transparent remover will harden and dry and the scratch will no longer be visible making your car windows look brand new. For deep car window scratches, more action is needed.

Here is the step by step process on how to get deep scratches out of car windows.

Method 1: Using Cleaner Wax

What You Will Need:

• Glass Cleaner. For removing dirt, stain and contaminants from car windows. It is gentle on your car’s glass windows but tough on smudges and grime.
• Cleaner Wax. For removing contaminants and scratches on car windows.
• Wax Applicator. For applying cleaner wax on the car windows without causing any scratch lines or marks.
• Polishing pad. For polishing car windows.
• Polisher or Buffer. Portable device for buffing and cleaning car windows.
• Microfiber cloth. A gentle and soft cloth for wiping the surface of glass windows without causing scratches and swirl marks.

Procedure:

• Spray glass cleaner on the windshield or car windows.
• Wipe the surface with a microfiber cloth. Reapply glass cleaner as necessary to make sure all stains and contaminants are gone. Make sure sand and dirt are removed to avoid friction which may worsen the scratch when applying the cleaner wax.
• Buff the surface until dry with the clean side of the microfiber cloth. Make sure no residues of the glass cleaner remains on the glass.
• Isolate the scratch by surrounding it with a tape.
• Apply cleaner wax on the scratch using the wax applicator. Apply wax evenly making sure it really gets into the scratch. Reapply when needed.
• Connect polishing pad to the buffer device. Set buffer device to between 1500 – 2000 rpm.
• Polish the glass window until scratches are eliminated. Use the buffer gently as pushing too hard may worsen the scratch.
• If working on the car windshield, clean the wiper blades to avoid any further scratches dirt may cause when through friction when the windshield is in motion.

Image from flickr.com

Method 2: Using Homemade Car Window Scratch Removal Compound

What You Will Need:

• Glycol or glycerin. These ingredients can be found in skin care products such as moisturizers and can be purchased in drug stores.
• Jeweler’s rouge. Wax and aluminum oxide often used in jewelries for the polishing of soft metals.
• Water. Tap water or water with low mineral content.
• Soapy water
• Microfiber cloth

• Briskly mix two tablespoons each of glycol or glycerin, jeweler’s rouge and water in a bowl to make the car window scratch removal compound. The removal compound will look similar to toothpaste and should be easy to apply to the scratch.
• Wash the windshield or glass windows as clean as you can with soapy water.
• Thoroughly rinse the cleaner making sure no residue is left. This is to make sure no dirt will get trapped underneath the removal compound.
• Apply the homemade car window scratch removal compound around the area of the scratch and to the scratch. Make sure not to apply too much pressure when applying the compound. The deep scratch could be the weak point of the car window or windshield and applying too much pressure may shatter the glass.
• Spray water on the compound and gently rub with a soft microfiber cloth. Do not apply too much pressure as it may also push the removal compound out of the scratch.
• Allow the removal compound to dry.
• Wash off the removal compound with soapy water.
• If the scratch does not disappear after cleaning, reapply the removal compound and wash it off again with soapy water.
• Apply the removal compound every month or so to make sure the scratch remains filled with the removal compound.

Scratches on the car windows are a frequent nuisance but as a car owner you know it is always bound to happen. You will just need to deal with it immediately to avoid an expensive replacement.