How to Remove Scratches from Car Glass

Every car owner takes great pride in maintaining their vehicle. But, despite being cautious, your car glass might still get scratched. It might be due to airborne or flying road debris, improper cleaning methods, accidents, or even the car windshield wiper.

This issue not only breaks the windshield but also becomes a hindrance to driving. So, you need to address the issue quickly for a safe driving experience.

In this blog, we’ll share the types of scratches and show you how to remove scratches from car glass with DIY and professional solutions.

Understanding the Types of Scratches

Car glass scratches can be of different types based on their severity. Understanding the type helps you choose the best autoglass repair solution. So, let’s know more about them!

1. Superficial/Surface Scratches

Superficial or surface scratches are minor and easy to remove with simple DIY windshield repair methods. They occur primarily due to dust, dirt, rubbing with soft objects on the glass, or improper or harsh cleaning methods.

You can hardly notice these scratches with the naked eye or feel them against your skin. They don’t impact visibility but appear unsightly to automobile owners. If left untreated, these scratches worsen over time.

2. Deeper/Moderate Scratches

These are slightly deeper and more noticeable scratches than the superficial ones, but they are minor. Moderate scratches happen due to heavy impacts from scraping ice off the windshield or debris hitting the car’s glass while driving.

Worn or faulty windshield wipers or debris caught under them and rubbed across the glass may also cause scratches.

If the scratch is on a small area, you can remove it using DIY methods or simple polishing.

3. Deep Scratches

Deep scratches impact several layers of the windshield glass, compromising the glass’s structural integrity. These happen due to severe impact, such as a windshield being hit by a stone. Soon after such scratches, the glass might crack or shatter.

DIY solutions can only make these scratches look faint. However, it requires an immediate professional fix.

Methods to Remove Scratches on Windshield Glass

If your car glass has superficial or moderate scratches, thoroughly clean it and remove dirt and dust. Use concentrated car wash soap to clean dirt. If it’s still dirty, use synthetic detailing clay to remove embedded dirt.

Here is how to remove scratches from the windshield with DIY methods for these scratches.

1. Toothpaste Method

Any non-gel toothpaste has slight abrasive components that polish light and minor scratches. Here’s how you can do it:

• Apply toothpaste on a cotton pad or clean cloth.
• Gently rub the mixture into the scratch using circular motions for some minutes. Don’t go far away from the scratch.
• After a while, use a damp fabric or cotton pad to wipe off the toothpaste. If there’s foam or leftover toothpaste, wipe again until clean.

2. Baking Soda Paste

This is another DIY solution for superficial scratches. Baking soda solution, similar to toothpaste, forms a slightly abrasive mixture that smoothens out scratches. Here’s how you can use it:

• Make a paste of one part baking soda and one part water.
• Using a microfiber cloth, apply and rub it into the scratch in a circular motion for a few minutes.
• Wipe it off with another clean, damp microfiber cloth/cotton pad.

3. At-Home Glass Polishing Kits

If the superficial scratch doesn’t fade even after trying the above methods or the glass has moderate scratches, get DIY glass polishing kits.

These are made of cerium oxide and come with a buffing pad. Reputable sellers offer a buffing pad attached to a drill for effective polishing. Some worry that these might scratch the glass, but they are completely safe! Here’s how you apply it:

• Prepare the cerium oxide paste according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Apply it using the buffing pad.
• Polish it by hand or with a drill.
• Wipe off the excess after polishing.

4. Nail Polish/Acrylic Filler

Clear nail polish or acrylic glass filler can be a temporary solution for cars that need professional attention but the owner can’t make time. These can temporarily seal the scratch.

Process:

• Apply the thinnest possible layer of clear nail polish/acrylic glass filler on the scratch.
• Let it dry and ensure no dirt falls on it meanwhile.
• Take off excess polish using a razor.

Professional Solutions

If DIY methods don’t work for windshield repair and you’re still wondering how to remove scratches from car glass, it’s best to seek professionals. Here are the most common solutions!

1. Professional Polishing Solutions

Professionals may suggest a polishing service. Don’t refuse it if you’ve already tried at-home polishing. They use industry-grade elements and tools with higher efficiency, so give it a shot.

2. Windshield Replacement

If the scratch is extremely deep and the glass’s structural integrity is compromised, it’s impossible to repair it. In this case, your final solution is a glass replacement. Experts recommend this only after a thorough damage assessment.

Conclusion

Car glass scratches are not only annoying but also safety hazards. So, with this guide, identify the type of scratch and apply the best solution for it. If it’s a serious scratch, and if you don’t know how to remove scratches from windshield glass, seek professional help.

At NuVision Auto Glass, our team of qualified specialists is here to save the day. We offer that with an industry-leading warranty, guaranteed high-quality repair, and commitment to safety standards!

Besides windshields, we also offer a range of premium auto glass services. If you’re seeking an all-in-one auto glass services solution, contact us today and grab your free estimate or appointment!