Polishing Damaged Glass

Discussion in 'Detailers Domain' started by dbs600, Nov 8, 2014.

  1. dbs600

    dbs600 Virgin Detailer

    Hi all,

    Hope all is well.

    My car was at my dealer for over 100 days for engine replacement and was returned to me with that shown in the first picture attached – some type of waxy film on the windshield that doesn’t come off (it looks like a film, but doesn’t seem to be one, and it’s not waxy to the touch, just looks waxy).

    I’ve tried Windex and rubbing alcohol. My dealer tried an industrial grade aircraft glass cleaner. Lemon juice and vinegar have also been tried, all to no avail.

    Note the driver’s door glass, also pictured, was returned to me with some type of etching / ghosting. Oddly, the dealer has since paid to have the window polished (after it initially said it would replace the glass), which I’m told has resolved the issue, but I haven’t seen same in person yet. Nevertheless, the dealer doesn’t want to accept responsibility for the windshield.

    Anyone know if polishing the windshield would work? Does polishing remove a layer / coating to the glass? If so, does the glass need to be sealed after? And does this make the glass more vulnerable to damage? In all, if polishing may work, can anyone provide a rough estimate as to the cost; retail and wholesale (i.e.: if the dealer were to sublet same)?

    Any help would be greatly appreciated!

    Thank you.
     
  2. inDetail

    inDetail New Member

    There are a few glass cleaners out there that can remove road gunk. Glass Science makes glass scrubber but it is not a polish. Polishing glass Ceri-Glass from Car-pro but you will need a machine and a rayon pad. I think DP or Dura Gloss make other glass polishes. If you hop on Autopia or AutoGeek the have glass polishes.
     
  3. eShine

    eShine DB Pro Supporter

    Polishing glass is tough. We have been able to remove slight scuffs and stains but for more severe jobs we have actually sanded and polished. You have to be careful to not distort the glass or heat one spot too much or it will crack (Ask how I found this out....) We just use CarPro Ceriglass on a rotary using a white polishing pad. We charge about $75 to polish a windshield.
     
  4. dbs600

    dbs600 Virgin Detailer

    Thanks for the replies, Gentlemen.

    I've since been able to upload photos, which are attached.

    So as suspected, polishing weakens glass...? :|

    Thanks.

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