Small scratches on a windshield can be removed by the following these steps: determining the type of the scratch, purchasing the right glass repair kit, cleaning and applying a rubbing compound to the windshield and allowing the compound to dry. While this procedure is applicable to oxidation marks and small scratches, major scratches on a windshield should be handled by a professional to ensure that further damage does not occur.
There are four types of materials that will be needed to remove a windshield scratch: a glass cleaner, glass repair kit, dry soft cloth and a rubbing compound with cerium oxide as one of its constituent compounds.
- The scratch type can be determined by rubbing a finger over the scratch to ascertain if it is a deep scratch or a surface scratch. Surface scratches are easy to fix, but deep scratches will require the replacement of the windshield by a professional.
- The glass repair kit should be purchased from an auto repair shop.
- The windshield should be washed with soap and water before applying the rubbing compound. This compound should be applied to the scratch and gently rubbed using a clean soft cloth. The main purpose of cerium oxide is to seal and bond the scratch, preventing further damage.
- The final step is to allow the compound to dry, which may take up to 30 minutes, after which the windshield should be washed.
