Windows: Service and Repair

Window Polishing

Minor Scratch and Abrasion Removal

Remove or reduce any minor scratches and abrasions by following the procedure below. Use care in order to prevent distortions of vision. Double vision may result if you attempt to remove deep scratches. Do not attempt to remove any deep scratches near the driver's line of vision. If deep scratches are present, replace the window.


The polishing procedure that follows was developed using a cerium oxide compound. Follow the manufacturer's instructions if any other materials are used. The polishing procedure should not be used on deep tinted windows. The coating on the windows could be damaged.


Recommended Equipment

* A low speed (600-1,300 RPM) rotary polisher
* A wool felt, rotary polishing pad 76 mm (3 in) the diameter and 51 mm (2 in) thick
* Powdered cerium oxide mixed with water, this is the abrasive compound
* A wide mouth container in order to hold the abrasive compound



Polishing Procedure

1. Mix at least 44 ml (1.5 oz) of cerium oxide with enough water in order to obtain a creamy consistency.

* If the mixture is too thick, the mixture will cake on the felt pad more quickly.
* If the mixture is too runny, more polishing time will be needed.

2. Draw a circle around the scratches on the opposite side of the window in order to serve as a guide for locating the scratch while polishing.
3. Cover the surrounding area with masking paper in order to catch the drippings or any splattered polish.

Important: Do not submerge the pad or allow the pad to stay in the mixture, as the bond may loosen between the pad and the metal plate.

4. Dip the felt pad, attached to the polisher, into the mixture.




5. Note the following suggestions while polishing the scratched area:

* Stir 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 feathering-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.

6. After removing the scratch, wipe the area clean of any polish.
7. Clean the polishing pad.