OT: Ever clayed a windshield?
11-07-2007, 08:06 PM
#16
Rennlist Member
Terry, I clayed my windshield on a whim and really didn't perceive any major benefits, nor any detriments for that matter. Maybe my technique was poor, but I don't plan on doing it again.
However, I am planning on trying the Porter Cable on it - some say this is fraught with danger, but just kissing it a bit with a fine pad and polish might help it . Mine is a fairly evenly pitted windshield (original Sigla glass), so any marginal improvement is worth the risk.
However, I am planning on trying the Porter Cable on it - some say this is fraught with danger, but just kissing it a bit with a fine pad and polish might help it . Mine is a fairly evenly pitted windshield (original Sigla glass), so any marginal improvement is worth the risk.
11-07-2007, 11:03 PM
#17
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Ed, be careful with the electric polisher on the windshield. The heat build-up can crack the glass fairly quickly.
FWIW, I used work in the windshield glass industry. Those pits may fill-in by using waxes or silicone products, but the effect is temporary. Some glass is very soft and can be scratched by products with even a little abrasive. While you may get the water stains off, the resulting spider web of light scratches won't be apparent until you are driving into the sun.
To remove water stains, try soapy water with a few drops of white vinegar.
Rainx works fine when you first apply it, but after it wears down you end-up with a thin coating of water and useless wipers. imho, skip the rainx.
FWIW, I used work in the windshield glass industry. Those pits may fill-in by using waxes or silicone products, but the effect is temporary. Some glass is very soft and can be scratched by products with even a little abrasive. While you may get the water stains off, the resulting spider web of light scratches won't be apparent until you are driving into the sun.
To remove water stains, try soapy water with a few drops of white vinegar.
Rainx works fine when you first apply it, but after it wears down you end-up with a thin coating of water and useless wipers. imho, skip the rainx.
11-08-2007, 02:16 AM
#22
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11-08-2007, 02:52 PM
#23
Ed, be careful with the electric polisher on the windshield. The heat build-up can crack the glass fairly quickly.
FWIW, I used work in the windshield glass industry. Those pits may fill-in by using waxes or silicone products, but the effect is temporary. Some glass is very soft and can be scratched by products with even a little abrasive. While you may get the water stains off, the resulting spider web of light scratches won't be apparent until you are driving into the sun.
To remove water stains, try soapy water with a few drops of white vinegar.
Rainx works fine when you first apply it, but after it wears down you end-up with a thin coating of water and useless wipers. imho, skip the rainx.
FWIW, I used work in the windshield glass industry. Those pits may fill-in by using waxes or silicone products, but the effect is temporary. Some glass is very soft and can be scratched by products with even a little abrasive. While you may get the water stains off, the resulting spider web of light scratches won't be apparent until you are driving into the sun.
To remove water stains, try soapy water with a few drops of white vinegar.
Rainx works fine when you first apply it, but after it wears down you end-up with a thin coating of water and useless wipers. imho, skip the rainx.
I was also in the Auto Glass industry and agree. In the late 80's we used an electric buffer and an emery (I think that's right) wheel with some type of highly abrasive polish. It did remove scratches but would cause visible distortion, like looking through a bad tempered glass door at the grocery store. We also used fine steel wool to remove water spots and I could never tell if it scratched. As a mater of fact I have the 0.000000, can't remember the number of zeros, wool and use it now for spots. Just use gloves (ask me how I know). Don't use the wool on the w/s and then wax the paint after. Always wash first. Tiny wool fibers float in the air and land on the paint and could scratch the paint when touched.
OT: I have a cracked W/S now and will be posting pics of the install soon.
11-08-2007, 09:05 PM
#24
Rennlist Member
+1
I was also in the Auto Glass industry and agree. In the late 80's we used an electric buffer and an emery (I think that's right) wheel with some type of highly abrasive polish. It did remove scratches but would cause visible distortion, like looking through a bad tempered glass door at the grocery store. We also used fine steel wool to remove water spots and I could never tell if it scratched. As a mater of fact I have the 0.000000, can't remember the number of zeros, wool and use it now for spots. Just use gloves (ask me how I know). Don't use the wool on the w/s and then wax the paint after. Always wash first. Tiny wool fibers float in the air and land on the paint and could scratch the paint when touched.
OT: I have a cracked W/S now and will be posting pics of the install soon.
I was also in the Auto Glass industry and agree. In the late 80's we used an electric buffer and an emery (I think that's right) wheel with some type of highly abrasive polish. It did remove scratches but would cause visible distortion, like looking through a bad tempered glass door at the grocery store. We also used fine steel wool to remove water spots and I could never tell if it scratched. As a mater of fact I have the 0.000000, can't remember the number of zeros, wool and use it now for spots. Just use gloves (ask me how I know). Don't use the wool on the w/s and then wax the paint after. Always wash first. Tiny wool fibers float in the air and land on the paint and could scratch the paint when touched.
OT: I have a cracked W/S now and will be posting pics of the install soon.
11-08-2007, 10:01 PM
#25
Drifting
C O O L on the clay windshield treatment. I actually would like to try it on the inside of the windshield since I have some slpooge that will NOT come off even with wadded newspaper & a little vinegar water. Everything I use just smears it around.
11-09-2007, 12:18 AM
#26
Three Wheelin'
C O O L on the clay windshield treatment. I actually would like to try it on the inside of the windshield since I have some slpooge that will NOT come off even with wadded newspaper & a little vinegar water. Everything I use just smears it around.
11-09-2007, 07:19 AM
#28
Rennlist Member
If you remove anything more than surface stains and dirt, you are either scratching or changing the optical properties of the glass. You will be staring at your mistake everytime you get behind the wheel. I personally would stay away from any abrasive. If you have stains or spots that do not come off, try denatured alcohol or a professional degreaser.
11-09-2007, 08:40 AM
#29
Addict
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I'm suprised that no one has presented this ...... Bon Ami cleanser. I use it to cut thru everything on the glass - dirt, oils, even Rain-X. Just rinse it off afterwards and you have a squeaky-clean windshield. (I then reapply Rain-X, and my 17years of pitting on the windshield disappear)
11-09-2007, 08:43 AM
#30
Drifting
If you remove anything more than surface stains and dirt, you are either scratching or changing the optical properties of the glass. You will be staring at your mistake everytime you get behind the wheel. I personally would stay away from any abrasive. If you have stains or spots that do not come off, try denatured alcohol or a professional degreaser.
