The smart solution for glass reconditioning
We do not recommend this process on front-facing vehicle windshields due to the risk of optical refraction that is a safety factor when driving, but side windows and back windscreen can be refurbished. This will remove any chalk marks, dirt, and micro scratches.
With this solution, most types of automotive glass can be reconditioned. It is important to remember to keep track of the temperature of the glass. It can not exceed 70 ˚C or 158 ˚F especially on non-hardened glass due to the risk of cracking.
Determining the correct grit can be challenging, as it depends how deep the scratch is, but start with a fine grit and go towards coarse until you the scratch is reduced, rather than starting with a too coarse grit and spending more time on the job. Sanding glass removes material and the coarse grits remove more.
The fewer steps necessary to get the job done, the better. Otherwise, there is a risk of optical refraction. The polishing step takes longer than the sanding steps.
When sanding and polishing, keep the polisher flat to surface, this will give a better and smoother finish.
Clean in between the steps to avoid dust from previous steps causing any scratches.
Throughout the entire process, do not touch the glass with bare fingers, as transferred grease will affect the result and in worst case fingerprints will be visible. Use gloves!
Always use a dust protection mask. Please check local legislation about concentrations known to be hazardous.
Take sufficient time over each sanding step, it is all about giving each step the time it needs.
Before you start
Start sanding with a fine grit, eg. 320 grit, or just polish out the scratch. If the fine grit does not sand enough, use the next coarser grit. This way you can avoid additional steps when removing the scratches. The following process starts with 180 grit, which is recommended for deep scratches.
How to recondition a scratched car window
You can restore and polish glass instead of replacing a car's damaged side or back window with a new one, Mirka's glass sanding solution can be used instead, saving time and money.
This procedure starts with Abralon, because the scratches are superficial, they are easy to remove with a softer abrasive.
Watch the video to see the procedure. (NOTE: The PS1437 Polisher is unavailable at this time)
Step 1 - Abralon 360
For removal of glass scratches, sand with Abralon 360 grit and Rotary Polisher. Dry or wet sanding. Keep the area as small as possible, the area will expand for each step. Wipe the surface clean.
Step 2 - Abralon 500
Sand with Abralon 500 grit and Rotary Polisher. Dry or wet sanding. Begin sanding from the edge of the previous grit. Wipe the surface clean.
Step 3 - Abralon 600
Sand with Abralon 600 grit and Rotary Polisher. Dry or wet sanding. Wipe the surface clean.
Step 4 - Abralon 1000
Sand with Abralon 1000 grit and Rotary Polisher. Wipe the surface clean.
Step 5 - Polish
Use a Rotary Polisher and a Mirka White Felt Polishing Pad with Polarshine E3 Glass Polishing Compound. Remember to have the polisher flat to the surface and at low speed to not heat up the glass too quickly. Do not let the compound dry on the glass, add more as needed.
Wipe the glass and check for scratches. Use a soft microfibre cloth and a window cleaning liquid. Polish until you have reached the desired finish.
Step 1 - Abranet SIC NS 180
This procedure starts with Abranet SIC NS because the scratches are deep. It is necessary to remove more glass material with coarser grits.
For removal of glass scratches, sand with Abranet SIC NS 180 and Rotary Polisher. Dry or wet sanding. Keep the area as small as possible, the area will expand with each step.
Step 2 - Abranet SIC NS 240
Sand with Abranet SIC NS 240 and Rotary Polisher. Dry or wet sanding. Begin sanding from the edge of the previous grit. Wipe the surface clean.
Step 3 - Abranet SIC NS 320
Sand with Abranet SIC NS 320 and Rotary Polisher. Dry or wet sanding. Wipe the surface clean.
Step 4 - Abranet SIC NS 400
Sand with Abranet SIC NS 400 and Rotary Polisher. Wipe the surface clean.
Step 5 - Pre-polish with Abralon
Sand with Abralon 500 using the Rotary Polisher. Continue sanding with Abralon 600 and move on to Abralon 1000. Dry or wet sanding. Wipe the surface clean.
Step 6 - Polish
Use Rotary Polisher and a Mirka White Felt Polishing Pad with Polarshine E3 Glass Polishing Compound. Remember to have the polisher flat to the surface and at low speed to not heat up the glass too quickly. Do not let the compound dry on the glass, add more as needed. Wipe the glass and check for scratches. Polish more if required. Use a soft microfibre cloth and a window cleaning liquid.
Abranet SIC NS or Abralon?
Both Abranet SIC NS and Abralon use Silicon Carbide grains, which is the optimal grain when sanding glass. They contain no stearate coating, which is unnecessary for sanding glass.
If you have deep scratches or you are sanding a large area, start with Abranet SIC NS.
For superficial scratches, we recommend starting with Abralon. Abranet gives a closer feeling to sanding surface and a more aggressive sanding result.
Abralon
Abralon is a versatile sanding disc designed for use on both smooth and contoured surfaces. Its innovative flexible structure minimises the possibility of pressure marks while enabling the creation of a smooth sanding pattern on sloped surfaces and edges.
Abralon SIC NS
Abranet SIC NS is a specialty abrasive that uses silicon carbide cutting grains formulated completely without the use of stearate. It has been developed especially for use with glass and is also perfectly suited for use with clear coats, primers, carbon fibre and other composites.
A better choice for you and the environment
All polishes that Mirka produces are water-based and produced in Finland. There are many benefits of choosing a water-based polishing compound.
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