Removing Tiny Scratches from the Windsheild

Skipper July 11, 2006 Ask The Skipper

Mark Harris asked:

I used a fine, plastic scratch pad to clean the windshield on my boat. I thought the windshield was safety glass. I guess it is plexyglass, because thier are many tiny scratches now.
Is there any product available that would make these scatches go away?

Answer:

For your convenience, I’ve highlighted the hyperlinks. Click on the hyperlink to get more information about the selected product.

If the scratches are fine enough the Aurora two part Clear View Kit will take them out and restore the surface.

If the scratches are too deep, you will need to compound them out with several grades of rubbing compound and an orbital buffer. Depending on the depth of scratch, you will need to start with a medium or even coarse grade of compound and then rework the surface with ever finer grades until you cut the surface back and get it clear again. This is a time consuming and somewhat difficult task. If you do not get the surface cut evenly, the result will be a ripple effect in the windshield.

If the Clear View Kit does not remove the scratches to your satisfaction, I would consider replacing the windshield and only trying the compounding technique as a last resort.

Thanks for your question.

Captain Aurora
Richard Kittar