What You’ll Need

• Drill with a rubber polishing wheel
• Scratch repair product
• Glass cleaner
• Microfiber cloth
• Masking tape

This whole process is quick and easy—less than an hour from start to finish. But before diving into the steps, let’s check out some scratch repair products available.

Windshield Scratch Repair Products

Clear Acrylic Nail Polish

Believe it or not, clear acrylic nail polish can work wonders on windshield scratches. It acts like a sealant, filling in those grooves. It dries clear, and when applied right, it leaves a smooth surface.

Baking Soda and White Toothpaste

Here’s another DIY fix that might surprise: a mix of baking soda and regular toothpaste. It’s effective for light scratches, but it might take a few tries since it wears off quickly.

Cerium Oxide

Cerium oxide is a powerful player in the scratch repair game. This fine powder, when mixed with a bit of water, turns into a thick paste. Many windshield polishing products include cerium oxide, so you can buy it as a powder or find it in a ready-made solution. It’s great for deeper scratches.

Scratch vs. Crack: What’s the Difference?

Windshields are made of two sheets of laminated glass with a plastic layer in between. If the damage goes through that outer layer, it’s a crack; if it doesn’t, it’s just a scratch. While some repair methods might lessen the look of a crack, they won’t fix it completely. Ignoring cracks can lead to bigger issues down the line, like decreased visibility and compromised windshield strength.

Think of a scratch as a groove in the glass. By filling it with a clear substance and polishing it up, that scratch can disappear.

DIY Steps for Repairing Scratched Glass

Step 1: Check the Depth of the Scratch

First things first: figure out if the scratch can be repaired. Run a finger or nail over it. If it catches, it’s probably too deep for a DIY fix.

Step 2: Clean the Windshield

Grab that glass cleaner and a soft cloth, and wipe down the entire windshield. Dust and dirt can scratch the glass even more while buffing, so it’s crucial to start with a clean slate.

Step 3: Tape Off the Affected Area

Once the windshield is clean, use masking tape to outline the scratch. This helps keep track of the area that needs work, especially after applying a repair product.

Step 4: Prepare and Apply the Scratch Repair Product

Depending on what product is chosen, some may need prep work. For cerium oxide or the baking soda and toothpaste mix, add a bit of water to create a paste. Others might come ready to go. Follow the instructions on the label.

If using acrylic nail polish, just apply it, let it dry, and wipe it clean. For the other options, attach the polishing wheel to the drill, apply the product, and start buffing gently in circular motions. Don’t overdo it in one spot to avoid heat damage. With a little patience, minor scratches should vanish.

Step 5: Clean the Window Again

Finish up by spritzing the windshield with glass cleaner and wiping it down with that microfiber cloth until it’s spotless.

Tips for Preventing Future Scratches

Keep Your Windshield Clean

While dirt might not cause deep scratches, leaving debris on the windshield can lead to minor scratches as wipers move over them. Regular cleaning can help prevent this.

Watch for Signs of Worn Wipers

Worn-out wipers can scratch the windshield. If they’re not working well or leaving marks, it’s time for a replacement. Check them every six months to keep things fresh.

Keep Wiper Fluid Topped Off

Using wipers without spraying fluid first can lead to scratches. Dust and dirt act like tiny rocks, so a quick spray of washer fluid can keep the windshield clean while wiping.