To be successful, all damage must be removed after the first step. For more than five decades, active and dedicated aircraft owners and pilots have turned to AVIATION CONSUMER to answer their most important buying questions. Over the last 20 years GT Tools has continued to develop and fine tune the most effective and efficient processes for removing scratching, environmental residue, and other damage from glass surfaces. Simple as it may seem, the windscreen is a profoundly sensitive component of your car. Clean the glass well, dry and apply tape around the scratched area. Rain Away, Contacts Aircraft Spruce (Scratch-Off), 877-4-SPRUCE, www.aircraftspruce.com Micro-Surface Finishing Products, 800-225-3006, www.micro-surface.com Novus, Inc., 800-668-8760, www.noscratch.com/novus. RecommendationsWhile the manually applied Novus required less preparation, it took four applications over the course of 10 minutes to see noticeable results. As previously mentioned, simple wear and tear is often the root of windscreen damage and there is very little one can do to prevent it. And never use glass cleaner on acrylic (Plexiglas or Lucite) or polycarbonate (Lexan) windows. Micro-MeshThe Micro-Mesh Light Damage Kit is one of several offered by the company. Half of each section was covered by paper for comparison after the test. Further causes of progressive windshield damage are scraping off ice in winter, defective or dirty windshield wipers and putting the car through automatic car washes. At this stage, take your time and tread carefully, patience and care are key to proper polish application. The final polishing stage left the Plex with a high gloss and the foam pads were easy to clean for future use.Therefore, Scratch-Off is our first choice in this group of products. Leave a space of approximately 5-6 mm to the left and right parallel to the scratch so that a 10-12 mm wide area is left for polishing. Clean the glass well, dry and apply tape around the scratched area. The appropriateness of the polish is crucial as using standard (non auto-specific) polish can damage or discolour your windscreen. The first step calls for wet sanding with 600-grit sandpaper, which is not included in the kit. We used a lot of water in this process and discovered that every square inch of the window being treated must be kept wet. Then slide the enclosed rubber protective cap over the end of the polishing rod and attach the pink polishing strip to the bevelled side of the polishing rod with the rubber ring. Then slide the enclosed rubber protective cap over the end of the polishing rod and attach the pink polishing strip to the bevelled side of the polishing rod with the rubber ring. And be sure to familiarize yourself with the application technique for the product before you launch-theyre generally applied parallel or perpendicular to the scratch. The best thing is: You also save a considerable amount of money. Run your finger across the affected area. The major upside was that it was a lot less work and it wasnt overly messy. Do not use for eye glasses or optical lenses. So we offer a caveat to account for this: The hand-applied product did not completely remove the severe scratches and, as a corollary, more was expected of the power-assisted products. Any of these products should be applied out of direct sunlight, which will dry the compounds prematurely and increase their aggressiveness. A scratched windscreen can be caused by a number of different everyday occurrences. 3. We found the Scratch-Off system easy to navigate and the directions were clear and readily understandable. If the scratch catches your fingernail, the scratch will require professional help to fix. In fact, most damage can be removed in just a couple minutes. The second Novus panel was the test bed for application with a power buffer, a less labor-intensive process and only somewhat more effective. Any time glass is removed from the surface, distortion can happen. With the Gforce Max, distortion-free scratch removal is not only possibleits also amazingly simple. Be careful not to use anything too coarse as this may serve to exacerbate the issue. If the scratches are still visible, carry out further 3 minute polishing units until all of the scratches have been completely removed. If its more than a fingernail-depth scratch, check with a pro.Replacing the window may be safer, given that a bird strike on a thin spot could cause failure of the entire windshield. While gripping the Max, press the disk flat against the glass on the scratch. With a built-in water feed, ergonomic grip, and self-leveling backer pad, even beginners can use the Max to remove scratches in just minutes. Because the major scratch removal products are not perfectly comparable-all were applied using power tools and one (Novus) was also applied by hand-minor variations in the results were expected and observed. Polish the scratched area for 3 minutes (= 1 polishing unit) with the polishing rod applying firm pressure and with a fast motion at an angle of 90 degrees to the scratches, whereby the bevelled surface of the polishing rod must rest on the glass with the entire surface when polishing. The microfiber traps any dust and debris on the window, absorbing it into the cloth and pulling it away from the window surface. Accordingly, windshield repair should never be taken lightly or left on the back burner if you have an issue now, it only stands to get worse. The manual application seems most appropriate for the more common light scratches, such as a brief encounter with a headset. Most people either throw out the scratched piece or cause more damage while removing scratch. Now attach the white polishing strip to the bevelled side of the polishing rod using the rubber ring. Novus is generally applied by hand, with power application as a choice for severe scratches. If the scratch is still visible following this process, you most likely require a windshield replacement. With every rescheduled appointment and delayed delivery, you lose future customers and damage your reputation . Thanks, {"modules":["unloadOptimization","bandwidthDetection"],"unloadOptimization":{"browsers":{"Firefox":true,"Chrome":true}},"bandwidthDetection":{"url":"https://ir.ebaystatic.com/cr/v/c1/thirtysevens.jpg","maxViews":4,"imgSize":37,"expiry":300000,"timeout":250}}. Clean the surface Finished! Its main features include: Many scratch removal systems claim to be distortion-free, but if they use abrasive disks, thats impossible. Ergonomic Grip: The grip was designed specifically for comfort and fatigue prevention. Once the scratch is removed, use water and paper towels to clean the glass. An added bonus is that theres less temptation to rush the job. Anything thats harder or more abrasive than your windows will scratch them. For the last two power-assisted steps, a black TufBuf polishing pad (resembling a small swatch of fluffy shag rug) and a white foam pad are used to apply the Micro-Gloss fine abrasive compound. If the acrylic surface starts to overheat, spray the area with water and reduce the RPMs. Color-coding the compounds to the foam pads eliminates errors caused by possible distractions or inexperience. After we ran the uAvionix AV-30 installation planning guide in the May 2022 issue of Aviation Consumer, we got some requests for an inflight Belvoir Media Group, LLC. All orders received before 3pm GMT will be dispatched same day, we ship domestic and international via DHL Expressor via our local distribution centres located across the UK, EU, USA, Canada, India and Australia. Anyone who says distortion-free isnt possible hasnt met the Max. Over time loose gravel, sand or other small particles on the road continuously strike or adhere to the car windshield: This causes scratches that in the long term can impair visibility. Scratch Hog Glass Scratch Repair Kit - Standard, Scratch Hog Glass Scratch Repair Kit - Heavy Duty, 3M Trizact Glass Restoration Disc (Polishing), translation missing: en.cart.general.close_cart, Existing Automotive or Glass related businesses. Its important to note that this product is not recommended for use on pressurized aircraft. This website contains many older reviews. Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- Best Selling in Windshield Repair Kits & Tools, Current slide {CURRENT_SLIDE} of {TOTAL_SLIDES}- You may also like, Recommend this product, has plenty of attachments to do the job, removed two scratches from our front door and patio window. If this is the case, keep in mind that a motorized hand drill with a rubber polishing wheel attachment should do the trick. 2. Self-leveling Backer Pad: The self-leveling backer pad makes it easy to keep the disk level on the glass. Now that you have a soft micro fibre cloth and some polish, apply the polish to the scratched area. In our view, the ability to use more common tools would not only reduce the cost to the consumer, but would widen the field for use of this product. Annoying scratches on for example car windows, watch glass, glass furniture, decorations and window panes can finally be a thing of the past. Thankfully, with the proper tools, most cases of windscreen scratch removal can be handled at home. Even the single scratch was evidence of more damage than we normally see on an aircraft window. Most scratch removal systems create a mess so big that its not worth the hassle. Circular application should only be performed if the directions call for it specifically. Take your time with this product as well and keep the RPMs below 1200. We learned that the product directions must be followed to the letter and learned that Harry Callahan was right-a mans gotta know his limitations. All prices are UVP and incl. Other cookies, which increase the usability of this website, serve for direct advertising or simplify interaction with other websites and social networks, will only be used with your consent. Do not use on coated or anti-reflective surfaces. Weve pulled together a handy guide to help you with any forays into home windscreen scratch removal. Its a simple matter of taking exquisite care with your aircraft glass. Most scratches can be removed in just minutes. Weve used that kit before and while effective, its time- and labor-intensive. Shop now, Pay Later with GT Tools and Klarna. A kit containing two-ounce bottles of the three compounds retails for $14.95. From windshields to skyscrapers, Gforce is the go-to choice for pros all over the world. Beyond costing you time, money, and business, scratched glass is just a straight-up pain. Think of it like ironing wrinkles out of clothes. QUIXX solves the problem of scratched glass! Please note that it may only be possible to improve deep scratches and they may not be entirely removed. With the Max, removing scratches wont put you behind schedule. It is impossible to deal with a deep scratch without professional-grade equipment. In our test, the hand-applied Novus 2/3 combination was reasonably effective on the single scratch and while it mitigated the severe scratch somewhat, it did not eliminate it. Do-it-yourself 2 stage abrasive version of ourProfessional GP-WIZ Scratched Glass Repair Systemdeveloped and used by Glass Polish technicians worldwide, suitable to be used on any type of windscreen or car glass to removewiper blade damage,scratches, abrasions, acid etching, limescale mineral deposits, chemical stains, surface marks and scuffs. Yourself! Well, we would recommend that you differ to the experts if the scratch is is any deeper than 50 microns. Polishing wheel attachments are available at many motor factors and hardware shops, so it shouldnt be too difficult to get your hands on one. Remove the tape and clean the glass. Registered in Ireland. All rights reserved. Further, using this method on a small piece of window made it more difficult to remove the extraneous circular marks left by the sandpaper. Before you treat an entire window, test them on a small corner first. 4. Leave a space of approximately 5-6 mm to the left and right parallel to the scratch so that a 10-12 mm wide area is left for polishing. To be able to use QUIXX Repair it. in full range, we recommend activating Javascript in your browser. Not good. How We TestedWe used a brand-new acrylic window intended for a Mooney 201, unused by a local shop customer. Last, always wet the plastic first before applying a cleaner and keep it wet throughout the process. A Heavy Damage Kit is also offered, as is the familiar KR-70 kit, which uses a foam block, a number of progressively finer sandpaper sheets and Micro-Gloss scratch removal liquid. NOT suitable for mobile phone, TV, laptop or tablet repairs. Last, a clean white flannel cloth, also included, is used to apply an antistatic polish. The powered version of the Novus application was more effective, but didnt completely remove the scratches, either. Can be used on normal or toughened glass, automotive glass, house windows, marine glass, aquariums, glass tables, kitchen hobs and much more. Instead, it uses heat, friction, and compound to level out the damage. Not suitable for use on tablets. Two sets of scratches were inflicted on the glass: a severe scratch produced by three passes of a -inch common screwdriver blade and a separate single scratch several inches below it. The Light Damage Removal Kit, which we used, retails for $95, with enough product to cover 100 square feet of plastic. They are designed to cut and remove deep marks, while the compounds used with the white pads, SO-3 (Micro Brite) and SO-4 (Microsheen) are used to remove swirling and for high-gloss polishing. The Gforce Max is the only tool designed specifically for removing scratches. Next, use the cloth to slowly and evenly work the polish solution deep into the scratch. The two coarser compounds are identified with yellow labels, matching the yellow foam pad: SO-1 (Micro Cut) and SO-2 (Micro Lite). With QUIXX Do-it-Yourself Glass Scratch Remover you can repair damaged glass in no time at all and get great professional quality results. If scratches are still visible, start again with Step 2 and continue with further 3 minute polishing units until all scratches have been removed. Please be aware our Call Centre is now closed. 1 paste (this is approximately 2-3 units on the syringe scale) to the scratched area or to the tip of the polishing rod. The directions recommend that you repeat this as needed-we applied Novus 3 four times. Unless otherwise noted, these reviews carry product pricing from the time of the original review. Ultimately, the success of this method is dependent on the severity of your scratched windscreen. Apply approximately 0.04-0.06 ml of Repair No. The standard Scratch-Off kit, with enough product for one aircraft windshield, retails for $34.85; the deluxe FBO-sized kit, enough for several aircraft, sells for $66.50. Automotive Windshield Repair Kits & Tools, item 1 Windshield Scratch Removal, Glass Polishing Kit, Windscreen Repair Kit, item 2 Windshield Glass Scratch Remover, Polishing Kit, Windscreen Repair Kit, item 3 Car Wash Interior Cleaning Gel Slime Machine Glue Car Wash Mud Car Cleaning Gel, item 4 Car Headlight Repair Fluid Scratch Remover Headlight Refurbishment Polishing, item 5 34Pcs Auto Windscreen Polishing Repair-Kit Car Glass Repair-Deep Scratch,Remover, item 6 Auto Cleaning Wash Tool W/ Long Handle Car Window Windshield Cleaner Washing Kit, item 7 BOSCH wiper blade 3397007570 FRONT AR654S 650/340mm, item 8 Car Scratch Repair Polishing Wax Rust Removal Headlight Polish Cleaner Auto Care, 4.9 out of 5 stars based on 13 product ratings, 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 3 product ratings, 5.0 out of 5 stars based on 1 product rating, 4.5 out of 5 stars based on 2 product ratings. We recently tested a few well-established scratch removal systems to see how well they repaired some worst-case scratches. Drill It, Patch It Right, Garmin Service Alert: G5 Battery Discharge, Exhaust Systems 101: Not So Silent Killers, uAvionix AV-30 Fly-Off: Autopilot, Heading. If you have any doubts regarding the seriousness of you windscreen scratch, its best to contact the experts at Allglass Autoglass. Now polish again applying firm pressure and with a fast motion until no more micro scratches / marks are visible.