Window Hard Stains

**spitzshineguy** · 03-14-2011, 07:47 AM

Back in 2007 when I bought my car, 1994 Sentra, come to find out it sat under a pine tree unused for like 3 years. The paint is not the issue since I am having the car repainted. The issue I have is what I want to call "acid rain stains" on my windows all around. Almost looks like sap except there is no texture. I have been detailing for 17 years and can't seem to get this stuff off. It's especially noticable now that I have had the windows tinted. Suggesions would be appreciated. THX>

Rob
Spitzshine Mobile Auto Detailing

**SeaJay's** · 03-14-2011, 07:50 AM

Maybe a stupid question but have you tried polishing the glass? Maybe some DP glass restorer. Just a suggestion.

**SeaJay's** · 03-14-2011, 07:50 AM

Oh and WELCOME! Sorry I just noticed that was your 1st post.

**A4 1.8tqm** · 03-14-2011, 07:50 AM

Try polishing the glass just as you would paint. Lots of water spot info here. I'll find you some links...

Post #3 by Mike P. has more links. I know it's discussing paint though
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...-type-iii.html

Glass spots removed-
Water spots removed from glass

More-
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...-restorer.html

More-
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...ots-glass.html

More-
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...indshield.html

In this one I show my results with Glass science glass scrub (post #7)-
http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...s-windows.html

One more from megs online-
How To Remove Water Spots off Glass using M04 with an RB - Car Care Forums: Meguiar's Online

**spitzshineguy** · 03-14-2011, 07:57 AM

I absolutely have tried polishing the glass, I've tried rubbing compound, polishing compund, vinegar, oven cleaner....the only kind of dent I was able to make in these hard water stains was using a SOS pad and it actually put minor scratches in the glass....and I scrubbed hard too...

**spitzshineguy** · 03-14-2011, 08:00 AM

I have been following Autogeek for quite some time so I apologize, I should have done some research before asking such a noob question....

**SeaJay's** · 03-14-2011, 08:00 AM

I have no clue then. If you already tried polishing the glass and it didn't put a dent in it, then I'm not sure what else you could try.

Maybe some more people will chime in with some other ideas.

**A4 1.8tqm** · 03-14-2011, 08:09 AM

Originally Posted by spitzshineguy

I absolutely have tried polishing the glass, I've tried rubbing compound, polishing compound, vinegar, oven cleaner....the only kind of dent I was able to make in these hard water stains was using a SOS pad and it actually put minor scratches in the glass....and I scrubbed hard too...

Pics? Mike P. has mentioned that you want to use something "chunky", a polishing compound like m105. I know you said you have tried compound, just throwing it out there.

Originally Posted by spitzshineguy

I have been following Autogeek for quite some time so I apologize, I should have done some research before asking such a noob question....

All good.

**spitzshineguy** · 03-14-2011, 08:14 AM

I will be happy to post some pics this evening, can't right now as I am in my "dungeon" at work.

Mike Phillips · 03-14-2011, 08:16 AM

Originally Posted by A4 1.8tqm

Pics? Mike P. has mentioned that you want to use something "chunky", a polishing compound like m105. I know you said you have tried compound, just throwing it out there.

All good.

M105 is not chunky, the abrasives are "super" microscopic in size, it does work but I dont' think it or other micro abrasive product tend to work as good as diminshing abrasive that are chunky.

I've polished a lot of water spots off glass in my life as well as paint but that's because I lived in Oregon... LOL (lots of rain)

Here's something I posted here...

http://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/...hes-glass.html

Couple tips on machine polishing glass,

First it's messy. I've used 3 different brands and homemade slurry and they are all messy, by this I mean when using a rotary buffer you can't help but sling a little spatter, so tape-off and cover up anything you don't what to wipe down or detail splatter off of, or out of, after the job.

The glass buffing pads are thin and hard but work well, my personal opinion is to use a backing plate that offers a foam rubber interface for some cushion and ability to flex, like one of these,

Heavy Duty 5 Inch Rotary Backing Plate

The above fits the 5" Glass Cutting Pads.

You can remove light scuffs and scratches but you can't remove deep scratches or chips because to do so would mean buffing and removing enough glass to level the upper surface with the lowest depths of the defects you're trying to remove.

Also, do keep the buffing moving, don't hold it in one place and you won't have a heat problem.