Dislikes: 0
-
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 1 Likes, 0 Dislikes
-
Re: Machine Sanding Glass - Do NOT do this!
Continued...
After I arrived to the point where I was done with the sanding, I started in on the machine polishing to remove the sanding marks. This is MORE DIFFICULT than the sanding step. With the sanding step I pressed down about 5 pounds on the polisher, maybe a tick more. For the rotary step I pressed down at least 10 pounds, maybe more and did this for HOURS.
And it's just as mess as the sanding step. Maybe more messing since the pad slings splatter out easily due to single centrifugal action of a rotary polisher.
Here's everything I could find after the job for this scary picture.
This is a 3M Trizact #5000 sanding disc. What you see is a build-up of SLURRY on the face of the sanding disc. Slurry is the water and glass particles that are sanded off the windshield.
When I carefully remove the plastic drop cloth, you can see the paint is for the most part still in pristine condition. My February 3-day detailing class detailed this car and use IGL Poly to ceramic coat the paint.
The inside of the windshield also had a film on it. Here's some education.
Sometimes you can remove a FILM using a liquid, as in a liquid glass cleaner. Sometimes you need to use a glass-safe polish. And that's what I did.
Topical versus Sub-Surface Glass Polishing
The BLACKFIRE Water Spot Remover is for cleaning and removing TOPICAL stains off the surface of glass. It is NOT for removing scratches IN the glass. For my purpose, it worked perfect. If you have scratches, wiper marks or swirls IN glass you need a glass polish that contains Cerium Oxide. Remember that. So many experts on YouTube and Facebook always telling me, any old polish will work. What they have done is shared with me their "knowledge level".
This is real simple folks... use a microfiber applicator pad and then contort yourself to get the job done.
BOOM!
Crystal Clear Glass!
And most important - crystal clear glass for the DRIVER.
Now to finish the job. I use the PBL Surface Coating, my favorite glass coating for both the inside and the outside. Sorry no pictures of me applying it to the outside as no one was around when I did the work.
Here's the final results...
Ready for another 64 years of driving fun!
2021 - 1957 = 64
Here's what I used. NOTE: The below is just to show you what it takes, I HIGHLY DO NOT RECOMMEND ANYONE SAND GLASS. It's a can of works you do not want to open.
Tools
FLEX PE-150 Cordless Rotary Polisher
Any rotary or any orbital, both free spinning and gear-driven will work for machine polishing glass. The biggest difference is in correction speed and rotary trumps orbitals.
Porter Cable 7424XP Dual Action Polisher
5" Dual-Action Hook & Loop Flexible Backing Plate
For Sub-Surface Glass Polishing
CarPro Ceriglass Glass Polish 500 ml.
5" Polishing pads and interface pads
CarPro Rayon Glass Polishing Pad – 5 Inch 2 Pack
Griots Garage BOSS 5.5 inch Innerflex Pad - I recommend getting a few of these as they will wear-out due to overheating.
Sanding Discs
Autogeek no longer carries the #5000 discs, I just have some laying around gathering dust.
6 Inch MIRKA Abralon Sanding Discs
3M Trizact Hookit 6 Inch Foam Discs P3000 - 02085
For Topical Glass Polishing
BLACKFIRE Glass Water Spot Remover 32 oz
Pads?
Any foam or fiber cutting pad works for topical glass polishing. The thing to keep in mind is once you use a pad with a dedicated glass polish you should consider this pad dedicated for only working with a dedicated glass polish. Do not wash with paint polishing pads and do not use to polish paint.
Glass Coating
Pinnacle Black Label Diamond Surface Coating
Microfiber Towels
The Rag Company FTW Premium Orange Microfiber Towel
-
Post Thanks / Like - 0 Thanks, 2 Likes, 0 Dislikes
-
Super Member
Re: Machine Sanding Glass - Do NOT do this!
That is just incredible, Mike.
On top of the tedious process needed, and the amount of skill, I would imagine that the materials used would cost a small mint as well.....
It is no coincidence that man's best friend cannot talk.
-
Super Member
Re: Machine Sanding Glass - Do NOT do this!
Pretty wild. I guess only viable on a classic car that you can’t easily source new glass for. Any modern vehicle would probably be cheaper to replace the glass than paying your labor to do this much work.
-
Re: Machine Sanding Glass - Do NOT do this!
It was kind of a Rabbit Hole journey.
Once I started, I was challenged to complete the process, not only to fix the glass but to go through the process and thus be able to speak about the topic from first-hand experience but to hopefully either help or prevent others if they’re in this situation.
I’m glad I did it and I’m glad it’s over.
-
Post Thanks / Like - 1 Thanks, 2 Likes, 0 Dislikes
-
Super Member
Re: Machine Sanding Glass - Do NOT do this!
Holy cow, Well done, you must be smoked after that!!!
Scott Harle
Autodermatology
#autodermatology
-
Re: Machine Sanding Glass - Do NOT do this!
Mike, you are the Grand High Exalted Mystic Ruler.
-
Super Member
Re: Machine Sanding Glass - Do NOT do this!
I'll pass. I guess there are some instances where a process like this is necessary but I hope I never find one.
-
Re: Machine Sanding Glass - Do NOT do this!
-
Junior Member
Re: Machine Sanding Glass - Do NOT do this!
Turned out great Mike! You got some hours poured into the glass work on that little Vette!!
A skill set often not needed. With some classic cars where there is no glass replacement options available, it is a valuable skill to have when you need it.
Similar Threads
-
By Mike Phillips in forum How to articles
Replies: 4
Last Post: 01-08-2019, 09:56 AM
-
By Matt@Revive in forum Tricks, Tips and Techniques
Replies: 2
Last Post: 02-24-2015, 05:31 PM
-
By Countersteer46 in forum Wet-Sanding, Cutting & Buffing
Replies: 12
Last Post: 04-23-2013, 05:14 PM
-
By NoleFan in forum Auto Detailing 101
Replies: 6
Last Post: 02-07-2012, 11:13 AM
-
By dnoraker in forum Wet-Sanding, Cutting & Buffing
Replies: 8
Last Post: 07-15-2011, 05:47 AM
Members who have read this thread: 0
There are no members to list at the moment.
Posting Permissions
- You may not post new threads
- You may not post replies
- You may not post attachments
- You may not edit your posts
-
Forum Rules
|
S |
M |
T |
W |
T |
F |
S |
31 |
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
5
|
6
|
7
|
8
|
9
|
10
|
11
|
12
|
13
|
14
|
15
|
16
|
17
|
18
|
19
|
20
|
21
|
22
|
23
|
24
|
25
|
26
|
27
|
28
|
29
|
30
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|
Bookmarks