How do I remove "blemishes" from windshields?

[tahiti7]

Got a couple minor "blemishes" on this windshield. Not deep scratches just light blemishes I'll call them. I've got some 12,000 grit sandpaper but I'm afraid that is probably too harsh to remove them, but I haven't tried it yet. Any suggestions?

TIA

 

[Belugawrx]

I've had good results using 1000 grit and then Novus polish compounds 1 followed by 2 ....took the scratches right out and made it shine

[Shark]

Just what he said, Novus. I just finished doing a windshield that had a pretty decent tire mark. I did sand it with some 2000 wet paper and a touch of dish liquid, then the Novus polishes.

[johnyrotten]

A few other people have posted similar questions, all good advice above. One trick I recently came across was using clay to support the windshield if you are worried about cracking it. I wet sand, followed by Mcguire scratch x and finish with novus. The Mcguire's may allow you to skip the sanding. I like to try the least abrasive options before going all in.

[Swamp Dog]

try regular Crest white toothpaste with baking soda first.. i have cleaned up them before with it..

Edited March 28 by Swamp Dog

[Bainford]

If they are merely scuffs (as opposed to scratches), a workout with all three grades of Tamiya polish will do it. If the scuffs are light, you might be able to get away with just the two finer grades. Looks even better if you follow up with a rub and buff of Tamiya wax.

Edited March 27 by Bainford

[tahiti7]

I think I may have some Mcguires plastic polish in the garage, if not I'll get some Novus polish and give it a try. Thanks everyone for your input!

 

[slusher]

Wind shield can be dipped in acrylic floor wax or brush it and when dry if you don’t like it.  Remove with winded..

[Ulf]

I have removed a small(old) glue spot on a windshield with MENG's diamond file actually. I had no polish or so where I was but it turned out very well actually. 
The windshield was convex so I could file without the edges of the file touching. A friend has said that he will try to file off the ”reading glasses” in an old Jo-Han windshield, maybe it will be another new level (his builder are very nice).

[rattle can man]

That clay idea sounds great. I'll have to file that away in my organic library (brain). I can see using it when fabricating/ modifying parts too.

[Muncie]

sorry, toothpaste is for teeth.  Different brands have different abrasives - some are coarser than others and will absolutely destroy model car kit clear plastic.  A lesson from the school of bad experiences.

In another case of misusing a product for an unintended purpose, I've had good luck polishing model car kit clear plastic with Meguiar's cleaner wax. The finest abrasive that I think I've ever used for anything. It was an old bottle so I'm not sure if they changed the formula since then or if they still make it.  Always use a clean spot on a good microfiber cloth. Careful, too much pressure on the polishing cloth will leave micro cracks in clear plastic.  Test and practice with whatever you choose.

 

[Swamp Dog]

On 3/27/2025 at 8:43 PM, Muncie said:

sorry, toothpaste is for teeth.  Different brands have different abrasives - some are coarser than others and will absolutely destroy model car kit clear plastic.  A lesson from the school of bad experiences.

In another case of misusing a product for an unintended purpose, I've had good luck polishing model car kit clear plastic with Meguiar's cleaner wax. The finest abrasive that I think I've ever used for anything. It was an old bottle so I'm not sure if they changed the formula since then or if they still make it.  Always use a clean spot on a good microfiber cloth. Careful, too much pressure on the polishing cloth will leave micro cracks in clear plastic.  Test and practice with whatever you choose.

 

i should have known some one would run his mouth about the toothpaste . but it does work. i should have put just regular old white Crest tooth past on my post. you can also polish out paint with the toothpaste. Google it if you dont believe me.

Edited March 29 by Swamp Dog

[tahiti7]

Well my local hobby store was out of all Novus compounds but I found some Mcguires scratch x at the auto parts store. Rubbing that in for about 10 minutes with a microfiber cloth removed all the blemishes. Thanks for everyone’s suggestions!

[johnyrotten]

1 hour ago, tahiti7 said:

Well my local hobby store was out of all Novus compounds but I found some Mcguires scratch x at the auto parts store. Rubbing that in for about 10 minutes with a microfiber cloth removed all the blemishes. Thanks for everyone’s suggestions!

I found the novus polish at home depot by the replacement windows, just so you know. Glad to hear you had success. 

[tahiti7]

On 3/28/2025 at 7:18 PM, johnyrotten said:

I found the novus polish at home depot by the replacement windows, just so you know. Glad to hear you had success. 

Thanks for letting me know John. I'll check out my Home Depot next time I'm there!