Repair etched glass windows yourself.
You can repair the damage done to glass by sandblasting, grit or accidental scratching, or by chemicals such as hydrochloric acid that pit the surface of glass. Sometimes chemical reactions, such as metal oxidation on nearby glass, cause a cloudy or etched look on an otherwise clear glass surface that cannot be repaired by regular glass cleaners. While some people may prefer this hazy or cloudy look, others opt to have it removed. A complete removal depends on the right materials, patience and a steady hand. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
1. Wipe the surface of the glass clean with a moist terrycloth towel.
2. Spray the etched surface of the glass with a commercial glass cleaner, and spread it evenly with a soft-bristled brush to remove grease, grime or surface oils.
3. Scrape any stubborn dirt spots with a wooden scraper. Rub and scrape gently without pushing into the glass, as it could break. While applying too much pressure can break the glass, applying very little or none at all will not efficiently remove the stain. The key is to find the right balance.
4. Moisten a 0000-grade metal wool pad and gently scrub it over the pitted chemically etched part of the glass. Work in short circular sweeps without putting too much pressure on the glass. Dry the glass surface with a terrycloth towel or soft cloth.
5. Join a felt polishing pad to the drill. Add an even amount of polishing compound to the exposed surface of the pad. Turn the drill on, adjusting it to the lowest setting.
6. Lower the surface of the pad directly over the etched part of the glass and move it around in a circular motion.
7. Lift the drill when the glass begins to turn warm, and turn it off. Repeat the process when the glass cools, rubbing the surface of the pad over the etched surface until the etching is removed and the glass is clear again. You can apply a thin layer of polishing compound to the pad between applications if necessary.
8. Add a small amount of oxidation removal product to a clean sponge and use it to remove hazy oxidation etching from glass. Rub the sponge over the etched surface in small circles until the remover dries up.
9. Wipe the surface of the glass with a moist terrycloth towel, and scrub it with a commercial glass cleaner and soft-bristled brush or soapy water to remove any residue.
Tags: surface glass, etched surface, over etched, terrycloth towel, commercial glass, commercial glass cleaner
