Glass etching removal

Post any technical questions or queries here.
Post Reply
Louis
Basic 850
Posts: 90
Joined: Sun Jun 14, 2020 7:38 pm
Location: Southend, Essex

Glass etching removal

Post by Louis »

Good evening,

I had a search but could not find much on here, has anyone had experience of removing / trying to remove previous etching from door glass? I have found that the glass I planned to use has this on them all and I do not wish to fit these as they are obviously.

Image

I did some researching and it seems either try to sand/grind and polish it out (how well does this work on toughened glass)? Or get some etching cream and essentially just block out this section.

I know I can just replace them but it seems a waste to scrap them if they can be salvaged.

Thank you
roymck
998 Cooper
Posts: 452
Joined: Tue May 27, 2014 7:19 pm
Location: Dorking , Surrey

Re: Glass etching removal

Post by roymck »

A bit of clear varnish on them will disguise it but it will always be there . Polish or grind into the glass too deep and they will explode .
8662 FN Austin Mini

Yes I know it’s not original

My wife says I don’t listen to her or something like that !
User avatar
Spider
1275 Cooper S
Posts: 4851
Joined: Mon May 07, 2012 6:10 am
Location: Big Red, Australia
Has thanked: 187 times
Been thanked: 66 times

Re: Glass etching removal

Post by Spider »

There are polishes available and most of those are best used with a power buffer. My brother had good success using corn flour and even ordinary car polish, just don't let it get warm and be sure it's well supported on the back, ie, don't let the glass flex.

Be aware though, that a big area needs to done, even for small spots like these, otherwise when looking through the glass the imperfection that will be left in the glass, distorts the view, things will still be in focus, but will be appear out of place. Also, of course, the glass will be thinner.
coopersean
850 Super
Posts: 177
Joined: Thu Feb 03, 2011 9:41 pm
Location: Derbyshire
Has thanked: 1 time

Re: Glass etching removal

Post by coopersean »

This may be worth a watch:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pCLTCxxEPq0

Trev's video's are really good, and well worth a watch for general restoration advice.
Louis
Basic 850
Posts: 90
Joined: Sun Jun 14, 2020 7:38 pm
Location: Southend, Essex

Re: Glass etching removal

Post by Louis »

Thanks for the replies all, I am dubious that polish would take it out as it is quite deep as you can see, considering it is etch over a previous etch. I have seen reference to wooden dowels and jewelers rouge etc but am cautious to not carve a trench into the glass, and do not really want to encroach into the sealing area of the glass and have a gap.

I will update this if I get brave and get the tools out! I have a Das6 and some pads so may get some cerium oxide and sacrifice one as a test piece and see how it goes.

Thanks again
User avatar
Nick W
1275 Cooper S
Posts: 2892
Joined: Sat Jan 17, 2015 8:59 pm
Location: sheffield
Has thanked: 1 time
Been thanked: 8 times

Re: Glass etching removal

Post by Nick W »

I wouldn't try.... it distorts the glass and looks worse than before ...is what I found when I did a screen .
Up North in Sheffield
User avatar
onetim
850 Super
Posts: 105
Joined: Wed May 24, 2017 1:05 am
Location: Detroit area MI USA

Re: Glass etching removal

Post by onetim »

You might try windshield chip repair epoxy.
kevs 1961 mk1
850 Super
Posts: 171
Joined: Wed Mar 11, 2020 9:03 pm
Location: scotland somewhere in the 70s

Re: Glass etching removal

Post by kevs 1961 mk1 »

Nick W wrote: Fri Jul 10, 2020 12:23 pm I wouldn't try.... it distorts the glass and looks worse than before ...is what I found when I did a screen .
yes I tried it too gave up and bought another screen in the end
long time gone
Post Reply