Using detailing clay on windows...

DarrylD · 03-20-2005, 10:04 PM

I've been using this stuff on paint for years but today the light bulb went off over my head and I tried it on glass. It is just the ticket for removing overspray and water spots on glass!

Wavey · 03-21-2005, 05:11 AM

AND bug guts, bird droppings, little bits of sand embedded in the glass.

jtratza · 03-21-2005, 05:53 AM

Thanks Darryl. Good use for old clay that I don't want to use on the car.

Jgordon · 03-21-2005, 06:14 AM

Something else that works is a painter's scraper - razor blade with a handle. Just make sure it's not nicked or gouged, or it'll scratch the glass.

mtelliott · 03-21-2005, 06:31 AM

I've got the mcquires clay bar and wondered, is this stuff any different then playdough. No offense intented but for the money, can't I buy something a lot cheaper?

RickM · RickM's Garage

There's a few tricks out the for cleaning winshields. From toothpaste and steel wool to "The Original Bon Ami Cleaning Powder". But I've never heard clay suggested.

Some say the only technique that is relatively effective is the Eastwood glass polish. It's a very fine and resilient compound (cerium oxide?) that's used with a polisher and felt pad.

DarrylD · 03-21-2005, 08:57 AM

Hey Rick! I've used cerium oxide polishing paste on car windows before and found it is very effective on anything less than scratches that catch on your fingernail. Using a pad on a hand drill is a messy process that splatters the stuff everywhere. My car had been in the body shop and the windows looked a bit dull and rough to the touch after cleaning and a quarter-sized ball of detailing clay did an amazing job at removing what ended-up just being overspray on my glass. I just installed a new windshield and didn't even try it there yet but will soon!

Nine9six · Nine9six's Garage

How do you guys suppose clay would work on the plastic windows on a cab?
Cheers,

DarrylD · 03-21-2005, 10:10 AM

Meguiars makes some really effective plastic polishing products:

I used them on scratches on the plastic lenses of my 914's instruments and they worked wonders. I think they would work great on plastic windows too.

scottb · 03-21-2005, 11:30 AM

A buddy of mine used clay to get overspray off the plexiglass bubble on his helicopter. If it's gentle enough for that, I'd think it would work just fine on a 911 windshield.

speeder · speeder's Garage

Quote:

Originally posted by Nine9six
How do you guys suppose clay would work on the plastic windows on a cab?
Cheers,

3M also makes plastic cleaner and polish, (similar to the Maquire's), I've used both and can recommend either brand. Depending on how bad your plastic is, you might need both steps or just the cleaner.

azasadny · azasadny's Garage

3M makes a great plastic polish too. I've used it on my car and got good results.