Cutting pad to remove waterspots from windows?

**imported_Surfer** · 05-01-2006, 12:09 PM

I posted this at AG but figured I`d post it here as well for extra help:

Finally found what works decently to remove spots, #0000 steel wool and AIO. Seems to only work if I put a little on the wool and rub the glass like hell, if I put it straight on the glass with a polishing pad, the wool doesn`t seem to do anything (which I actually thought would work with AIO sitting on it a bit to break down the etching). BUT my arms are killing me (almost hard to turn the steering wheel when driving lol).

Is there an easier way I was thinking of picking up the spot buff kit at AG and still not sure of the pad`s will cut it to remove the waterspot etching. I was just worried about scratching the glass. My front windshield definitley needs it (the areas where the wipers don`t clean).

Any help, thanks in advance

**imported_Surfer** · 05-01-2006, 12:44 PM

edit - weird? My thread isn`t showing under detailing but if I search for my post I can see it?

**imported_cj99si** · 05-01-2006, 12:47 PM

Your on the right track Ive had the best luck with 0000 wool and QD. If that doesnt work ive used a rotary. Im not sure if a DA will do anything.

**imported_Surfer** · 05-01-2006, 12:54 PM

Originally Posted by cj99si

Your on the right track Ive had the best luck with 0000 wool and QD. If that doesnt work ive used a rotary. Im not sure if a DA will do anything.

Yeh but the problem is it`s a biatch, and I only did two rear windows on my suv. Still have the others and mainly the front windshield to do :waxing: , gotta be an easier way lol. Arms are killing me right now, feels like I`ve been wakeboarding 24/7 for a week straight. I saw a post that scottwax used Optimum Compound on the glass? I have Optimum Polish but was worried about scratching the glass.

I`m still thinking of picking up the spot buff kit from AG anyway, I can at least use the pads on a drill so.....

**Accumulator** · 05-01-2006, 01:14 PM

Be careful with the fine steel wool. Some auto glass is mightly soft these days and it`s a hassle to get it replaced.

I`d use a rotary with a cutting pad and Meg`s #4, which is what Mike Phillips always does. And I`d take measures to keep it off the paint, that`s pretty nasty stuff. The spot buff kit would basically be the same thing.

**Mikeyc** · 05-01-2006, 01:42 PM

Be careful with the Spot Buffs kit. I bought it and the backing plate/adapter it comes with IMO is crap. The first time I used it the backing plate spun right off the adapter and scratched the @#$!% out of my car. When I contacted the manufacturer (Lake Country) they refused to reimburse me for damages.

Also, have you tried glass polish? I`ve used the Detailer`s Pride glass polish and it does a great job restoring clarity to older glass.

**imported_Surfer** · 05-01-2006, 01:50 PM

Originally Posted by Mikeyc

Be careful with the Spot Buffs kit. I bought it and the backing plate/adapter it comes with IMO is crap. The first time I used it the backing plate spun right off the adapter and scratched the @#$!% out of my car. When I contacted the manufacturer (Lake Country) they refused to reimburse me for damages.

Also, have you tried glass polish? I`ve used the Detailer`s Pride glass polish and it does a great job restoring clarity to older glass.

That`s actually why I bought the new Edge pad kit that screws on (plus the pads are double sided). I heard from others that had the velcro back seperate or the pad tear causing the PC to gash the car. But I like the spot buff kit b/c you can attach it to a drill (which in a real circular motion might do a slight better job then the 4" pad on a PC). Still deciding on whether to pick it up, plus there are parts on my truck like above the windows where the regular pads are too big even in 6" form.

I looked at the Detailers Pride stuff, but wasn`t sure if it would be strong enough to remove waterspots that have been on the glass for over a year. #0000 Steel Wool and AIO seem to be working well, just a pain in the ***. Do you think the Detailers Pride Glass Polish will be strong enough?

**Mikeyc** · 05-01-2006, 02:16 PM

Originally Posted by Surfer

That`s actually why I bought the new Edge pad kit that screws on (plus the pads are double sided). I heard from others that had the velcro back seperate or the pad tear causing the PC to gash the car. But I like the spot buff kit b/c you can attach it to a drill (which in a real circular motion might do a slight better job then the 4" pad on a PC). Still deciding on whether to pick it up, plus there are parts on my truck like above the windows where the regular pads are too big even in 6" form.

I looked at the Detailers Pride stuff, but wasn`t sure if it would be strong enough to remove waterspots that have been on the glass for over a year. #0000 Steel Wool and AIO seem to be working well, just a pain in the ***. Do you think the Detailers Pride Glass Polish will be strong enough?

Actually, I didn`t have a problem with the velcro backing seperating. The kit comes with two adapters. One is for use with a drill and the other for PC use. The adapter is then screwed into the packing plate which in turn attaches to the pad via velcro. When I had a problem, the backing plate unscrewed from the adapter during use.

FYI . . . I`ve seen people using 4" Edge 2000 pads. I just don`t know who sells them. I would contact Aaron at Edgepads.com. He could probably tell you where to get them. Also, make sure you have the new shorter Edge adapter. The old one according to what I`ve read had some problems. If you do have the old one Edge will exchange it for the new one at no charge.

I`ve used the DP Glass polish to remove water spots. They weren`t really bad ones, but the polish made short work of them. I applied it with my PC and an orange LC pad.

**imported_Surfer** · 05-01-2006, 03:10 PM

Originally Posted by Mikeyc

Actually, I didn`t have a problem with the velcro backing seperating. The kit comes with two adapters. One is for use with a drill and the other for PC use. The adapter is then screwed into the packing plate which in turn attaches to the pad via velcro. When I had a problem, the backing plate unscrewed from the adapter during use.

FYI . . . I`ve seen people using 4" Edge 2000 pads. I just don`t know who sells them. I would contact Aaron at Edgepads.com. He could probably tell you where to get them. Also, make sure you have the new shorter Edge adapter. The old one according to what I`ve read had some problems. If you do have the old one Edge will exchange it for the new one at no charge.

I`ve used the DP Glass polish to remove water spots. They weren`t really bad ones, but the polish made short work of them. I applied it with my PC and an orange LC pad.

Yup, actually just bought the new kit which comes with the new adapter. I think they had an free exchange program if you had the old one. I`ll definitley keep DP Glass Polish in mind.

**Vw Gti** · 05-01-2006, 03:25 PM

I just ordered some DP glass restorer. I will try it on my dads passat mirrors and will take before/after pictures.

**74 thing** · 05-01-2006, 03:57 PM

I am with Accumulator on this one, Meguiars #4 heavy cut cleaner. You can either use it with a rotary or work it hard by hand and a terry cloth towel-I took some nasty water spots and wiper marks off a windhield this weekend.

**imported_Surfer** · 05-01-2006, 04:28 PM

Originally Posted by 74 thing

I am with Accumulator on this one, Meguiars #4 heavy cut cleaner. You can either use it with a rotary or work it hard by hand and a terry cloth towel-I took some nasty water spots and wiper marks off a windhield this weekend.

How would Megs #4 do with a light cutting/polishing pad? I`ve never used it before but I always see people mention it and how strong it is. Just worried about scratching the glass. Might just order some DP Glass Restorer as I talked to somebody ese who used it on corvetteforum to take out some serious waterspo etching.

**Accumulator** · 05-02-2006, 09:17 AM

74Thing- Good to know that it`ll work OK by hand for this, thanks for posting that. Makes sense as it`s not the same "abrasive breakdown" issue that you`d have with paint.

Surfer- Mike Phillips is *VERY* careful about what he recommends lest Meguiar`s get spanked for bad advice. When he says it`s his go-to solution to glass I`d take that to the bank. If the steel wool doesn`t scratch it (and it *will* mar many types of automotive glass, I`ve seen it) then IMO the #4 sure won`t.

**strat81** · 05-03-2006, 04:53 PM

I`m reluctant to use steel wool near my paint since if any of it flakes off, it`s an invitation to scratches or swirls. Anyway, I used an orange light cutting pad on my PC with some DP Glass Restorer and it worked quite nicely.

**jvriii1942** · 05-04-2006, 04:47 PM

I know this is probrably a no-no for Autotopians but here is what has always worked for me. Fight fire with fire. #0000 steel wool & wheel acid diluted 50/50 or more. Wet the vehicle spray one window at a time with acid, rub with steel wool, rinse. There is no need for hard scrubbing and it`s fast. I have never done a windshield like this rumor has it that the pits will turn white. I have done this on many many many vehicles with no problems.

My windshield has a huge scratch in it from clay.