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Cleaning Up/etched glass repair

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Expert: - 1/29/2010


Question
Hi - I was just finishing up a French door installation project, and while I was cutting the masking off the glass (from painting), I decided to cut an 'X' into the top part of the glass to make it easier to pull the adhesive masking off the glass.  What I didn't realize is that the blade would etch the glass, now I have an 'X' etched into the glass, and it's not pristine (kinda embarrassing).  Is there a way to buff the etching out of the glass, or some acid treatment to minimize the effect of the etched 'X'?
[embarrassed Ralph]

Answer

Glass Restoration
Embarrassed Ralph,

First, how deep is the scratch? When you rub a fingernail across it, does your fingernail fall into the groove? You can probably try it yourself or have someone trained in glass restoration buff it out if it is not very deep. Also, what kind of glass it it? Is it tempered glass. Tempered glass will have a small sand blasted sign in one corner of the glass.

If you can answer those questions, I can give you more direction. Meanwhile, this is a very well written article: http://www.ehow.com/how_2053620_remove-scratches-from-glass.html The main thing I have to add to this article is to take it slow and easy. Don't get the glass too hot, or stay in one spot too long for various reasons.

I hope this helps. Let me know how else I can help you.

Sincerely,

Robert Lamb

270-965-9673
Window Masters
http://www.mywindowmasters.com
Rob's Window Cleaning
http://www.robswindowcleaning.com

Robert Lamb

Expertise

I'm happy to answer any questions you have regarding the cleaning and restoration of your windows. I can also view your pictures via email and give you advice on what you can do yourself and what needs to be left to the pros. I can also give advise on scratched glass, how to repair it & what caused it. Pressure washing and gutter cleaning are other areas of expertise.

Experience

Over 20 years in the window cleaning industry, owning and operating two window cleaning companies, Rob's Window Cleaning http://www.robswindowcleaning.com and Window Masters http://www.mywindowmasters.com and http://www.robscleaningservice.com

Organizations
IWCA, window cleaning network, chamber of commerce

Publications
"Window Cleaner" magazine

Education/Credentials
International Window Cleaning (IWCA) training on man lifts, awning cleaning and window cleaning.

Awards and Honors
Voted best window cleaner in Western Kentucky.

Past/Present Clients
Applebee's, Cracker Barrel, CVS Pharmacy, Dairy Queen, Dollar General, Edward Jones, Enterprise Rent A Car, Ethan Allen, Fashion Bug, Fazoli's, FYE Music, GNC, H&R Block, Hardee's, Hot Topic, Kentucky Dam Village, Kroger, Logan's Roadhouse, Market House Museum, O' Charley's, Radio Shack, Rafferty's, Remax, Sirk & Co., Stanley Steamer, State Farm, Steak N Shake, Talbots, The Buckle, The Gap, The Outback, Toys Are Us, Victoria's Secret, and hundreds of others.

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