How to: Ultimate Clean Glass

[Austin]

There's absolutely nothing worse than rolling down the highway towards the sunset and seeing nothing but trash, dirt, and defects in your windshield. You can scrub all day with Windex and not even get the top layer off. But how I clear up my glass, you ask...

The answer lies with a couple of secrets of the detailing trade. A few actually, but who's counting.

** Please note that these steps apply to exterior glass only! Do not try these techniques on the inside!! **

Step one: Clean your glass using an ammonia-based window cleaner; it has the best initial 'cut'.

Step two: break out a fresh piece of XXXX steel wool (the absolute finest steel wool, no other will do). I like to mist a little water onto the window, but this will eventually rust the steel so you should throw it out when you're done. After misting, scrub the glass with the steel wool. You'll want to do quite a few passes.

Here's a hint - use a stripe of tape to compare your results, pull your rig into the sun to help.

Step three: Clean again with the ammonia-based cleaner.

Step four: This step is an add-on, and I advise it to keep defects from forming as fast. Apply a spray wax or RainX. When using either, apply two-three coats ensuring optimal coverage.

Step five: Get in your truck the next day and realize a bird just crapped all over your hard work.

Before:

After: (Don't mind the streaks )

 

[SuperCab]

You need to put your steering column back together

Sent from my iPhone using Forum Runner

 

[Austin]

I'm getting there... Heck, I forgot I still had the dang thing!

 

[taxreliever]

I'd be afraid the steel wool would scratch the window.....but will try it on my POS cheby plow truck. Maybe my other POS dodge plow truck also.

 

[LEB Ben]

^^^I was wondering the same thing...those fine scratches can't be good. I'd almost think a buff pad step should be in there somewhere...but your work speaks for itself, so I'll take your word for it.

 

[Austin]

Keep in mind you're not trying to skin the lamination off. We use the wool in the tint shop to prepare the job. If you're leery, try a scotch brite pad.

 

[Austin]

Copper pads are great, too. Definitely won't scratch the glass.

 

[LEB Ben]

Austin...you know by now that finesse is not in my repertoire of abilities.

 

[LEB Ben]

Irony being...when I busted my wiper arm, and my blower motor went on the fritz, I used a driveway edging tool to scrape the ice off the Broncos windshield. The glass has some cracks and is yellowing, so no big loss...but the edger scratched the hell outta the windshield.

 

[Austin]

Oh Ben. That's why people like you hire people like me!

 

[taxreliever]

Irony being...when I busted my wiper arm, and my blower motor went on the fritz, I used a driveway edging tool to scrape the ice off the Broncos windshield. The glass has some cracks and is yellowing, so no big loss...but the edger scratched the hell outta the windshield.

Ben, I thought you had drivers for stuff like that.....have them do it for you!

 

[fatherdoug]

There's absolutely nothing worse than rolling down the highway towards the sunset and seeing nothing but trash, dirt, and defects in your windshield. You can scrub all day with Windex and not even get the top layer off. But how I clear up my glass, you ask...

The answer lies with a couple of secrets of the detailing trade. A few actually, but who's counting.

** Please note that these steps apply to exterior glass only! Do not try these techniques on the inside!! **

Step one: Clean your glass using an ammonia-based window cleaner; it has the best initial 'cut'.

Step two: break out a fresh piece of XXXX steel wool (the absolute finest steel wool, no other will do). I like to mist a little water onto the window, but this will eventually rust the steel so you should throw it out when you're done. After misting, scrub the glass with the steel wool. You'll want to do quite a few passes.

Here's a hint - use a stripe of tape to compare your results, pull your rig into the sun to help.

Step three: Clean again with the ammonia-based cleaner.

Step four: This step is an add-on, and I advise it to keep defects from forming as fast. Apply a spray wax or RainX. When using either, apply two-three coats ensuring optimal coverage.

Step five: Get in your truck the next day and realize a bird just crapped all over your hard work.

Once again, good writeup. Thank You. I'll have to try it on my windshield, since it is due to be replaced. You mentioned scotchbrite pads - brown or green?

 

[LEB Ben]

Ben, I thought you had drivers for stuff like that.....have them do it for you!

They don't like it when I shift the t-case from the back seat.