Windscreen scratches

[welldc]

Bought a second hand Givi Airflow for my 2008 Wee. It's made a huge difference to the buffeting and wind noise.

It has, however, quite a few fine scratches where a previous owner had been a little enthusiastic with the cleaning.

I've tried toothpaste, which has had a slight benefit and has certainly removed the worn in dirt, but most of the scratches remain. They are not deep, but does anyone have any suggestions on how to remove them?
I have some Fareclas G  scratch removing polish but this may be too aggressive and make matters worse. The other option is one of those kits to clean up milky headlights.

Thanks

[Ianmc]

The problem is that whilst the base screen is very hard and durable,the sliding screen is very soft and is even marked by specialised cleaners.I have been using Greygate for a while and it is working.You have to be patient as it’s a very gentle cleaner.

[Ambergnat]

I have no idea if this will work on a Givi screen (though I have one myself which is covered in fine scratches so I might give it a go myself when I get the time) but when my dad's Laguna headlights started fogging (UV damage) I looked up how to fix it and the following cropped up multiple times on various websites, my dad was brave enough to let me try it out ... it worked perfectly .

Instead of starting with toothpaste, you need to finish with it (or jewellers rouge if you can afford it)  - basically you have to sand the scratches out. 


!!!CAVEAT!!! - I have not tried this on a Givi top screen - only a car headlight.  So DON'T take this as gospel - only as an idea worth investigating.



Start with 6 or 800 grit 'wet and dry' and give the entire surface a good long scrub - it will go completely opaque and you will panic    - but fear not padawan, for enlightenment rewards the patient...
Wash the crap off, and do it again with 1000 grit, and then... (I've always wanted a legit excuse to say this) rinse and repeat - this time with 1200 grit, and 1400 - 1600 if you can find it.

By this time you will (should) have a very sore elbow, but will be able to see daylight through the screen - if there are any large scratches left , just repeat the process until you've got them out.

I'm not sure of the grit size of toothpaste but jewellers Rouge is anywhere between 2 and 3000 grit - if you finish with that you should have a completely restored clear screen. - you coould also use T-cut or car polish as they are both very fine grained...

The problem you will have is (as is mentioned above) the outer/top screen is quite soft and will re-scratch as soon as you wipe any insects off of it.   I'm not aware of any treatments which will harden the surface, but some may exist...

That's my tuppence worth...

[welldc]

Sanding seems drastic !
Wasn't aware of a difference between the two screens, I just assumed the lower screen was more protected and therefor had fewer marks.

I might try the T cut and then toothpaste route and see how that goes.

Thanks for your input.

[Joe Rocket]

I have to go with Ambergnat. Not for screens but scratched plastic winker glasses on my GPX. I used wet/dry paper at deminishing grades to eliminate damage from an obvious 'drop'. OK, not to winscreen clarity but it works! 

[RoadWarrior1978]

If it's Polycarbonate and not Acrylic which it should be, the use of a heat gun does wonders. You have to be brave but the fine swirl mark and scratches will disappear. done it myself, just don't expect miracles with any deep abrasions.

[Ianmc]

Talking about insect scratches etc.I use the time Honoured method using an old piece of cloth, soak it with water and drape it over the screen for a while and all of the crud just slides off without any effort.This is the stuff I am using now,it’s not cheap but you only have to use a drop and it goes a long way.

[hotbulb]

Once the screen's been restored you could try Rain-X or something similar (windscreen sealant) to make the screen "non-stick"... will help to prevent insects from sticking too firmly. (the "headlight restoration" kit I have included something of this sort, for use after the elbow-wearying abrasive stage).

[Ianmc]

Not sure about the modern “Rainex”,I bought some about 10 years ago and it definitely said “not suitable for motorcycle screens” It worked well on the car though, and also on the inside of a shower.

[Mr Nick]

I used this stuff on the scratches that came with the SP3 screen.
https://www.towsure.com/fenwicks-windowize-caravan-window-scratch-repair

It does seem to work: I just haven't spent long enough at it to fix it completely.