How to Restore A Foggy Plexiglass Windshield

Has your plexiglass windshield started to look hazy and dull? Have scratches and foggy effects destroyed the crystal-clear finish of your windshield? Don’t worry; we are here to help out your ventures. 

If you want to restore your plexiglass windshield, start by cleaning the windshield surface and polishing it for a better finish. If needed, you can apply a scratch remover to minimize surface scratches. Moreover, applying a sealant would be a good idea for lasting clarity and integrity.

7 Things You Need to Restore a Foggy Plexiglass Windshield

When you’ve decided to clear your plexiglass windshield, the first thing you need to do is gather all the essential materials you may need throughout the process. For this purpose, you can gather these things.

1. Water
2. Mild soap
3. Non-abrasive sponge
4. Microfiber cloths
5. Plastic polish
6. Plastic scratch remover 
7. Wax or plexiglass sealant

4 Steps to Restore Your Foggy Plexiglass Windshield

Restoring a foggy windshield is not as easy as it seems. However, you can do the magic by following the right method. Here is a comprehensive guide with step-by-step instructions. 

1. Clean the Windshield 

First of all, cleaning the windshield surface is essential before applying scratch remover and other materials. These guidelines will help you thoroughly clean your plexiglass windshield in less than no time.

• Mix soap with water: Make a simple cleaning solution using water and mild soap.
• Rinse your windshield: Remove the dirt and debris from the surface using clean water. 
• Wash your windshield: Then, use a non-abrasive sponge with soapy water to clean the surface. Do not use abrasive materials that can scratch the plexiglass windshield.
• Rinse again: After that, rinse your windshield again with clean water to eliminate all soap residue. 
• Dry the windshield: Use a clean, soft microfiber cloth to dry the wet windshield easily. 

2. Polish the Windshield

After cleaning your windshield, it is time to polish it with suitable materials. Here’s how you can polish your plexiglass windshield.

• Use plastic polish: You should choose a polish specifically made for acrylic or plexiglass. Then, get a small amount of this polish on a clean microfiber cloth. 
• Polish the windshield: Gently apply the polish in a circular motion. During the process, keep an even, consistent pressure to avoid damage.
• Buff the windshield surface: After that, get another clean microfiber cloth to remove the remaining polish and buff the windshield. 

3. Remove Scratches

This step is applicable only if your plexiglass windshield has visible scratches or signs of damage. To remove annoying scratches, you can follow these instructions.

• Apply a scratch remover: If your windshield has visible scratches, you can use a plastic scratch remover according to the given details. However, if the damage is more severe, you may need to repair a cracked plexiglass windshield to restore its clarity and functionality.
• Polish the windshield: Once you have applied the scratch remover, polish your plexiglass windshield again to restore the authentic look and clarity. 

4. Apply the Sealant

For ultimate protection of your plexiglass, you can also use a sealant. This step is optional, and you can apply the sealant based on the specific needs of your windshield.

• Choose a suitable wax or sealant: To maintain the clarity and protection of your plexiglass windshield, you must find the best wax or sealant. 
• Apply the sealant: After getting the right sealant, you can apply it to your windshield by following the product instructions. Ensure that you give it enough drying time. 
• Use Anti-Fog Products: There are specialized anti-fog sprays available that can help reduce fogging on the surface.

5 Tips to Maintain Your Plexiglass Windshield

If you don’t want your windshield to become hazy or blurry, you should follow these tips to maintain its appearance and integrity. Additionally, if you notice any significant damage, consider professional windshield repair to ensure your visibility and safety while driving.

1. Don’t use ammonia-based cleaners because they can damage the plexiglass. 
2. Always perform the restoration process in a shaded area to prevent the polishing materials from drying too quickly. 
3. You should regularly clean and polish your plexiglass windshield to maintain the clear crystal look. 
4. Avoid dropping alcohol on the acrylic windshield because it can cause microfractures or cracks in the surface.
5. Ensure to save your plexiglass windshield from chemical attacks of aromatic hydrocarbons, such as benzene or toluene. 

How can the plexiglass windshield be cleared again?

A plexiglass windshield can get stubborn stains on the surface due to dust, debris, or other materials. However, you can remove these stains using a non-abrasive cleaner, like acrylic. Use a microfiber cloth to apply the cleaner in a circular motion. After that, rinse the windshield with warm water and dry it to avoid water spots. 

How to repair a cracked plexiglass windshield?

To repair a cracked plexiglass windshield, you must use a strong solvent for better results. To do this, you can apply the glue on the cracks using a small syringe or tool. Let the glue dry and hold the cracks together. After that, use strong tape or clamps to hold the edges without being tight.

How long does it take for a windshield to fully cure?

The curing time can vary depending on the type of adhesive. Urethane adhesive can cure faster and become a perfect choice for most windshield replacements. Moreover, the urethane seal also secures the adhesive faster on the vehicle glass. According to urethane adhesive manufacturers, it usually takes 24 hours to cure the adhesive. So, you should not drive the car before proper curing.  

Conclusion 

Like all other types of windshields, plexiglass windshields are also prone to various issues. Dust or debris can cause them to become foggy and dull over time. You must take care of it by applying proper solutions to maintain its appearance and integrity. For this purpose, we have discussed a complete guide on how to restore a plexiglass windshield in the above article.

Our method includes multiple steps, such as cleaning the windshield, polishing the windshield, removing scratches, and applying wax or sealant for perfect results. If the haziness still remains, you can seek professional assistance. At the moment, Blue Diamond Auto Glass offers the finest auto glass repair to restore your plexiglass windshield.