Any tips for polishing/restoring a cloudy back window?

[samuel_m]

last owner said just put wd-40 on it… which admittedly works for a while!

I was wondering about gently using an oscillating sander with varying grits, much like restoring headlights.

 

[Althulas]

Start of gentler, use a mop with cutting compound or plasticX you can use one of those heads from a headlight kit if you only have a drill to use but keep it moving.

 

[Trevor /chedder]

Ive tried plastic X and it didn't seem to do much. Anyone tried that sanding idea?, I had the same thought

 

[TJS]

Not sure I would want to use an orbital sander / polisher on a flexible plastic rear window. The heat build up could distort the plastic unlike the hard polycarbonate of headlight units.

I use Renovo polish. You need several coats, inside and out, alternatively test toothpaste on a small area, it improved a small area affected by bird lime.

Plastic Window Polish

Restore transparency to plastic windows, headlights, visors, and more. Formulated for cars and marine craft, it removes fine scratches, surface haze, yellowing, and embedded contaminants — reviving clarity of plastic and improving visibility without harming surrounding paintwork or trim. Apply...

renovointernational.com

 

[shera25]

WD-40 only masks it, so you’re right to look for a better fix. I’d avoid an oscillating sander, as they can heat the plastic and make things worse. A proper plastic polish kit (same type used for soft-top rear windows or headlights) with hand polishing is usually the safest way. Slow and gentle gives the best results.

 

[NeRo]

I always used to use Autoglym Super Resin polish - mainly because it was left over from doing the paintwork

Seemed to do a decent job!

 

[Pond]

I always used to use Autoglym Super Resin polish - mainly because it was left over from doing the paintwork

Seemed to do a decent job!

I'm going to try that. If it buggers up my window I shall blame you!

 

[GZed]

Not sure I would want to use an orbital sander / polisher on a flexible plastic rear window. The heat build up could distort the plastic unlike the hard polycarbonate of headlight units.

I use Renovo polish. You need several coats, inside and out, alternatively test toothpaste on a small area, it improved a small area affected by bird lime.

Plastic Window Polish

Restore transparency to plastic windows, headlights, visors, and more. Formulated for cars and marine craft, it removes fine scratches, surface haze, yellowing, and embedded contaminants — reviving clarity of plastic and improving visibility without harming surrounding paintwork or trim. Apply...

renovointernational.com

I used Renovo with some success on my red Zed. As T-Tony (RIP) said, it helps if you have someone inside the car holding a rolled up towel or similar against the window to give you something to press against. I didn’t have anyone to do this, but still gained a visible improvement

 

[samuel_m]

Thanks all. I will not use the sander then. I'll give one of those plastic restoration products a go and post the results.

 

[Berk]

Mequiars Plastic cleaner. Small white black bottle. Microfiber cloth rub it in and the magic begins. Looks like soft scrub liquid cleaner.