fixing scratches in glass!!!!

[wickedfrags]

Agreed. You gotta live with it or plan on replacing the entire panel. I know people who have had this done, not cheap, but it really depends on how bad the scrathes are and the size of the tank. Might be more cost effective to replace the tank.

Originally Posted by sphelps

The only way you'll buff out a scratch in glass is if it's a really minor scratch, almost undetectable. And even then I would think any kind of buffing process will leave it's mark as well. You can repair scratches in acrylic but not glass.

[Delphinus]

No no no. Surely it would be easier to build a forge, modify it so that it's stupidly hot, take silica sand, and melt it into liquid glass. Then, you spread it over top of the scratch. Then buff it smooth. Do this while water is still in the tank so that the water can act as a coolant, making sure that the glass doesn't shatter under the heat stress.

Has anyone actually tried those car windsheild buff kits? Personally I agree - I don't see how you can do it without the buffing itself creating a bigger problem than what you had before - but like I said you see these things being sold all the time - I almost wonder if it's worth just trying it on a piece of scrap glass just to see how badly it would turn out?

I suppose if a scratch is on a non-viewing panel you can just paint over it. But on a viewing panel I think the options are to live with it (if the tank is running), or replace the panel (if the tank is empty).

[Marlin65]

I build boat windshields for a living and we buff out small scratches with Cerium Oxide and a felt pad all the time. It does work, but they can't be too deep and you need to keep it clean. The kit shown probably has Cerium Oxide in the bottle.
I have use the 3M product as well and it works on the same principle as buffing Acrylic. Start with coarse sanding and work your way up to Cerium Oxide. Like acrylic it takes time to get a good job.
Raf said his scratch is to deep anyway but as to whether it is possible it is.