Removing Rust Streaks on Window

[gbrock1]

Ever since I bought my Corvair sedan, there have been these noticeable vertical streaks on the rear window, which seem to align with the drain ports from the roof's overhang. The streaks are discolored, only residing on the outside of the glass. Doing some research, these may or may not be related to rusty water. I have used solvent to try to remove them, but they're persistent.

[Frank DuVal]

Have you tried a new single sided razor blade with glass cleaner? That is my go to for anything on glass.

[gbrock1]

That doesn't seem to work. The stains are perfectly leveled with the glass surface, smooth to the touch. I've tried solvents such as acetone, and no luck.

[RexJohnson]

Have you tried some kind of glass polish?

[American Mel]

You might try Toothpaste, or Baking Soda

[66vairguy]

Have you tried some kind of glass polish?

Yes rusty drainage will STICK to glass. You will need to use glass polish, BUT go online and learn how to use it. 3M makes a good product, but it is a big bottle and about $100.00!!!! Griots Garage sells a small bottle (you won't need much) Glass Polish #11017. Prices vary, but Amazon seems to have a good price.

Your stains are mild so use a "fine" glass polish. If you use a "coarse" polish, you will have to go over it with a "fine" polish.

All kinds of "kits" to polish glass and many come with pads to use in a small electric drill. BEWARE that if you get an area too hot the glass WILL SHATTER!

A razor blade will remove major crud, but it tends to scratch the glass!!!! BTDT

[erco]

I have heard from multiple sources that fine steel wool works miracles on glass. This guy calls it a "trick of the trade" for auto detailers.

[Dennis66]

Before using any kind of abrasive, try vinegar or some CLR. Often, strong solvents such as lacquer thinner, acetone, mineral spirits, etc. will have little to no effect on some stains that are water soluble

[66vairguy]

Vinegar will slooowly remove rust

CLR is good, but do a test area since some say it will etch glass, others say it is safe. Maybe it is the type of glass???

DO NOT LET CLR get on metal, paint, or polished stainless trim !!!!!!!!!!!!!

Steel wool or scouring powder work, but they WILL leave minor scratches that you will need to polish out to get rid of.

The pictures of the stains indicate you should not need an aggressive cutting agent like steel wool or scouring powder.

[davemotohead]

Try Amaze, it was the only thing that worked for removing hard water deposits on my glass and it's like a mild glass polish, Stuff works great!

[jjohnsonjo]

Whink 1281 10OZ Rust/Stain Remover, 10 oz, 10 Ounce Amazon link did not work

I used this stuff on my fiberglass boat and tile counter tops. Never tried it on glass, but worked well for me. Not expensive to try. read the reviews

J.O.

[66vairguy]

gbrock1 --- let us know what works for you.

[Wittsend]

My wife's car would get hit by the sprinklers and leave water spots on the side glass. I found that Bon Ami worked well to remove them.

It may be too harsh but Cerium Oxide is the recommended product to remove very, very, very fine scratches in glass. I caution about the harshness but I did use a Dremel with a buffing pad in one spot for about 1/2 hour trying to remove a deeper scratch..., and that did burnish the glass (and didn't remove the scratch). Live & Learn.

[66vairguy]

My wife's car would get hit by the sprinklers and leave water spots on the side glass. I found that Bon Ami worked well to remove them.

It may be too harsh but Cerium Oxide is the recommended product to remove very, very, very fine scratches in glass. I caution about the harshness but I did use a Dremel with a buffing pad in one spot for about 1/2 hour trying to remove a deeper scratch..., and that did burnish the glass (and didn't remove the scratch). Live & Learn.

Yup any scratch you fingernail "catches" can be "polished", but will not go away. I did try some wet sandpaper in various grits to remove a scratch, then polished area. No scratch, BUT THE REDUCED AREA OF THE SCRATCH acted like a lens so the glass had a obvious distortion when looking through it - worse then a little scratch!!!! Well it was an experiment - live and learn.