Processing Instructions: 3M Glass Polishing Compound
With 3M Glass Polishing Compound, you can polish out fine scratches in glass and remove deposits, dull spots, or light etching – for example on car windows / windshields. For best results, work cleanly, in a controlled manner, and with the correct felt pads.
1) Preparation (very important)
- Clean the glass surface thoroughly again (glass cleaner + lint-free microfiber cloth).
- After the initial cleaning, mark the damaged / dull area - from both sides (inside & outside) so you can work precisely.
2) Required accessories
- Backing pad (green/red) suitable for the system
- Felt pads (for fine scratches, deposits, etching)
- Water (for moistening)
- Machine/polisher (rotary)
3) Attach & moisten the felt pad
- Lightly moisten the felt pad from the back side (red side) with water.
- Press the felt pad centrally onto the hook-and-loop backing pad with the red side facing the hooks (ensure it is centered so it runs smoothly).
4) Apply the compound
- Shake the compound well.
- Spread approx. 2 tablespoons of compound evenly onto the felt pad.
- Once the compound has soaked in, you can begin polishing.
5) Polishing (machine settings & technique)
- Place the rotating backing pad/pad flat onto the glass surface.
- Work at approx. 1200 rpm (machine setting max. level 2).
- When placing the pad on the surface, a slight forward movement should already be noticeable.
- Work in steady, even movements and do not tilt the pad.
Important (moisture)
- If the liquid dries out, you can re-moisten the felt pad or the glass several times.
- Finish by polishing dry.
Note on polishing direction
The polishing direction (horizontal/vertical/crosswise) is not critical for the result.
6) Check results & rework if needed
- Inspect the result (in good light and from different angles).
- Re-polish any remaining dull areas until the surface looks uniform.
7) Remove residues
Compound residues can be removed easily with alcohol (e.g., isopropyl alcohol/IPA on a microfiber cloth).
Practical notes
- Polishing with the compound is slower than polishing with Trizact™, but it does not require an especially dust-free surface.
- Small dirt particles can embed into the soft felt surface and therefore typically won’t cause new scratches - still: the cleaner the surface, the better.
