After following all the posts about how to remove scratches from the rear window and Rick's new screen, I thought I had it all figured out....3M Plastic Polish is best.

Today I go into Kragen Auto Parts and find a dark gray bottle of 3M Scratch Remover. The label saya "Safely removes fine scratches, swirl marks and water spots. Clearcoat safe"

Anyone used this? Is it a substitute for the 3M Plastic Polish? Any recommendations?

 

The stuff you're talking about sounds like it's made for paint, not the plastic window. What you need is the 3M Cleaner (part no. 39017) and 3M Polish (part no. 39010) that come in black bottles. I got mine from the Honda dealer.

 

The 3M scratch remover you're describing is for paint, and I'm not sure it will work on plastic. It might just "fog" any area you use it on, but then again, it might work. IMO, using it would be a gamble.

 

I recently used a 3M compound on a Miata back window. I don't remember the name of the product, but it is for paint. It is a polishing compound (super fine 1500 grit). It pulled out some of the scratches and made the back window much clearer. I went over it with the 3M plastic cleaner. The back window of the 92 Miata is now as good as my S2K window after a year.

 

Thanks everyone for your advice. I think you're probably right - that it's mainly for paint. It may be too abrasive for plastic materials. However, I'll try it out on a spare piece of plastic I have lying around. Even if it's not satisfactory for plastic-like materials, it may turn out to be a good product for those who have problems with minor scratches and swirl marks. If I find out anything significant, I'll do another post.

 

Be sure to let us know what results you get. If it works, I'm sure we'll all use it.

 

The 3M product I used, with good success, was called Marine Clear Plastic Restorer (09044). It was purchased from the chain West Marine. I used this along with one of the usual clear plastic cleaners.


The only caveat is to avoid getting any on the car top itself.

 

check www.carcareonline.com I think Larry Reynolds has some info on there about using different polishing agents on plastic.