Buffing windshield?
 

My recent purchase has been sitting outside for 25 years and the windshield has some grime or hard water spots on the outside. If you wipe it down wet it will be clear until it dries.

Recently tried this buffing compound on a spot. It did clear it up some but now it has a dull haze when looking through it. Maybe I overdid it? The picture is before buffing.

I thought it might be between the layers of glass but it’s super clear when I wipe the outside down which gives me hope. Tried a little steel wool and various types of glass cleaner as well. Any suggestions?

Cerium Oxide is used for polishing glass. I purchased it in the past from Eastwood but there are multiple sources available online

Tim john---

If it’s just grime and hard water, this is the best I know of that 100% won’t do any damage yet still give a perfect finish. Sprinkle it on a wet windshield and buff away.

BON AMI 1886 Formula - 12 oz (Pack of 2) https://a.co/d/i7wuure

The original formula has no abrasives. Ace Hardware usually has it for under $2/can or can order it. If you’re actually buffing out scratches you need something stronger.

That’s what I have used. It can also remove very fine scratches. Have patience and work it slowly.

Local "Detail Garage" here said to use a clay bar. My son did so on side glass for his 65 tempest which had the road haze. Came out great. used the clay bar lubricant as well.

I usually hit glass with Rubbing Compound when I'm buffing a car and it makes a noticeable difference in clarity. Do you have any of that laying around to see if it does a better job in conjuction with the glass polish?

Thanks for the replies guys. I did see cerium oxide when I first searching for the glass polish. I’ll have to give it and the clay bar a try. Hopefully I can report back with some good results!

Clay bar is good trick after polish dries. Toss it after, don't re use it.
Some of this on windows is actually mold..

That mold you’re seeing is on the dash. Car saw some moisture leaking around the windows for years before I got it.

I've used CLR (calcium lime rust) in a spray bottle and some fine steel wool. The "hard water" spots are usually calcium carbonate. We have BAD hard water around here.