Glass sanding and polishing

Did you know that there is a possibility to restore and polish glass? Instead of replacing the damaged glass with a new and expensive one, you can recondition the glass with Mirka glass sanding solution. This will save both time and money. Mirka has a unique total solution for the sanding of several types of glass. The clear step-by-step process how to sand glass invented by Mirka is easy to follow all the way from cleaning, to sanding, to polishing. 
Mirka's sanding and polishing solution for refurbishing glass can be used within many industries, e.g., architectural, automotive and marine sectors. It is suitable for many different glass surfaces such as building facades, interior doors and stairs as well as windows on yachts, trains and other vehicles.

The smart solution

Recommendations on How to Sand Glass

Determining the correct grit can be challenging, as it depends on how deep the scratch is, but start with a fine grit, and go towards coarse until the scratch is reduced, rather than starting with a grit that is too coarse, and spending more time on the job. Sanding glass removes material and the coarse grits remove more.

The fewer steps necessary to get the job done, the better. Otherwise, there is a risk of optical refraction. The polishing step takes longer than the sanding steps.

When sanding and polishing, keep the polisher flat to surface, this will give a better and smoother finish.

Clean in between the steps to avoid dust from previous steps causing any scratches.

Throughout the entire process, do not touch the glass with bare fingers, as transferred grease will affect the result and in worst case fingerprints will be visible. Use gloves!

Always use a dust protection mask. Please check local legislation about concentrations known to be hazardous.

Take sufficient time over each sanding step, it is all about giving each step the time it needs.

Before you start

Tips for the best results

  • Always start the process by cleaning the surface using window cleaning liquid. Clean the window with e.g., IPA (Isopropanol) and glass cleaner. We recommend you to use both, since they remove different kind of dirt or grease.
  • Use foam tape to limit splashing.
  • Clean the surface in between every step to remove the dust from the previous step and avoid the dust creating any scratches.
  • When using the Mirka PS1437 polisher, set it to its lowest speed, 1100 rpm.
  • On the ARP-B, set the speed to the lowest, 1500 rpm.
  • Keeping the speed low helps to control surface temperature (check with a .

Start sanding with a fine grit, eg. 320 grit, or just polish out the scratch. If the fine grit does not sand enough, use the next coarser grit. This way you can avoid additional steps when removing the scratches. The following process is an example only. The method differs depending on the type of scratch and your own preferences.

  • Glass sanding & polishing example process

    This process is as a guide only. The process may be different depending on the type of scratch and an individual's preferences.

  • Step 1 - Clean and inspect

    Clean and inspect the damaged area.

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  • Step 2 - Sand with SIC NS

    Use Abranet SIC NS. Select the finest grit disc that will effectively remove the scratch. (eg. 150 grit)

    Hold the sander flat on the glass and sand until the scratch is removed.

    Check the temperature does not exceed 70°c throughout the process.

    Continue the sanding process using gradually finer discs ending at 400 grit.

  • Step 3 - Sand with Abralon

    Start with Abralon 500 grit and expand the repair area to create an effective blend. Ensure to hold the sander flat to the glass.

    Work on a small area at a time as Abralon discs will only start cutting when the glass has warmed up.

    The area will become cloudier as the scratches become finer.

    You will end this process around 1000 grit.

  • Step 4 - Polishing

    Dampen the Abralon 1000 grit. Focus on the edges to soften and blend the repair.

    Inspect the area to ensure all scratches have been removed.

    Switch to the Felt Polishing Pad and apply Polarshine E3.

    Polish at low speed between 1100-1500 rpm working on a small area at a time as the polish will start cutting once the glass has warmed up. The polishing pad will grip once the temperature is reached.

  • Step 5 - Finishing

    Sand with Abralon 1000 grit and Rotary Polisher. Wipe the surface clean.

    Repeat the polishing stage until full clarity is restored to the glass.

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Abranet SIC NS or Abralon?

Mirka Abrasives for Glass Sanding

Both Abranet SIC NS and Abralon use Silicon Carbide grains, which is the optimal grain when sanding glass. They contain no stearate coating, which is unnecessary for sanding glass.

If you have deep scratches or you are sanding a large area, start with Abranet SIC NS.

For superficial scratches, we recommend starting with Abralon. Abranet gives a closer feeling to sanding surface and a more aggressive sanding result.

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    Abralon

    Abralon is a versatile sanding disc designed for use on both smooth and contoured surfaces. Its innovative flexible structure minimises the possibility of pressure marks while enabling the creation of a smooth sanding pattern on sloped surfaces and edges.

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    Abralon SIC NS

    Abranet SIC NS is a specialty abrasive that uses silicon carbide cutting grains formulated completely without the use of stearate. It has been developed especially for use with glass and is also perfectly suited for use with clear coats, primers, carbon fibre and other composites.

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A better choice for you and the environment

Water-Based Polishes

All polishes that Mirka produces are water-based and produced in Finland. There are many benefits of choosing a water-based polishing compound.

  • Effective permanent removal of scratches - Water-based compounds remove scratches permanently. Solvent-based compounds can lose gloss after cleaning the surface with a degreaser and in some cases, they may only temporarily hide the scratches.
  • Safer for the operator - No hazardous chemicals  
  • Sustainable  - Water-based polishes are better for the environment and do not contain benzene or similar hazardous chemicals.

  • Same day dispatch

    All orders received by 2pm are dispatched on the same day, with express post options Australia-wide.

  • Best Price Guaranteed

    Find a better price online or in store and we'll beat it by 5%*

  • Outstanding Service

    Contact our helpful team at info@bestabrasives.com.au
    or by phone on 02 8036 8478.

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