how to restore clear parts

this vid covers my technique on restoring clarity to clear kit parts. waves, scratches and glue spots can be removed with this technique.

[@andyy91]

Getting glue in clear parts it's almost a rite of passage for modellers, thank you for all the information shared ! Very helpful

[@pocopiper]

Thanks for this - I am building a submarine Seaview model for a friend - who had tried to put it together as a kid and totally messed up the observation window ( I wish I attach a photo here) but suffice to say it was a real mess. But your procedure worked a treat! All the best from Vancouver, BC

[@dinaamber]

I have some clear parts that need repair and this procedure looks just like what I need. Thank you!!

[@awoodworker]

I built 1/24 and 1/25th scale models for 50 yrs and always struggled with this problem. Never really finding a good cure. I collect, build and modify 1/18 scale diecast cars now. I have a very expensive car that I pulled apart to repair a tire/wheel. I somehow got a small glue fingerprint on the windshield. I now have confidence that I can repair it. Thanks. New sub.

[@VyperZConcepts]

Thanks for the tutorial Hunter. I watched this a year ago and had to watch it again today because I got glue on my windshield. Keep those videos coming. Happy New Year.

[@robinwoodbury2563]

Thanks so much for this instructional video. The advice and technique tips you provide are pure gold!

[@janspeyer5887]

Thanks a lot! I had messed up the clear parts (blue light Nacelles) from my - fully lighted - Polars' USS Enterprise NCC-1701-A with paint and masking tape. The parts were scratched and dull so I was pretty desperate. Watching your tutorial carefully I managed with grid 1000, 1500 and 2000-sandpaper and the Novus polish products to make them shine again! Kind regards Jan Speyer, the Netherlands

[@holguercamiloperezdoria7551]

WOW, I thought my model was ruined! I'll definitely try this method, Thank you, Sir.

[@Phantanos]

Thank you very much.. Now I can restore the windshield to my New Bright 1/6 scale R.C. Volkswagen, that I found at a GoodWill Store.

[@michaelburnett89]

tried this on my 89 dale earnhardt lumina as glass had looked like wheel smudges in it. this worked great and took them right out glass looks brand new thanks for the great video.

[@angurisloud]

Hunter, thanks! I've typed your instructions out and will be trying it on the plastic instrument dash cover on a 1990's 4WD that I'm modding from a rock crawler to a hunting vehicle. The plastic is a bit scratched up, as the vehicle was ridden hard for a few years. Looking forward to trying your process as soon as Amazon delivers everything! Thanks for the detailed instructions!

[@zamsoniteb8306]

Thanks Very Helpful. Now my aircraft canopies have a chance:)

[@catry707]

Great !! I have seen 20 videos. A lot of chit chat and nothing of good results. This is perfect

[@LinkIsOurChampion]

Haha i came here because I had super glue on my clear phone’s case. I cannot dare to sand it and I failed removing it BUT this video is insanely illustrative. I always wonder how you made frosted into clear again 🤣 know I know. It was awesome.

[@paulhymans2354]

That’s a great video. I’m restoring a 1:8 Revell E Type Jaguar and your process will be invaluable for restoring the glass!

[@sclogse1]

Hmmm, Jaguar......

[@toneseeker4968]

Timeless video, Brother thank you for posting!

[@Goldarr1900]

I use a kitchen rag and finish polishing it to a clear finish. I’ve been working on models since 1984. I’ve experimented a lot with my models.

[@ViktorAdriaansens]

You sound like Jeff Bridges in True Grit. Thanks for the breakdown!

[@sherwinguimpol7744]

You're my saviour. This video is really helpful. Thank you!

[@wigg1yscott554]

I slipped with the drill and put a great big scratch on the inside of the windshield, hopefully this’ll work. Thanks for the suggestions, from here in the U.K.

[@showtimestudioshunterselby]

Just sand all the scratch out and this technique will work for you.

[@natacha7088]

Best tutorial ever on the subject. Thank you!!!

[@rodolfomartinez1763]

Thanks for this video, I really needed this info. I just don't know why anyone would dislike this free good advice, that is proven right infront of the cammera while you polish that windshield!? Thanks a lot bro!

[@JazzSaxUT]

Nice! This technique will really help me restore a fogged windshield. Thanks!

[@rickzinck9326]

Good how too Hunter. I like the Novus polishes . I Use them quite often. It works well on plastic eye glass lenses too. I use it on my reading glasses and my safety glasses for my job.

[@patrickhancockph]

Another great how to video, this one will be a good one to go back to in the archives

[@mikebreazeale2563]

Great tutorial Hunter...You make it so clear about the way to do it right. Thanks!

[@dougwatt6303]

Thanks! Building a rare kit & got glue on the windshield. Thought it was ruined. Going to do this. Cheers!

[@modelrestorations]

Just found you - subd! Great tutorial, One that I can use quite often given my channel. Thank you for sharing!

[@Pradation]

Thank you! I bought a see through case for my nintendo Switch and there is an imperfection from the manufacturer on all of their products right in the middle of the shell... It seems that everyone that buys this shell is ok with it as they are posting 5 stars reviews even though their cases have this imperfection. I'm not ok with the imperfection but there is nothing i can do about it as all the cases have that same imperfection so i was looking for a way to sand it away and still keep it transparent. After I go through your method of getting rid of the rigidness on the plastic i'm going to dye the ABS plastic with green polyester dye in hot water making sure not to melt it. After that i'm going to drawn an outline in the center of the case and spray paint the case cherry red while leaving the middle transparent green and then finish it all off with a coating of Clear coat or something... But again I couldn't not start any of this with out first taking off the manufacturing defects first. Thank you again and have a great day!

[@sclogse1]

Well, this was great. You took a lot of time. Fortunately I had the time...After I sold my car, and am now not driving anymore, (no garage, etc. too much out of the social security, and San Francisco has great transportation) I still have my polishing bottles I bought when I took out surface scratches on my door. That was a lot of work....I'll see what's up, as I have a scuffed dome shaped plastic window for a Masterpiece Models 16" 20,000 Leagues Nautilus. Being dome, or half ball shaped, it's easy to figure out Future on it. But I wonder if it's just a very small scuff, (and this is very thin plastic, not thick like model car kit plastic)I could experiment with putting a layer of Testor's Clear Part Cement and window maker over that scuff instead of these steps. Hmm, I guess it's easy enough to try this on some scrap clear....

[@njcivicwagon1]

Wonderful tutorial Hunter. I had a glue blemish in the glass on a project one time. I actual bought another kit to replace glass. Now I can fix my glass if it ever happened again. Thanks for sharing!

[@tmanimal]

Just a side note, you can employ the same technique on the Headlights of your Real car, (or other plastic lights), when they yellow or mist over or the coating peels.. It's a bit frightening when you start to grind away at 'em..... It's counter intuitive to take abrasive to clear plastic... But it does work... 👍 As long as you do it progressively.... As shown in this vid... and, As long as you re-lacquer them... You can buy kits for it....and save yourself a fortune... Then you can spend it on modelling supplies ... As I said. Nothing to do with the hobby, but, Hey Ho.... 😁

[@fordman1956]

Thanks Hunter, this really helps a lot. The clear plastic is a real problem for me to fix. I think you may have saved a couple of my windows. I will sure try it....jim

[@mitchcohen4264]

Great video! Fantastic explanation! Thank you for this.

[@Murcielampirez]

Great video¡ I bought a used plastic car (Marvel legends ironman car 2008) it had a scratch or something at the windshield and i wasn´t sure if i was ever gonna fix it. I don´t know about Don but this video works for me, Thank you so much.

[@xrlent12]

Great tutorial hunter, looks better than new.

[@JoeyAguilera]

Sweet! Just in time. I needed this tutorial =)

[@franknapolitano9144]

You can use Airplane invisible drying Canopy glue. It looks like Embers Glue but does not show up on plastic when dry.

[@TheJamesm1980]

I'm gonna have to give this a go I have just ruined 40 hrs of work on a commission build

[@racefan32]

I've had some pretty good success using double-sided tape on some kits to install glass where you can hide it.

[@willyheijink4102]

I usually use cotton sticks and white toothpaste, it works really wel. use only white toothpaste

[@TruxCustomz]

Awesome video Hunter, very helpful and informative.

[@seancook49]

Thanks for the tutorial Hunter.

[@antoniomontana9430]

I'd like to see a video on how to repair cracks in the clear parts from damage. I'd like to buy a kit on eBay but the windshield has a visible crack running into the center. I'm trying to figure out what I can use to fill the crack in with so that it isn't visible again.

[@carolinamanjr1385]

Thank You for another great video. I just added it to my folder.

[@fmorenov94]

Great video. Whats the best way to remove Future in a glass when you find is has some excess that distorts the view: Using Windex or polishing with pad/compounds? Thanks

[@mark109s]

Thanks, your video helped me out very much. Marks models!

[@slange64]

Hey Chris, Thanks for this, man!

[@donsheridan494]

Thank you brother I'll have to pick up some polish supplies I'll let you know how it does preciate it

[@ohwell8539]

Thank You Hunter for your video!

[@ModelCarMinion]

Good instructive video, I am working on an older, open kit that has some scuff marks. I may have to try this technique. I sub'd your channel as I have very little previous experience and liked this video so I can find it again. Thanks, Steve.

[@angryyank]

I did a similar technique using 2000 to 12000 grit sandpaper and used maquirers compound and then their polish it cameout better then factory

[@jody2873]

Question: will this technique work with vintage cloudy plastics that turn cloudy after decades?

[@johnny9toes]

Excellent video. Helps me a great amount. One question, how much soap are you using for the (guessing) five oz of water? Is it to just break the surface tension?

[@NorthernVariant]

Thank you for this.

[@PorscheRacer61]

Awesome video. Thanks

[@alexisizspina102304l]

Hi. I have a question. Do you repair all types of plastic. I have a windshield and back glass plastic for a 1997 die cast corvette. Do you happen to do restorations for other people?

[@showtimestudioshunterselby]

Yes, I do commission work.

[@alexisizspina102304l]

@@showtimestudioshunterselby please shoot me an email. [e-mail]. I can send you more info, thank you so much!

[@Panzerlang]

Awesome video. :)

[@yeshuajoshua3337]

Fantastic tutorial thank you

[@patrickmorley9634]

Very helpful!! Does the same procedure work for dried putty as well?

[@fluffchucker13]

Brilliant, thanks

[@EvKrusty]

very interesting. great video thank you

[@RcNerd]

I've covered a blemish on my windscreen. I covered with clear now its frosted over. Will I be able to do this to recover it as now the truck looks bad.

[@showtimestudioshunterselby]

yes.......this procedure should work well for you. if you need any tips or tricks during the process let me know.

[@I_4R5]

Hello, I have a model that has a bluish tone it's windows probably cause it was standing in the sun for a long time. Is there any way to get rid of this bluish tone in the windows? It makes the windows dull and doesn't look good

[@freddymausyt]

Good tutorial. I started today with tamiya polishing compound fine polishing car models and I must say, it's very good. I tried to paint the edges on a windshield, but it didn't looked nice, so I decided to sand the clear part with a 3000 grit sandpaper. After I sanded it down, I tried to polish it with the tamiya polishing compound. But when I was done, I still was able to see the fine scratches and the transparency wasn't clear. Can you or the other who read this comment tell me, how to fix it? Thx

[@showtimestudioshunterselby]

If you follow the steps in my video you will not have scratches.

[@amingaz]

what was that material the white plastic bottle number 3 ?

[@ryanleyten5128]

Thanks a lot for this! I ruined my Tom's Supra windows with a turps finger and am going through the process of removing - I didn't even think it would be possible. However, I've tried these steps and managed to remove the majority of the smudges, but the finished product is quite blurry now, nothing quite like the original. I'm wondering if maybe I haven't use a fine enough sandpaper. I used both 1000 then 1500 but don't own any 2000 - maybe I should get some? I'm using Novus 1-3 but not overly impressed by the impact of the 1. Any advice from others who have done this would be great! Thanks

[@awoodworker]

When I used to build plastic models I would polish the paint or clear coat with the sanding pads. I can't remember who made them. I still have them. 1.5" square sponge pads with grits ranging from 2000 - 12000. Sometimes on the 1/18 scale cars I rebuild . the paint only needs a polish to look good. Sometimes I strip and repaint. Do you have a video showing proper sanding procedures when there is a run or other fault in the original paint?

[@RaysBlueBasementWorkshop]

I just picked a couple sets of those sanding pads at Hobby lobby. They are made by Alpha Abrasives. Only $6 a set with the 40% off coupon.

[@cyclingdad1177]

one question, as you were using the No.3 and No.2 you said you were gong to just go back-n- forth (linerally) with the no.1? maybe that is the same as the "oval" motion, just checking!

[@ekojar3047]

I use to build model cars when I was younger, I looked this up to see if this would work on clearing up headlights. Does anyone know about how long these polishing compounds will last if it was on a car headlight? I dont think I'll need to get up to that much clarity on a 1:1 so I might skip some of the final steps, its much more noticeable on a model. But I'm thinking I can do two sandpaper grits and one of the 3m plastics polishing compounds and itll look a lot better than it does now. Great video !

[@martiehensley4452]

Use WD-40 to remove glue form clear plastic I have used it and it works good and yes working on a helicopter model windows and I got glue on it the WD-40 worked to remove it and the window is clear and I saved the model.

[@AussieGunzel]

Would this work if I accidentally have paint on the window?

[@showtimestudioshunterselby]

Yes, this will work for paint also.

[@fastboy5557]

Im having trouble with a foggy clear plastic problem with my B-17G model. I got paint on the clear bits and used paint thinner to remove the paint and now I have a fogging problem Edit: I don’t know if you made a video on this

[@MirkoWenter]

Stupid question: what is the shot cloth? Is it the classic cloth you use for cleaning glasses? Anyway thanks for this superb tutorial!!

[@showtimestudioshunterselby]

They are the blue shop towels on a roll.

[@MirkoWenter]

Aaaahhhhh... paper you mean? Just simple paper towels?

[@vortexmodeling]

Nice tutorial, subbed

[@billysayers7941]

Do I use warm water or cols for this stage ?

[@boggym]

Thank you. very interesting vid....

[@showtimestudioshunterselby]

thanks for watching

[@nikolabakich9709]

do you know how to remove scratches from clear canopy on star wars vehicles im sure the plastic is softer than on models i think its pvc plastic thank you

[@showtimestudioshunterselby]

just the compounds should polish up those........only use sand paper on deep scratches. you can also dip it in future for a very nice result.

[@davepatton4038]

what glue do you use when installing clear parts

[@showtimestudioshunterselby]

Micro crystal clear

[@mohamedhassanali444]

Hello, so i have a lamborghini reventon and the tailights had red on it,i used thinner to remove it but it sort of hazed the plastic,a bit,what do i use to remove that to make it clear

[@franknapolitano9144]

Mother's Mag & Aluminum Polish may be faster ?

[@unitruth]

Would this work for yellowed clear plastic ?

[@hawk08ht]

Looks so promising, cant wait to try it out on my Chevy Impala SS 1967 AMT model clear part. Thank you. Since where I am I cant get Novus, can I use standard car polish like Formula / scratch out etc? I got Meguiars Ultimate Polish will it do or I stick to Compound instead?

[@RSK11X]

Any compound will do! If you have trust issues, i suggest using automotive compound

[@jamesunger8433]

Do you have any advice on how to repair cracked or broken clear parts.

[@renelsisc]

Sir...very informative thank you! Quick question. I’ve messed up the masking part of the glass, so I was wondering if you have methods to remove all the black masking paint so I can redo it? Thanks!

[@RSK11X]

You can use 99% alcohol but becareful of the trims, use lightly on the spot

[@ww2passion351]

How would you recommennd on 1) using this procedure and 2) getting rid of excess paint on clear parts for aircraft?

[@billpayne3983]

Excellent.

[@ryanleyten5128]

Subscribed!

[@ChrisRubeo]

Thanks!

[@CTspeedshop]

Hello Hunter, I have a video request. Can you make a video on how many miles you have traveled since you began showing your models? Thanks, CT

[@syang1116]

Dear sir.. is it possible to remove the acrylic paints from ill-masked and painted clear parts?

[@showtimestudioshunterselby]

what brand of acrylic?

[@rogerwachal3718]

Awesome

[@alanwills6569]

Thank you !!

[@nicoy5639]

just in case i don't have the 2 & 3 novus. is it okay to use turtle wax rubbing compound? Newbie question here. Thanks in advance!

[@showtimestudioshunterselby]

Nicoy Valdez yes you can use other compounds that will produce the same results. Thanks for watching

[@nicoy5639]

Thanks for the tip in. Your video is a project saver.

[@mokit2221]

What about if cracks ?

[@showtimestudioshunterselby]

For cracks replacement is the only option.

[@michaelburnett89]

Where can I buy the novus products

[@showtimestudioshunterselby]

Hobbyroom or most online hobby suppliers sell it.

[@LinkIsOurChampion]

I forgot to ask, do you think this could work on polycarbonate? 🤔

[@Jonathan-Hack]

got acitone on some clear parts. will this work?

[@showtimestudioshunterselby]

It should work, it will depend on how far the acetone etched into the part.

[@Jonathan-Hack]

@@showtimestudioshunterselby thank you for the reply

[@elementseb3735]

Oh the numbers of windshield I tried to save ...

[@od1452]

Very Good but could be shorter .

[@chesterlewis6230]

Don’t use goo gone or I should say glass gone

[@elementseb3735]

I tried your technique countless time and failed every single time. There has to be a simpler way ....