Help! How do I clean swarf from glass???

darren2007

Now finishing a few small projects in the house. One of which was turning a window into French doors. Unfortunately at some point load of tiny bits of steel swarf have been inbedded in the glass of said French doors. I can only assume that the swarf has come off the disk cutter at some point. it is now rusting and looks awfull. The glass is double glazed, argon filled I think.
Can anyone advise me of any cleaning products / ideas that will remove the swarf without further damage to the glass???

Cheers

ian103

it can be expensively polished out by a specialist firm, or you may find it cheaper to replace

DVardysShadow

I agree, replace. The swarf has come off the disc cutter hot and melted itself into the glass. You could, I suppose, pick the bits out individually with a jeweller's screwdriver.

If all else fails and you are prepared to replace, I would suggest taking the glass out and using plusgas - allowing it to soak in for a while before wiping over with a soft cloth. I have no idea whether it would actually do the trick, but in your position, I would be giving it a try as something I know to affect steel and rust but not glass.

Gloomendoom

One way is to use a Stanley knife blade as a scraper. It will hook the worst bits out. You need to be careful though, as it is easy to scratch the glass.

Another way let is to the specks rust and then use rust remover to dissolve them away. That may be least the risky option as the acid will not mark the glass.

ian103

used these in the past, they did a great job but it was not cheap.

http://www.scratchglass.co.uk/

darren2007

Cheers guys

darren2007

Rang a couple of glass polishing firms today. First wanted £300.
Scratchglass are yet to get back to me.
At £300 I can buy 2 new glass units!
Jokers.
I'm sure with the right kit a polisher wouldn't take more than 3 hours max.
I was thinking £100 was a just about acceptable price.
If no one can do it for this sort of money I will just change one unit and put up with the lesser damaged one. Cost will be £150ish.

Norman_Castle

Is the swarf embedded or stuck to the surface?. Have you tried scraping it off?