APPROXIMATE TIME PER SQUARE FOOT: 15 – 20 minutes

Fines and ticks are specific types of surface damage characterized by fine, localized scratches on glass. This form of damage typically occurs when micro-crystals, protruding slightly from the glass surface, become dislodged and are subsequently dragged across it. Historically referred to as ‘fabrication debris,’ these defects are now more commonly known as fines and ticks.

The characteristic manifestation of this damage is a prominent single point scratch, often trailed by a finer, hairline drag mark. These marks are typically the result of cleaning or handling tools, such as razor blades or other instruments, which inadvertently dislodge, trap, and then drag the micro-crystal across the glass surface. The nature of fines and ticks suggests a delicate surface interaction, where even minimal contact can result in noticeable scratching.

Addressing fines and ticks in glass restoration involves a meticulous process. The approach needs to carefully remove the micro-crystals and mitigate the scratches while preserving the overall integrity of the glass. Given the subtlety of such scratches, the restoration process must be precise and controlled to effectively restore the glass to its original state without exacerbating the existing damage.

Fig. 5600A

Fig. 5600B

Fig. 5600C

IMPORTANT NOTE: During the glass restoration process, it’s crucial to closely monitor the temperature of the glass pane. The heat generated from grinding or polishing can increase the risk of thermal stress, potentially leading to cracks or breakage. To effectively manage this risk, it is recommended to use a non-contact thermometer, a tool available at most hardware stores. This allows for accurate and safe temperature measurements without interrupting the workflow.  

Regular monitoring of the temperature differential between the repair area and the rest of the pane is key to preventing thermal damage. Should the temperature in the work area rise significantly, pause the restoration and allow the glass to cool. Immediate cessation of work and allowing the pane to return to a normal temperature range is necessary if overheating occurs. For specific temperature guidelines and detailed procedures on managing thermal expansion, please refer to section C 3.1.1.0 – Thermal Expansion.

TEMPERATURE ADVISORYDeltaMaximum Temperature
Annealed+80℉ Δ N/A
Tempered+120℉ Δ N/A
Laminate- Annealed+80℉ Δ 145℉
Laminate- Tempered+120℉ Δ 145℉
Mirrored+80℉ Δ N/A
Tool Checklist
Corded, Variable Speed, Rotary Polisher (600-3000 RPM MINIMUM, ⅝-11 threaded spindle)
Backing Pad
Black RenuDisk(s)
Grey RenuDisk(s)
Polishing Felt
Polishing Compound
Rasp
IR Thermometer
PPE
Workspace Checklist
Power Access
Workbenches, ladders, scaffolding, lifts, etc. (If Applicable)
Masking Tools
Drop Clothes/ Tarps/ Waste Receptacles
Temperature Control Tools (If Applicable)
Damage Assessment Checklist
Confirm Glass Type
Confirm Damage Type
Inspect Glass System Integrity (Framing, Glazing, Etc.)
Inspect Glass Pane Integrity (Cracks, Chips, etc.)
Identify Damage Location(s)

Tool Calculator

Window Details

Select Percentage of Damage

Select Disk Size Class

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Fig. 5610A

C 5.6.1.0 – Step One: Abrasion utilizes a Black RenuDisk to quickly remove target damage.

  1. Secure a Black RenuDisk to the designated backing pad.
  2. Adjust the polisher to operate at a rotational speed of 1800 RPM.
  3. Align the RenuDisk surface directly above the glass’s damaged area, ensuring that the disk remains parallel to the glass pane.
  4. Engage the polisher’s power trigger, and trigger lock.
  5. Employ a systematic abrasion approach by guiding the RenuDisk in alternating horizontal and vertical paths across the damaged area. This action should form a precise cross-hatch pattern. Maintaining uniform pressure, continue abrading until all damage has been removed.
  6. Disengage the RenuDisk from the glass pane.
  7. Disengage the polisher’s power trigger. Ensure the disk is stationary.
  8. Detach the Black RenuDisk.
  9. Continue to [Step Two: Pre-Polish].

NOTE: Over the course of the abrasion, glass stock will accumulate on the RenuDisk surface. It may be necessary to periodically unclog the disk surface to maintain optimal performance. To do this:
Disengage the polisher, ensuring the disk is stationary.
Utilize the flat, non-aggressive face of the rasp file or wire brush.
Gentle tapping motions on the RenuDisk surface will dislodge glass stock that has accumulated during operation. Refrain from brushing.

Fig. 5610E

Fig. 5610F

C 5.6.2.0 – Step Two: Pre-Polish is broken down into three distinct sub-steps: Low Speed, Mid Speed, and High Speed Pre-Polish. Each sub-section utilizes the same Grey Renudisk to refine, feather, and expand the established work area.

  1. Secure a new Grey RenuDisk to the designated backing pad.
  2. Adjust the polisher to operate at a rotational speed of 600 RPM.
  3. Align the RenuDisk surface directly over the established work area, ensuring that the disk remains parallel to the glass pane.
  4. Engage the polisher’s power trigger, and trigger lock.
  5. Employ a systematic abrasion approach by guiding the RenuDisk in alternating horizontal and vertical paths within the established work area. This action should form a precise cross-hatch pattern. Maintain uniform pressure
  6. Disengage the RenuDisk from the glass pane.
  7. Disengage the polisher’s power trigger.
  8. Ensure the Grey RenuDisk surface is speckled with glass stock.
  9. Continue to Mid Speed Pre-Polish.

NOTE: During the Low Speed Pre-Polish sub-step, small amounts of glass stock will accumulate on the surface of the RenuDisk. The surface of the RenuDisk should have a white speckled appearance at the end of the Low Speed Pre-Polish. No disk maintenance is required at this time.

  1. Adjust the polisher to operate at a rotational speed of 1800 RPM.
  2. Align the RenuDisk surface to overlap the top left corner of the established work area by approximately ½ the diameter of the RenuDisk, ensuring that the disk remains parallel to the glass pane.
  3. Engage the polisher’s power trigger, and trigger lock.
  4. Employ a systematic abrasion approach by guiding the RenuDisk in alternating horizontal and vertical paths, expanding the established work area created in Step One by approximately ½ the diameter of the RenuDisk. This action should form a precise cross-hatch pattern. Maintain uniform pressure.
  5. When the work area has been fully refined, expanded, and made uniform edge to edge, cease cleaning the Grey RenuDisk. At the end of the Mid Speed Pre-Polish subsection, it is necessary to allow the glass stock being removed from the pane to accumulate on the surface of the Grey RenuDisk.
  6. Disengage the RenuDisk from the glass pane.
  7. Disengage the polisher’s power trigger.
  8. Ensure the Grey RenuDisk surface is completely coated in glass stock.
  9. Continue to High Speed Pre-Polish.

NOTE: Over the course of the Mid Speed Pre-Polish, glass stock will accumulate on the RenuDisk surface. If the RenuDisk is clogged, and further refinement/ expansion of the established work area is required, it may be necessary to clean the Grey RenuDisk and continue the Mid Speed Pre-Polish. To maintain optimal performance of the Grey RenuDisk:

  • Disengage the polisher’s power trigger. Ensure the disk is stationary.
  • Utilize the non-aggressive face of the rasp file or wire brush.
  • Administer gentle tapping motions on the RenuDisk surface. Refrain from brushing.
  1. Adjust the polisher to operate at a rotational speed of 3000 RPM.
  2. Align the RenuDisk surface to overlap the top left corner of the established work work area by approximately ½ the diameter of the RenuDisk, ensuring that the disk remains parallel to the glass pane.
  3. Engage the polisher’s power trigger, and trigger lock.
  4. Employ a systematic abrasion approach by guiding the RenuDisk in alternating horizontal and vertical paths, expanding the established work area created in Step One by approximately ½ the diameter of the RenuDisk. This action should form a precise cross-hatch pattern. Maintain uniform pressure.
  5. Disengage the RenuDisk from the glass pane.
  6. Disengage the polisher’s power trigger. Ensure the disk is stationary.
  7. Remove the Grey RenuDisk.
  8. Continue to: [Step Three: Polish].

NOTE: The Grey RenuDisk surface should maintain full glass stock accumulation during the entirety of the High Speed Pre-Polish subsection. No disk maintenance should be required.

Fig. 5620A

Fig. 5620B

Fig. 5620C

Fig. 5620D

C 5.6.3.0 – Step Three: Polish utilizes the Polishing Felt and Polishing Compound to restore glass to full luster.

  1. Secure the polishing felt to the designated backing pad.
  2. Using the rasp file, abrade the polishing felt surface gently. This helps elevate the natural fibers of the felt for enhanced polishing ease and efficiency.
  3. Vigorously agitate the bottle prior to each application to ensure homogeneous distribution of the polishing compound. Apply Polish Compound directly to the felt’s surface.
  4. Adjust the polisher to operate at a rotational speed of 600 RPM.
  5. Align the polishing felt surface to overlap the top left corner of the established work area by approximately ½ the diameter of the polishing felt, ensuring that the disk remains parallel to the glass pane.
  6. Engage the polisher’s power trigger, and trigger lock.
  7. Disperse the polish uniformly across the entirety of the work area.
  8. Employ a systematic polishing approach by guiding the polishing felt in alternating horizontal and vertical paths, expanding the established work area created in Step Two by approximately ½ the diameter of the RenuDisk. This action should form a precise cross-hatch pattern. Maintain uniform pressure. Continue the polishing process until all of the Polishing Compound has been worked into the glass.
  9. Inspect the entire work area, checking for any remnants of haze from multiple angles. Pay particular attention to the edges and corners of the work area. If any remnants remain, begin Step Three again.
  10. When the pane has been adequately restored, clean the glass using any standard glass cleaning technique to remove excess Polishing Compound.

Fig. 5120A

Fig. 5120B

Fig. 5120C