Especially if it is in a very visible place, it can bring you a lot of trouble. Most the best option, of course, change the window sill for a new one. But if the scratch is small and shallow, then you can try to remove it yourself. The method of window sill restoration depends on the type of PVC window sill and the depth of the scratch.
Rice. 1.
- If you have a matte window sill and a shallow scratch, take very fine sandpaper with a grit of at least 500-600 and, using gentle (preferably longitudinal) movements, sand the scratch area, but do not rub the film to the dark base of the window sill.
- If you have a glossy window sill and a shallow scratch, do the same and at the end treat with a cleaning agent PVC profiles"COSMOFEN 5" - this will add shine to your window sill.
- If you have a deep scratch, I can advise you to do everything as in the first tip. Then treat the scratch area with COSMOFEN 10 and then polish with COSMOFEN 5.
We must warn you that you need to be very careful with "COSMOFEN 5" - it is a highly toxic and deep-acting product - it can strongly dissolve the surface. Cosmofen is intended for correcting plastic defects, but it is a very strong solvent, and without experience working with it, you can leave a lot of stains on the windowsill, and then you will definitely have to change the window sill. Therefore, it is better to try its effect on a piece of window sill or invite a specialist.
Rice. 2. COSMOFEN product
First, test it somewhere in an invisible place on the windowsill. Use a lint-free cloth, otherwise the lint will melt into the surface of the window sill.
Rub the scratch in one direction, without fanaticism. Don't overdo it!
For a shallow scratch, 1-3 times are sufficient.
This will clean the scratch from dust and slightly dissolve and level the scratch relative to the surface of the window sill.
If your window sill is initially covered with film, then only gluing a new film, preferably acrylic, will do.
Acrylic film is the most durable, although it is more expensive.
You can try to smooth out scratches with Farecla liquid polishing wax, a substance that is absolutely harmless to plastic. Small scratches can be polished with it immediately, and deep ones, together with the adjacent area, can be polished after treatment with fine-grained sandpaper. Dampen a cotton cloth with wax and rub it over the damaged surface in a circular motion with gentle pressure. Once it dries, polish it with a special cloth, preferably from the same company that produces wax. The wax coating does not evaporate, does not react to direct sunlight, is not wetted by water, and repels dirt.
Repairing scratched glass can be as easy as shelling pears if you apply toothpaste and put in a little effort. The only question is whether it should be restored or better replaced. Not only does the glass restorer create a rainbow effect on the glass, but scratches reduce the strength of the window, leaving it vulnerable to cracking with just a light pressure on the desired spot.
It’s already upsetting that you can feel a scratch on the glass with your fingernail; it’s probably also so deep that it won’t be possible to fix it without leaving a trace. Polishing kits can leave an indentation with bubbles that refract light when the sun shines through the window. Depending on where the window is located, this could be a problem for you. If the scratch is located right in the center of your bay window, it will usually need to be replaced.
Working with minor scratches
For scratches that can be seen in the sun but cannot be felt with a fingernail, toothpaste - The best decision Problems.
Toothpaste is the best solution to the problem of scratches on glass
Paste or cream works much better in this case than gel. Clean the glass thoroughly. It is better to clean the surface with a lint-free cloth. Apply a generous amount of toothpaste along the entire length of the scratch and wipe off the excess.
If you use a razor blade to scrape off excess toothpaste, do yourself (and your window) a favor.
Make movements in one direction only. “Scraping” the glass with movements back and forth, across the glass, can cause irreparable damage!
After the window is dry, take a piece of soft cloth and polish your window. The scratch will disappear immediately, along with the toothpaste. Sometimes, you get scratches that are barely noticeable, but they still bother you. Take your time using the paste. First, try polishing the glass with furniture polish. Just be careful to avoid scratchy materials - such as newspaper - while polishing. The best choice for you it is a soft, dry cloth.
Medium scratches
Most window cleaning professionals will tell you that there is no need to repair scratches on your window. But if you run your finger over a scratch and your nail gets into the groove, then this means that the window is too damaged to be restored. And yet, for those persistent jack-of-all-trades, there is Possible Solution. A second treatment with toothpaste containing equal parts dry mustard and vinegar, and this mixture can fix scratches that are a little deeper. Apply toothpaste and polish with a clean cloth. If your scratch is still visible after sanding, it's time to move on to the next step - a professional scratch removal system.
Professional methods
Some scratch removal kits are sold both online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Auto glass restoration kits usually include everything you need to complete the task. Unfortunately, they can be quite expensive, and without professional knowledge, you may not be able to put them to good use. Look for products that do not contain abrasive ingredients. Cerium oxide and those that only scrape out scratches. The end effect is a reduction in the strength of your window. Home owners and their insurers will agree that it's better to replace a window right away than wait until it breaks.
Preventing scratches
Undoubtedly the most easy way taking care of a scratch is, first of all, hiding its presence.
Not all scratches can be fixed, but some common causes of scratched windows can be avoided, as follows:
- Traces from construction - building mixture, putty and plaster, stick to the surface of the new window and, when cleaned off, create scratches. Some new products protect the window surface. They can be applied or sprayed onto glass at the factory, such films can be removed after construction is completed, and then the window simply needs to be washed.
- Newspaper, hard towels and vigorous scrubbing can scratch the glass surface. Surprisingly, a diamond ring can do the same. Wash the window with a soft, clean cloth. If lint or streaks remain on the surface, use a lint-free towel and avoid wiping windows when the sun is shining on them.
- Dirt or construction dust can very easily scratch a window when you wash it. If possible, first rinse or hose off the dust from the window before washing it.
Windows create general impression, by which your home is judged. Stained, cloudy, dirty or scratched windows give the wrong impression. Correct the feeling of neglect and upgrade your home by restoring or replacing damaged window glass.
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Amboyna (Narra) Family: Legumes Trade names: pink tree(Philippines, Papua New Guinea). The seedlings are sold under the trade name AMBOYNA BURR. Other names: red narra, yellow narra, sena, angsena. Distribution: East Indies. Description of Amboyna Wood The heartwood varies from light yellow, golden brown to brick red. The wood native to Cagayan is usually harder and heavier and is blood red in color. Amboyna has...
Alon (Bombax) Family: Bombacaceae Commercial names: Kondroti, Alon-bombax. Other names: ogumalonga (Cameroon, Gabon); Akagauan (Ivory Coast); Kingew (Liberia); Mungura (Mozambique). Distribution: Tropical Africa. also in South America and South Asia. Description of Alon Wood The heartwood is pale reddish brown in color and is susceptible to fungal discoloration. The texture is straight-grained, rough, dull in appearance and very absorbent. Weight on average 550 kg/m3;…
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But with prolonged and improper use of window sills, the most different surfaces, this part of the window may require restoration. And we don’t always know how to update and how to repair a plastic window sill if cracks and chips appear, not to mention the change in color and deformation.
When is restoration necessary?
Plastic is relative practical material. Elements made from it are easy to maintain, easy to install, have a wide range of colors and low price. But at the same time, they are susceptible to mechanical damage and sensitive to elevated temperatures (they swell and can crack).
What to do if the following appears on the windowsill:
- Chips, cracks and scratches.
- Traces from flower pots and hot items.
- Faded by exposure sun rays spots.
- Damage chemicals for cleaning surfaces.
In this case, repairs of plastic window sills are carried out depending on the degree of damage. There are special restorative agents for these purposes. If these are minor damages, the repair is done using putty; for multiple chips and cracks, a laminated film is used, and for serious problems, a special overlay is used.
Ways to solve the problem
Let's break down the options for restoring PVC window sills into categories depending on the use of the material used.
Important! Before you repair a plastic window sill with your own hands, the surface must be cleaned of dirt, degreased with alcohol and dried.
Chemical cleaners
It is known that the plastic surfaces of windows and window sills are covered with an invisible or decorative film that performs protective function. If handled carelessly, it will become scuffed and yellowed. To eliminate such minor defects, you can completely restore the part using laminate wax or a special solvent-based Cosmofen cleaner.
Small stains and abrasions can be removed with a special cleaner Cosmofen If the window sill is completely yellowed, it is better to apply the composition to its entire surface. It will dissolve the top yellowed layer and the plastic will become as good as new. This will complete the restoration of the window sill.
Special putty
The use of a specialized mixture such as Fenoplast or Reparaturset to seal small defects is a very popular method today. In stores it is sold in powder form complete with a spatula and measuring cup. Preparing the putty according to the instructions is not difficult. After use, this mixture acquires properties close to PVC and easily covers gaps, be it a crack or a scratch. Experienced specialists use a primer rather than water to dilute a two-component mixture. deep penetration, which helps to obtain a fairly durable coating.
You can use putty to repair small scratches and cracks. Immediately after preparing the composition you should:
- Apply putty to the surface.
- Carefully repair the scratch and smooth it out.
- Wait 10-15 minutes. until completely dry.
- Sand with sandpaper.
- Polish with Fenosol S5 “UVA”.
To understand what it will look like to repair a plastic window sill with your own hands using putty, you need to start with more inconspicuous places.
Liquid plastic
If you don't know how to remove scratches from a plastic window sill, use liquid plastic. This material is absolutely indispensable for repairing deep scratches and large dents. It allows you to restore even the most advanced deformation.
To correct deep defects in the window sill, liquid plastic is used With a ready-made composition such as Cosmofen Plus, all recesses on the plastic window sill before receiving flat surface. After this, you need to see how the cracks being repaired and the patch will differ from the overall texture of the plate. Therefore, it can additionally be covered with self-adhesive decorative film.
Laminated Film
It's pretty simple and affordable option for restoration of the surface of plastic windows with numerous defects. Big variety color range and the choice of assortment to imitate a variety of textures (wood, stone, Russian pattern, etc.) make this product very popular even when restoration of the plastic window sill is not required.
Using laminated film you can update an old window sill To use the film you should:
- Apply putty mixture.
- Use sandpaper to remove any bulges.
- Cut film the right size with a margin of 2-3 cm at the edges.
- Gently spread it over the surface with a towel.
- Remove any air bubbles that have formed by piercing them with a needle and level the surface.
- Glue the film in hard to reach places using a hairdryer, which will make it more elastic.
The easiest way to do the work is with two people, when one holds the edge of the glued film, and the other removes its inner layer.
Important! Before repairing window sills, it is better to disconnect this element from the window. This will allow you to deal with the problem more quickly and efficiently.
PVC lining
Repairing a window sill using a special overlay is suitable for elements no more than 6 cm thick. This is a fairly economical and completely simple method in terms of labor costs, when you can simply close the problematic part. For example, when an element might swell or become severely cracked. The PVC window sill cover is made of pure polyvinyl chloride, which is durable and resistant to moisture and ultraviolet radiation, and allows you to get an updated interior in a matter of hours.
To install it you need:
- Fill large damage with glue.
- Cut the trim to fit the size of the window sill.
- Degrease the surface and coat with glue.
- Place the trim on the window sill and press down with a weight.
- Leave until completely dry for 5-6 hours.
- Fill the voids between the window sill and the trim silicone sealant.
- Place the end caps on the glue.
After the plastic covers on the window sills are glued, the protective film is removed. White plastic linings are considered the least problematic. After gluing to the old window sill, the edge of the plate is heated with a hair dryer and bent to its shape.
Plastic cover allows repairs to be carried out in a short time Important! Heat treatment cannot be applied to laminated and glossy overlays, as they immediately lose their attractive appearance.
Removing the plate
If all of the above methods for restoring window sills are not suitable or the plastic is very swollen, and you no longer know how to seal the plastic window sill, you can try to radically get rid of the problem by completely replacing the part.
Dismantling the element requires some effort:
- Cut off the mounting foam and carefully pull the element towards you, holding the slopes.
- We remove the vacated space from garbage.
- We place the new plate according to the dimensions of the old window sill.
- We supply support rails.
- Lubricate the side of the connection between the plate and the window with silicone sealant.
- Install new window sill into the connector, checking it with a level.
- Filling the voids polyurethane foam, and place a weight on top of the part.
- Filming protective film after the foam has dried.
Important! Before giving preference to PVC windows, you should pay attention to the fact that some companies provide a guarantee for replacing the window sill if it is damaged.
If the window sill is severely damaged, it is recommended to replace it PVC installation the window sill is not so difficult process, but requires attention and perseverance. If you choose between replacing a plastic window sill and restoring it, then the second option is, of course, more attractive in terms of saving money, lack of waste and variety color palette. And if you use a plastic cover, then the list of materials from which the window sill can be made is not limited to plastic. It can be concrete, wood, brick and metal.
It turns out that dismantling and restoring window sills with your own hands generally depends on the deformation of structures, the availability of funds and free time. And in order for this interior detail to serve for many years, you should use it for its intended purpose and properly care for the plastic texture using products specifically designed for it.
Compared to conventional wooden windows plastic ones have some advantages. This includes thermal protection, high noise insulation, and low costs for content. Yes, and if you compare them only by appearance, then unlike wooden ones, plastic windows have a more stylish look. Everyone has their pros and cons. The same goes for plastic windows, which still have certain disadvantages (read the article about the dangers of plastic windows). One of these disadvantages is the difficulty, and sometimes the impossibility, of removing scratches from them.
In order to remove scratches on plastic windows, you will need:
- flannel;Wooden block;
Liquid plastic (for example, Cosmofen);
Marker for plastic windows;
Solvent 646.
How to remove scratches on plastic windows?
1. Wash the surface to be treated thoroughly with a wet sponge. Do not wet the sponge detergents, since they can destroy the structure of the plastic. Afterwards, wipe the window thoroughly and dry. Wear gloves. Use a soft cloth (such as flannel) to remove small, shallow scratches. To do this, you need to make a homemade roller for grinding. Take it wooden block, having a length of 15 cm. Attach several layers of fabric to the block or make a cotton layer - these actions must be performed so as not to further harm the plastic window in the future. Next, attach a piece of soft fabric to the resulting base. Take the homemade roller you have and sand the scratch on the window.2. Take liquid plastic and use it to remove larger and deeper scratches on the glass. Liquid plastic (for example, Cosmofen) can be purchased from organizations that sell components for plastic windows. Since the solution contains acetone, you should be careful with it. You should take a piece of coarse cloth and apply a little liquid plastic and wipe the surface of the window in a circular motion. You do these movements until the desired result is obtained (until you get rid of scratches). Then wipe the plastic with a dry and clean cloth. Rags and fabrics used in work must be disposed of later.
3. Deep scratches can be removed using solvent 646. Take a piece of cotton wool and a damp cloth. Lightly moisten the swab with solvent. Rub the scratch with light movements. To prevent the solvent from corroding the plastic more than required, you need to slightly dissolve the plastic and immediately wipe it with a damp cloth. Repeat these steps until you get results. That is, constantly dissolve the plastic and immediately wipe with a damp cloth. Before using this strong solvent on plastic window practice first on ordinary glass plastic to understand how it all works.
4. Using a special marker, which can be purchased from organizations that sell components for plastic windows. Using a special marker, remove scratches from the laminated window (where the wood-effect film is glued). Clean the surface of the window and in one motion paint over the scratch along its entire length.
High-quality plastic windows are made from PVC, which, in addition to protective properties, is also highly resistant to mechanical and other damage. But even this does not help to completely avoid damage to the plastic profile and window sill. It also happens that the plastic is damaged during transportation or unsuccessful installation, but you did not immediately notice this problem.
Quite often, scratches on the profile and window sill appear during operation, due to the carelessness of the owners, the activity and curiosity of small children, as well as due to pets. Shallow scratches on the white surface of the plastic are not very noticeable, but still cause an unpleasant sensation and a desire to remove them. There are several proven ways to deal with scratches.
Scratch removal methods
Experts say that most effective method removing deep scratches from the plastic surface of the profile is to use a solvent and further grind the surface. The essence of the method is that the profile is treated with a solvent, which “corrodes” the plastic and removes the scratch groove. Then, using a damp cloth, remove the solvent and grind the profile.
Another effective method removing scratches from plastic profile – the use of liquid plastic, which literally creates new surface. The use of liquid plastic is complicated by the fact that it is necessary to accurately select the required consistency and very carefully apply the composition to the surface of the plastic profile.
In particularly severe cases of damage, use a primer with further coloring.
Cracks and chips on a plastic window require urgent removal measures, because such defects can increase over time and it will become impossible to eliminate them. “Liquid plastic” is suitable for removing cracks and chips.
Methods for repairing a plastic window sill
The above methods for removing scratches can also be used for a plastic window sill. But if there is a lot of damage, then the surface area of the window sill allows you to use other methods to make your window sill beautiful again.
Repair using special pads. This method is an alternative to replacing the old window sill with a new one. This is very convenient, because after dismantling the old window sill and installing a new one, it is necessary to repair the slopes and partially glue the wallpaper around the window, and in the case of using overlays, these measures will not be necessary. Using window sill covers is a fairly cheap option.
Special overlays will be made window design unique, and a wide range color scheme will allow you to choose the ideal option for you. The surface of the pads is resistant to ultraviolet radiation, easy to clean and durable. The trim is attached to the window sill using a special mounting adhesive, which is applied to the entire surface of the window sill in an even layer. After the glue has dried, the trim and the window sill are a single unit.
Restoration of a window sill using laminated film. The range of laminating films is very large, there is a wide range of colors: plain, various colors, imitation wood texture or natural stone. Before applying the laminating film, it is necessary to carefully prepare the surface. All scratches and gouges must be filled with putty, and bulges must be sanded. The surface must be perfectly flat. It is also necessary to degrease the window sill for better adhesion of the film. Most affordable way degreasing the window sill is using a regular detergent.
Cutting the film to the required size, Be sure to allow 3cm allowances at the edges. In corners and hard-to-reach places, use a hairdryer to warm up the film, it becomes more elastic, and you can special effort stick it on. If bubbles form after gluing, you need to pierce them with a needle and release all the air.
Window sill repair using special putty
Today there are special putties on sale for sealing various cracks, chips and scratches from the surface of a plastic window sill. The putty is produced as a solvent or powder filler, that is, it requires additional preparation at the place of work. As a rule, putty is sold complete with a measuring cup and a special wooden spoon, which allows you to follow the dosage specified in the instructions as accurately as possible.
Before starting work, the surface of the window sill is prepared: dirt is removed, degreased and allowed to dry. It is very important to strictly follow all the recommendations specified in the instructions. The applied layer dries quite quickly; after 15 minutes the window sill is ready.
