How To Repair Scratches & Chips in Shower Glass
Shower doors are supposed to be made out of a regulated variety of safety glass. Not many types of glass are allowed, which is why variations in texture and color are often provided by vinyl coatings or other surface coatings. There are techniques for repairing scratches and chips, however keep in mind that widespread or severe issues, or any damage that compromises the safety and integrity of the shower glass doors may need to be addressed by a professional. Glass textures and protective coatings can also vary somewhat, so test all cleaning solutions and application techniques in an inconspicuous location before using them in a wider area.
Before performing any minor touch up and repair, make sure the shower glass is clean. For light soil, rubbing alcohol applied with a crumpled newspaper should be sufficient. For more severe or specific stains, refer to the relevant article in this section. Once the shower glass is clean and dry, fill in deeper scratches and pitting with a commercially available windshield crack repair kit.
Loctite is a commercially available product that is readily available. It is easy to apply according to the manufacturer's instructions, and dries to the touch quickly. The Loctite Windshield Repair One-Component system comes with applicator aids, which may also be useful for the shower glass repairs. Our repairs were performed using the repair fluid alone. Keep a toothpick, wooden tongue depressor or other disposable implement handy to smooth the edges of the repair as needed, and immediately scrape away excess or accidental spills. For deeper chips, they can be filled in slowly a layer at the time, adding each layer as the previous one is dry to the touch. It may still be advisable to wait 12 to 24 hours prior to using the shower or otherwise generating significant heat and humidity in the bathroom to help ensure that the material cures properly. Working in extreme cold may also affect the material and it may cure to be brittle, so try to work at a regular room temperature (roughly 70 degrees F). Once the product has fully cured, the repair surface can be lightly sanded as needed to match the texture of the existing shower glass. Another reason why this product has garnered a favorable review is that it is available in conveniently small amounts, helping to avoid needless clutter and excess of home products.
Caution: Never mix cleaning agents or chemicals, the result can be dangerous or deadly. Before cleaning, always test the agent on an inconspicuous location to determine its suitability and to make certain it does not damage the material. Wear appropriate clothing such as gloves and protective eyewear, and work in a well-ventilated area. Accidental inhalation or ingestion of cleaning agents can be hazardous and even fatal, particularly to pets and children.
