How to Repair a Crack in an Acrylic Windshield

Acrylic glass is safe and easy to repair.

Rather than being made of laminated glass, some windshields are created with a more durable clear acrylic compound known commonly as plexiglass. It will not shatter like a typical glass windshield and is therefore used on automobiles used for racing or activities such as off-road driving. Though it is a strong material, plexiglass may still crack if it encounters too much applied pressure or an extreme impact. However, a crack in an acrylic windshield can be repaired in a few steps.

Things You'll Need

• Small drill bit (1/16 inch to 1/8 inch)
• Drill
• Adhesive gun/injector
• plexiglass/acrylic glass adhesive
• Two rags
• Electric buffer
• Buffing pads
• Plexiglass/acrylic glass cleaner

Instructions

1. Drill a hole at each end of the crack. This will stop the crack from spreading.

2. Fill the crack with plexiglass/acrylic glass adhesive. This is a very thin solution that may drip, so have a rag handy to wipe up solution that overflows from the crack. Allow the solution to dry for the recommended amount of time as noted on the acrylic glass adhesive packaging.

3. Buff the surface. Use an electric buffer and soft buffing pads to do this.

4. Clean the surface. Use the plexiglass/acrylic glass cleaner and the remaining soft rag to do this.

Tips & Warnings

• When working with chemicals, be sure to wear to protective gloves and glasses. Also, work in a well-ventilated area.

References

• Plexiglass, Fiberglass Engineering Plastic Sheets and Shapes With the Plastic Genius: Repairing a Crack in Plexiglass
• Home Tips: Removing Scratches From Plexiglass