Can You Polish Glass?

Yes, you can polish glass, but it requires the right tools and techniques. Glass polishing is typically done to remove light scratches, water spots, stains, or surface hazing, and to restore optical clarity. Unlike paint, glass is a much harder material, so standard automotive polishes won't work—instead, you'll need a specialized abrasive like cerium oxide, paired with glass-specific polishing pads and a machine polisher. It's important to work carefully, as excessive heat or uneven pressure can cause optical distortion or even crack the glass. While light surface defects can often be polished out, deep scratches or chips usually require repair or glass replacement. This method is commonly used on the front windshield, rear windshield and sunroof.