Windshield Repair Kit Tips?

[Carmudgeon]

Gonna fix a small rock chip in a windshield using one of the DIY resin kits, some of which simply seem to be repackaged from a supplier in Taiwan, and sold by the regular brands.

The chip is actually pretty small, and been there a while, so not in danger of spreading. This is mostly an attempt to mitigate the cosmetic aspect. Condition of the glass is that it's past the point of a pro chip repair being cost effective.

The breakdown of the process seems to cleaning the impact point, applying resin, then drawing a vacuum and putting it under pressure to distribute, then UV curing under sunlight.

I've quickly perused a couple of YT videos for tips, but wondering if anyone has any other practical tips to share?

 

[Nukeman7]

Gonna fix a small rock chip in a windshield using one of the DIY resin kits, some of which simply seem to be repackaged from a supplier in Taiwan, and sold by the regular brands...
I've quickly perused a couple of YT videos for tips, but wondering if anyone has any other practical tips to share?

I have had good results using this inexpensive YOOHE kit from Amazon on a few different windshields.

Tip #1: Perform the resin application and injection process in a grarage or in the shade to preclude premature curing by UV rays in natural sunlight.

Tip #2: Use a hair dryer set on low heat on the inside of the windshield to draw/spread the resin deeper into the crack during the injection process.

Tip #3: Wait 1 hour for the resin to cure when exposed to UV light. The kits say ~20 minutes, but longer is better.

 

[Owen Lucas]

Less is more, years ago on a prior windshield I pushed too much of the resin through and it caused a slight distortion within the laminated layer of the windshield.

 

[Lubener]

If your insurance covers the windshield repair as most policies do , I would leave that to someone experienced.

 

[altaylar]

If your insurance covers the windshield repair as most policies do , I would leave that to someone experienced.

Twice i bought a used car with an untreated chip on the windshield, and got it professionally fixed to make sure the quality of work. I trust myself more than mechanics on basic maintenance such as oil or brake change (especially when it comes to properly torquing), but this seemed like something professionals might perform better with better equipment.

But since you mentioned that there is no risk of spreading, seems like a good DIY task.

I would just make sure I am not pushing excessive amount of material in, which can damage what sounds like a functioning glass otherwsie. Greek physician Hippocrates had a saying "first, don't harm."

 

[meep]

Go for it. The hair dryer trick is new to me but make sense. I’m all for making these kits work and have had good experiences with the ones that provide some kind of motive vacuum or light pressure. I’ve never had an issue adding too much. I’ve got a 6 inch crack right now that was very quick to spread but halted effectively with one of these kits.

I sometimes very very lightly flex the glass from inside to help it spread. Too much fled (this is a light touch) and the crack grows. But just a little can help the sealant migrate.

 

[Carmudgeon]

Thanks all.

The bullseye is probably pea-sized and though not entirely out of sight, isn't directly in the line of sight either, and not spreading. A small cosmetic flaw, mostly.

The Permatex kit was only a few bucks, and figured it is worth a shot, har har. It seems that most of them are similar, with the appliqués, syringe, resin, etc.

Actually have a couple USB-powered UV curing lights somewhere, which came as part of phone screen protector kits that utilized a cured liquid adhesive. Would be perfect for this task if I can find and dig them up.

Not worth dragging insurance into it. Reserving claims for a replacement.