Football season is here in Baytown, and that means it’s time to take team pride seriously and show your support on the road. Writing on your car’s windows is a great way to do just that, but by using the incorrect materials or techniques, you may risk permanent damage that calls for auto glass repair from our team of experts at Joey’s Glass in Baytown. If you’re ready to learn more about how to safely represent your team without staining or scratching your auto glass, this guide can help all of Baytown’s football fans avoid glass damage through the entire season.
The Dangers of Using the Wrong Materials and Why They Lead to Auto Glass Damage
While painting your car’s windows can seem like a great idea, especially around football season, it can have detrimental results if the wrong products are used. Because of this, using the correct products that are specifically designed for car windows is essential for avoiding auto glass repairs while still showing your team pride.
The biggest misconception when it comes to painting your car’s windows is that any sort of paint formula will do the trick. However, this is completely false. Many painting materials are designed to last a long time on whatever surface they are applied to and can require significant effort to remove any at all. Things like regular house paint or permanent markers, such as Sharpies, contain ingredients and unique pigments that bond with the surface of the glass. When this happens, it essentially dyes the surface of your car’s window. No matter how hard you scrub or how many times you clean it, there will be a faint outline of your design stuck on your window.
Even worse, the physical act of scrubbing off permanent materials can often lead to significant damage to your car’s glass. Many Baytown sports fans might think that tools such as scouring pads, steel wool, or metal scrapers are the best way to attempt to remove the paint; however, this is potentially the fastest way to damage your glass and be on your way to Joey’s Glass for an auto glass window replacement. Not only can these methods seriously etch your windshield, leaving deep grooves that must be repaired, but they can also weaken your windshield, leaving it susceptible to much more danger and damage down the line.
The “What”: Safe Products for Your Car’s Glass This Football Season
Now, let’s take a dive into the safe and dependable way to show your team spirit in Baytown this football season. Making sure you use the right materials ensures that your car glass stays safe, and the removal is a breeze.
Here are the most efficient and safest options for writing on your car’s glass:
- Car glass paint and markers: This type of paint is the best option for your car decoration needs. You’ll be able to find these by looking for materials specifically labeled safe for use on automotive glass. What makes these unique is that they are typically made with a water-based formula and without any toxic solvents. Because of this formula, they don’t bond to the glass and cause etching or staining. They can be easily removed with simple, mild household cleaners such as window cleaner or even just good-old soap and water.
- Standard Tempera paint: This classic art collection staple can also be used on your car to safely represent your favorite sports team, without damaging your auto glass and leading to unexpected repairs. Because this non-toxic paint was designed specifically for kids, school rooms, and messy crafters, it is easily cleaned with water alone. This also works well with a paintbrush and is perfect for large designs.
- Window markers: This type of marker may be designed for residential windows, but they can also be used on car windows. The biggest key is checking the label to make sure none of the ingredients might cause etching or scratching, and that removal is gentle.
By paying close attention to the labels and making sure there are no sneaky solvents included, you can be sure that your auto glass will be safe while you enjoy your Baytown team spirit.
Step-By-Step Application For A Safe Car Window Design
While choosing the correct material is the most important part in preventing auto glass repair, how you apply and remove the products is also important. One of the most vital elements is preparing your glass for the paint by thoroughly cleaning it with a gentle glass cleaner. Not only will this make sure that your auto glass is pristine and ready for your design, but it also removes any small debris that could potentially scratch your windshield while you apply the paint.
Whatever material you choose to use, painting in thin, even layers will always offer the best, brightest, and most long-lasting results. Additionally, make sure that all of the design has fully dried before you hit the road to make sure nothing smudges or spreads.
Careful removal is the most important step of the process. Incorrect removal is the most common reason for auto glass repairs due to window paint mistakes. Follow these tips to ensure that your car is in top-tier condition, even after the big game is over:
- Use a mild soap and water solution on a clean, soft rag or towel to avoid excessive abrasion or jostling.
- If there are any stubborn spots, a soft plastic scraper can be helpful – but avoid metal tools at all costs.
- Be sure that any cleaners you use are safe and non-toxic to keep your glass from accidentally being etched.
- Afterwards, dry and smooth the area with a clean microfiber towel to remove any residue and keep your windows streak-free and ready for the road.
When to Call for Professional Auto Glass Repair in Baytown
Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, accidents happen. Even if you used the safest products and followed a careful application process, the smallest mistake can leave your car’s windshield looking visibly damaged. Knowing when to call the experts is vital for any type of car damage, but when it comes to auto glass repairs, the longer you wait, the more significant it will become. If you spot any deep scratches or etching on your windshield, a significant stain, or any cracks or chips that have worsened due to rough removal, calling Joey’s Glass in Baytown is a non-negotiable.
Football seasons in Baytown can be some of the most exciting parts of the year, and showing your team spirit can be fun for the entire family. By using the correct products, a careful application process, and gentle removal techniques, you can enjoy the team pride safely, while avoiding auto glass repairs and keeping your vehicle in great condition. If you think you’ve damaged your car with window paint, contact Joey’s Glass in Baytown for a free auto glass repair estimate today!