previous owner taped sign to windshield, now there is s sort of scratchy spot in the shape of the tape. Can anything be done? Is there anything that can help scratches in general?

 

not really, the windshield is coated, and if you try to take the scratches out you will probably take the coating off in that spot. Also don't get brake clean on the shield , don't ask how I know.

 

if their very light plexus by mcguires might help. in my world windshields are a consumable item.

 

Might try headlight lens polish?

 

If it's adhesive, lighter fluid will clean it off without messing up the windshield and then some Novus plastic cleaner and polish.

 

My older brother used to have a small plane that I believe. he used a Meguiars product on, I'm sorry can't remember what it was. If there is a small airport in your area maybe you could try looking there?

 

It is very difficult to get scratches out.

 

+1 on the Novis products I have been using them since the 70s when I worked for Western Electric. They used it for polishing scratches on the plastic on Telephones.

It is available a a lot of motorcycle shops.

http://www.novuspolish.com/

 

I would use lighter fluid or WD 40 to make sure all the glue from the tape was gone. Then wash the windshield with soapy water and rinse well. You don't want any grit on the windshield if you try to buff it out. then I would use Novus and finish it off with Plexis.
Then save your pennies and think about a new windshield in the future.

 

You can try Micromesh. If not familiar with the product, they are sanding pads that go 1500, 1800, 2400, 3200, 3600, 4000, 6000, 8000 & 12000 grit.

Probably first try the 8000 & 12000, if 8000 grit too high you can try starting with the lower, and do it again. Keep in mind, lowest grit, only sand the affected area. Next grit up, will be a little larger area, and so on. So don't go wild and do a large area when started with the lowest grit.

Use the pads, that have a foam baking, not the ones like paper. If you get the complete kit, it comes with a little bottle of polish that's used on the pads, and polish cloth. If you have a Woodcraft near you, I've picked up there. I see an ebay vendor has the complete kit for $25.00+$5. Amazon has just pads at $16+7.

As mentioned, shield might be coated, but this may feather in. Also $30 could be put to a windshield instead. It is a handy thing to have, if have other fine scratches that need an ultra polish.