No. KBS Klean will not harm a glass windshield. It is actually used to clean windshields, because it cuts through bug residue and road film easily. Most people follow it with a glass cleaner to get a streak free finish. Masking the glass for paint prep is still worth doing, but not because KBS Klean threatens it.
Cleaning the Glass on Purpose
KBS Klean cuts bug residue, road film and grease off glass without the smearing you get from trying to wipe baked on bugs dry. Dilute it, wash the glass, rinse thoroughly with water, and do not let it dry on the surface. Then hit it with a glass cleaner if you want it streak free; that last step is cosmetic, not corrective.
For light road film, start at the lightly soiled ratio of 10 parts hot water to 1 part KBS Klean. Ratios are on the dilution ratios page.
Repainting the Top of a Truck
The cab roof job the question comes from has four stages and the masking requirement changes with each:
- Clean with KBS Klean. No need to protect the glass. Rinse thoroughly, let it dry.
- Etch with RustBlast. Mask the glass, trim and seals. RustBlast is an acid until it is rinsed, and casual contact needs rinsing off.
- Coat. Mask everything you do not want coated. This is the stage that actually costs you if you skip it.
- Rinse and dry between steps. Dry bare metal immediately after the RustBlast rinse to minimize flash rust.
Details are on the RustBlast directions and, for RustBlast near non metal parts, on the RustBlast contact page.
Trim, Seals and Painted Panels
KBS Klean also will not harm a fully cured painted surface, so overspray onto the rest of the truck during the cleaning step is not a problem either. See KBS Klean on painted surfaces. Rinse the whole area rather than spot rinsing, and wear protective rubber gloves and safety glasses.
Frequently Asked Questions: KBS Klean and Windshield Glass
Still have questions about KBS Klean and glass? Contact us for help.
