One of the first steps of how to fix windshield chip is to clean the glass around the area. Any dirt or other debris in the chip or crack can compromise the patch and create imperfections in the glass. Use a microfiber towel and a small amount of rubbing alcohol to wipe the surface. Use care, since the edges of a crack can be sharp. Be sure the area is completely dry before applying the patch.

Take the paper backing off the patch and line it up with the damaged area of your windshield. A chip or crack larger than the circle cutout on the patch is too large to be properly patched with this particular kit.

Next, center the patch over the damaged area and place it on the exterior of your windshield. Most patch kits include a pedestal. This molded plastic piece has an angled tube for easy epoxy application. Line up the tabs and press the pedestal against the adhesive.

Some resins require mixture, while others come pre-mixed or mix as you apply it. Fill the pedestal with liquid resin and use the syringe to compress it completely down into the pedestal. Once the syringe is fully compressed, carefully hold the pedestal as you pull back up on the plunger.

If mixed correctly, the epoxy in the pedestal won’t be pulled back into the syringe. Draw the syringe fully up without pulling it out of the pedestal. Some kits have a small clip to prevent this from happening. Other kits require you to watch the position of the syringe. Don’t let the syringe pull out completely or you won’t create the necessary vacuum.

Drawing up the plunger causes a vacuum to form in the syringe. The vacuum isn’t strong enough to draw up the epoxy resin, but it can encourage air bubbles to escape from the cracked area.

Watch for signs of air bubbles escaping and wait for the allotted time recommended by the kit. This can be anywhere from 1-10 minutes. Don’t remove the syringe until you no longer see air bubbles forming and being drawn out of the resin. Depending on the amount of air bubbles, this can feel like the longest step in how to repair windshield chip.

After all the air bubbles have left the area, push the syringe plunger down again to force the remaining resin into the crack. You may only get the syringe halfway down the pedestal before it stops. Carefully knock on the window with your knuckles and press the syringe once more. Don’t force it; this time it should only move about half an inch.

Once the allotted time has passed and the epoxy has cured, carefully remove the syringe, patch and pedestal. You may need to put an additional drop on the top of the crack to ensure there’s no dimple or dent from application.

Most repair kits come with a curing strip for the final layer. Place this on the crack carefully to avoid air bubbles. Hold the strip in place and squeegee any remaining air bubbles. Let the strip rest for the recommended time in the instructions before scraping it off with a razor blade. Don’t rush this step or attempt to remove the strip by hand, but use care to scrape it off for a clean finish.

Scrape off any remaining resin with your razor blade. Use care to avoid any fingerprints or damage to your windshield. As you carefully scrape off the remaining resin and curing strip you should have a flawless windshield.