Damaged defroster lines - repair options

[Ar63]

My defroster grid lines have been severely damaged due to some idiocy on my end. There are visible changes to the lines but, to be sure, I tested with a multimeter on my car and another car with a working grid. My car shows no continuity across any of the lines, only small patches here and there.

Has anyone had this problem and what are my repair options? I'm leaning towards buying a repair kit and doing it myself. Any recommended products?

[Sebring440]

Is this on your microwave oven?

More details?

[Haltamer]

How did you manage that?

Depending on the car, might it be cheaper / easier to source a replacement window panel from a scrappy?

[untakenname]

Back in the day you could get conductive paint in a pen that you drew across the breaks to restore continuity.

[Grrbang]

Could try a rear defogger repair kit before looking at window replacement.

[shtu]

This, plus some careful masking,

https://cpc.farnell.com/electrolube/scp03b/silver-...

[Ar63]

The grid was damaged due to rushed removal of tint film. I'm trying to avoid a window replacement, but that will be the absolute last resort

shtu said:

This, plus some careful masking,

https://cpc.farnell.com/electrolube/scp03b/silver-...

The oem look (on most cars afaik) is brown/gold so I'd like to maintain that. Will something like this be any good? https://www.ebay.co.uk/i/332742031880?chn=ps&n...

[richard-p03]

Hey guys,

Sorry for the resurrection but just wondering if anyone else had any further experience or recommendations?

I've read several threads and reviews - most have mixed reviews at best, some complain of dried up tubs, etc, etc.

Would be interesting to get more opinions

[Penelope Stopit]

Used RS Components paint on high conductivity material many times

Gently scratch surface a little at each end of break, clean well and mask along top and bottom of element with masking tape

Apply and walk away, remove tape several hours later

Never not worked

[richard-p03]

Penelope Stopit said:

Used RS Components paint on high conductivity material many times

Gently scratch surface a little at each end of break, clean well and mask along top and bottom of element with masking tape

Apply and walk away, remove tape several hours later

Never not worked

Brilliant, thank you - that’s some great advice. I’ve found it online now.

Bit of a silly question, but what do you use to apply it? Or has it got one of those little brushes attached to the lid inside?

[Penelope Stopit]

richard-p03 said:

Penelope Stopit said:

Used RS Components paint on high conductivity material many times

Gently scratch surface a little at each end of break, clean well and mask along top and bottom of element with masking tape

Apply and walk away, remove tape several hours later

Never not worked

Brilliant, thank you - that’s some great advice. I’ve found it online now.

Bit of a silly question, but what do you use to apply it? Or has it got one of those little brushes attached to the lid inside?

Use a thin soft brush, last one bought didn't have a brush in the lid, that was going back a few years though

[Penelope Stopit]

Hope you haven't started the job and do visit back here

Remove tape after applying

The advice I gave above may create a problem in that pulling off the tape when dry could pull the whole lot off

I now remember that the several hours was only to let the material dry before testing

Probably best left for a day before switching the element on, instructions should come with the product or be on the website

[richard-p03]

That’s ok, thanks. It’s probably a job for next weekend, weather allowing, so not attempted it yet. Will report back!

[Penelope Stopit]

Bravo, you visited back, sorry about that

[wal 45]

I’ve used this https://www.frostfighter.com/ successfully in 3 cars, it’s an excellent easy to use product and leaves an almost invisible repair.

Only downside is it comes from the States and isn’t especially cheap, the service from the company is very good though and they ship quickly to the UK.

Personally after trying all the other fixes I wouldn’t use anything else.

[scarble]

is there any need or any suitable product even, to paint over the conductor with an insulator? Maybe a nice brown one to keep the look