Did you find an unsightly scratch on the glass? When it is no wider than the thickness of a fingernail, you can remove it with home remedies, such as toothpaste or nail polish. First clean the surface, apply the cleaning product of your choice using a microfiber cloth and then remove the product to restore the object to its former glory!
Steps
Method 1 of 4: With Toothpaste
Step 1. Clean the glass
Use a clean cloth to wash it thoroughly, removing any residue of dirt. Wait for it to dry before attempting to repair the scratch.
Step 2. Dampen a microfiber cloth
Place a clean, lint-free cloth under a stream of warm water and wring it out until you have wiped away the excess moisture.
Any dirt left on the rag, including dust and lint, is rubbed into the glass leaving an uneven abrasion or causing further scratches
Step 3. Put a small amount of toothpaste on the cloth
Squeeze the tube to collect a dose of toothpaste as large as your little finger nail; proceed with caution, you can always add more at a later time.
The most suitable toothpaste to eliminate scratches is the white one, not in gel, even better if it contains sodium bicarbonate
Step 4. Apply it to the glass
Place the cloth with the toothpaste on the area to be treated and rub it in small circular motions for 30 seconds.
Step 5. Reapply it
Check the area to see how it looks; several applications of toothpaste may be required to reduce scratching. Repeat the steps described, always putting a small amount of toothpaste on a rag and rubbing the glass in circular motions for half a minute.
Step 6. Clean the glass
Take a new clean cloth and wet it under the tap; squeeze it once more to remove excess liquid and use it to polish the treated surface which should now be shiny.
Be careful not to apply too much pressure, so that the toothpaste does not penetrate deeper into the glass
Method 2 of 4: With Sodium Bicarbonate
Step 1. Clean the object
Use a clean microfiber cloth so you don't get dirt into the scratch; moisten it with warm water and clean the surface as you normally would.
Step 2. Mix equal parts baking soda and water
A spoonful - or even less - of each ingredient is enough; put them in a bowl to mix them thoroughly, using a spoon to remove the larger lumps of baking soda in this way. You should get a pudding-like dough.
Step 3. Apply the mixture to a microfiber cloth
Again, make sure it's new; it may help to wrap it around your finger before dipping it into the dough, so that you can collect a small amount.
Step 4. Rub it in circular motions
Apply the abrasive mixture on the glass and try to smooth the scratch by moving the rag in small circles; proceed for no more than 30 seconds and check if the imperfection disappears.
Step 5. Rinse the area
You can put the item under water or use a new clean cloth; wet the rag with warm water and rub it on the treated area, making sure all the baking soda is removed.
Method 3 of 4: With a metal polish
Step 1. Clean the glass
Wet a clean microfiber cloth by putting it under warm running water; squeeze it to get rid of excess liquid so it doesn't drip. Use it to remove any remaining grime and then let the surface dry.
Metal polish is perfect for gently sanding large delicate surfaces, such as car windshields
Step 2. Wrap the cloth around your finger
Choose one that does not leave lint; a good alternative is a cotton ball.
Step 3. Apply the polish to the cloth
Dip it in the polish or squeeze the tube of the product to take a small amount with the rag you wrapped around your finger. Don't overdo it, as you can scratch the surface even more if you rub the surface too much with polish.
The fastest-acting polish is the one that contains cerium oxide; a more expensive alternative is instead represented by ferric oxide
Step 4. Rub the polish over the scratch
Place the cloth soaked in the product on the small damage and rub it in circular motions for about 30 seconds. The defect should shrink or disappear completely. Do not add any more product, as an overdose could cause even more damage.
Step 5. Wash the product away
Use a clean cloth, soaked in warm water, and wipe the treated area to remove the metal polish.
Method 4 of 4: With Nail Polish (on Isolated Scratches)
Step 1. Clean the glass
Proceed as usual, using a glass cleaner or a damp microfiber cloth; be sure to get rid of all the dirt and then let the item dry.
Step 2. Dip the applicator brush into the nail polish
To treat scratches you have to use only the clear one; take the applicator combined with the vial and spread a small layer of product on the scratch.
Step 3. Spread it all over the scratch
Rub the applicator trying to reduce as much contact with the surrounding and intact areas as possible. When the enamel comes off the brush, it penetrates the scratch thus eliminating visible imperfections.
Step 4. Wait an hour for the nail polish to dry
Leave it undisturbed to allow it to penetrate the scratch and return to take care of it after an hour, to proceed with the removal of the enamel.
Step 5. Apply nail polish remover to a microfiber cloth
Carefully tilt the bottle on the clean cloth so that some product comes out; a small amount is enough to neutralize the effect of the enamel.
Step 6. Rub the cloth over the scratch
Rub it to spread the solvent over the area and get rid of the nail polish. Once you have verified that all the product has been removed, you can admire your glass regenerated and as good as new.
Advice
- In some cases, it may be helpful to have another person hold the glass object while you try to repair it, to reduce the risk of it falling or breaking.
- This method is not suitable for attempting to repair glass with a surface treatment or film, including eyeglass lenses; for these objects you have to remove the coating with a specific product.
- If in doubt, consult the manufacturer or a glazier.
Warnings
- Do not scrub the scratched area intensively, otherwise you could make the damage worse.
- If the scratch is large enough to insert a fingernail, do not try these methods to fix it; instead consult a professional to refine or replace the glass.
