Don’t Panic! Here’s Exactly How to Remove Scratches from Vintage Glass
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Scratched glass and scuff marks shouldn't stop you from nabbing a good deal at the flea market, especially since repairing scratched glass is easier than you might think. The next time you stumble across a midcentury modern treasure with a scuff on its glass, go ahead and bring it home—you probably already have what you need to fix it. According to Andrii Gurskyi, an expert at Mr. Glazier, two households staples can remove most superficial glass scratches with ease. Read on to find out how to do it in just three easy steps.
Note: This repair method is for glass items with surface-level scratches and scuffs. Deep cracks should be repaired by a professional.
Can Scratches Be Removed From Glass?
Yes! Light and shallow scratches can be removed from glass items like tables, windows, and even phone screens. There are also several DIY methods you can accomplish with a few household items like toothpaste and baking soda. If the scratch is deeper, you can try to fill it with clear nail polish. Just beware of going overboard: Too much nail polish can actually damage the surface more.
How to Get Scratches Off of Glass
What You'll Need
Non-gel toothpaste
Microfiber cloths
Water
Vinegar
Step One: Apply Toothpaste
Wipe the scratched area clean and apply a layer of non-gel toothpaste. Brands with a higher amount of abrasive (such as baking soda varieties) work best. The gentle abrasives rated for teeth are safe enough to even out the surface without risking further damage.
Step Two: Buff It Out
Using the microfiber cloth and moving in circular motions, buff the toothpaste into the scratched area for a few minutes. Once the area feels smooth, rinse off the excess toothpaste with water and wipe the glass clean with another microfiber cloth. Repeat until the scratch has been buffed away.
Step Three: Remove Streaks
Combine one part vinegar and one part water in bowl. Dampen a clean microfiber cloth with the mixture and apply to glass, wiping down for a streak-free finish. Avoid paper or plush cloth towels to maintain a lint-free surface.
If the scratches are too deep to buff out or you notice that the glass has a protective glaze that's lifting, call a professional to assess the best repair method. They can glue, glaze, or recut glass for a complete restoration.
Can You Buff Scratches Off Your Phone Glass?
Small, superficial scratches can probably be buffed out, but deep cracks can't be treated this way and probably require professional repair. You can use the toothpaste method to buff away small scratches, or try a trusty Mr. Clean Magic Eraser—it's one of the most effective at-home tools for buffing away light scratches.
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