How to Remove Scratches from Glass

Home remedies work best on shallow scratches. For deeper damage, you may need to talk to a professional glass repair service or even replace the glass. Before doing anything else, you need to decide on the method to remove any scratches. You can test the scratch you want to fix by trying to put your fingernail into it to determine its deepness.

• Does your fingernail slide smoothly over the scratch? If so, you can easily buff it out with a DIY remedy.
• Does your nail get caught on the scratch? You may have to use a specialized polishing compound or a commercial scratch removal kit.
• Is the scratch so deep that it weakens the glass or starts spreading? Unfortunately, this means you probably can’t repair the scratch on your own. You should call a professional to prevent further damage to the glass.

Working with glass takes a light touch. As you learn how to get rid of scratches on glass, you can practice on a piece of glass from an old picture frame. Before you try removing scratches from glass, use a glass cleaner on its surface. Clean glass lets you see the damage better. Also, you will clear away any coarse particles that might scuff the glass even more as you work.

You have some options for exactly how to fix scratched glass. Try one of these methods.

You can make your own scratch-repair paste from baking soda, as it is an effective buffing agent.

• First, remove any dust with a wet washcloth or microfiber cloth. This reduces the chance of rubbing dust and debris deeper into the scratch, causing even more damage.
• Grab a bowl or other container. Mix a solution of one-half baking soda and one-half water together in the bowl. So, for two tablespoons of baking soda, you’ll add two tablespoons of water.
• Stir the mixture into a glue-like paste.
• Dip a soft cloth into the paste, using just a little of it.
• Use the cloth to apply the baking soda paste to the glass, making circular motions.
• As you work, check the scratch to see how you’re doing. It may take a little time until you notice the scratches are disappearing.
• Remove any extra paste with water when you’re done.

A small dab of toothpaste, particularly one containing baking soda, may help to remove fine scratches from glass. And you won’t need a toothbrush to complete the job.

• Be sure to use the non-gel, plain white kind of toothpaste. Ideally, you should use one with baking soda. But avoid any type with abrasive materials, like microbeads for cleaning.
• Clear the glass surface to remove any dust with a clean cloth (or microfiber cloth) and warm water.
• Using the same cloth, apply the toothpaste to a soft cleaning rag.
• Gently rub the scratched area with a lightly damp, soft rag or old washcloth.
• Use only a little pressure, enough to impact the glass and smooth out the surface.
• Make small, circular motions over any scratches, checking to see your progress.
• Repeat the process until the scratch can no longer be seen.
• When you’re done, wipe the extra toothpaste off the glass with a clean cloth.
• If necessary, repeat this process 2-3 times.

As a toothpaste alternative, a mildly abrasive soap may help to remove fine glass scratches. However, it should be one used for heavy-duty hand cleaning, like liquid pumice.

Clear nail polish is another method used to remove scratches from glass. The polish actually acts a filler for the scratches, helping them to fade away.

• Use the applicator brush that comes with the nail polish bottle.
• Gently apply a thin layer to the entire scratched area, until it’s all filled in.
• Let the polish completely dry, which should take about 1 hour.
• Add a little nail polish remover to a clean rag or paper towel
• Gently rub it over the scratched surface, removing any excess nail polish outside the scratch itself. This helps to even out the surface of the glass.

Depending on how deep, you may be able to repair damaged glass with a glass polish or filler. Typically, glass polish is better for buffing out fine scratches.

• Look for glass polisher that contains cerium oxide. It may come as a powder that needs to be mixed with water.
• You can apply glass polisher by hand with a soft cleaning rag or sponge.
• This polish also works well with machine polishers to remove fine scratches.
• You may be able to remove a scratch with a felt wheel on a rotary tool or an electric polisher.
• Place the glass polisher on the felt wheel.
• Run your tool on a slow speed as you polish the glass.
• If the bob or wheel dries out while you work, add more of the polisher.
• Once the scratch is gone, clean and dry the glass. Be sure to remove excess glass polish with a clean, damp cloth.

For light surface scratches, a glass scratch filler kit may be more effective. These ready-made scratch repair kits are formulated with a glass-polishing compound. They usually come with special pads for application, as well.

• Clean and dry the lightly scratched area.
• Following the directions, apply the polishing compound.
• Avoid using too much glass (or metal) polish, as excessive amounts may worsen existing scratches.
• Using too much of the compound may also result in new scratches appearing.
• Avoid rubbing the scratched area too vigorously, as this can cause further damage.

Yes, metal polish, also called jeweler’s rouge, is designed to make metal brighter. However, as metal polish contains fine abrasives, it can also be used to remove scratches in glass.

• Only use a little metal polish on glass. Some products may contain harsh chemicals or abrasives that could further damage glass surfaces. Be sure to apply metal polishes specifically labeled as “safe for glass.” And make sure they contain cerium oxide.
• Start by placing a little metal polish on a soft cloth. Use the smallest amount possible, just enough to see it on the cloth.
• Rub the scratched glass lightly.
• When you’re done, use a soft, clean cloth to wipe off any metal polish left on the glass.

You may be able to remove glass scratches by buffing them with superfine steel wool.

• Be careful to only use the finest grade, those products labeled #0000 steel wool. These are not the regular kinds you use to clean metal pots!
• Make sure you only use new pads when buffing windows or other glass. Worn-out steel wool pads may have rust or dirt buildup. This can introduce new scratches to your glass surfaces.
• Even #0000 steel wool can cause irreparable damage to coated, tinted or tempered glass varieties.
• Using steel wool on "annealed" (regular) glass, should only be a last resort. When using it, first test it in an inconspicuous area.