HOW TO REMOVE SCRATCHES FROM GLASSES?
Removing scratches from glasses is a question we get asked a lot. Every glasses wearer can attest to having scratched their lenses at some point during their life. Perhaps they've fallen out of your pocket whilst bending down, been bashed around in your handbag or flung into the air when that goal went in.
Over time, all these marks and scratches add up and leave the users' vision impaired, especially on high power lenses. Although you cannot actually remove scratches from lenses, you can possibly improve them temporarily. So, we've done some research online and these are the best suggestions the great internet has put forward to remove scratches from your glasses.
Ways to Remove Scratches from Glasses
Removing scratches from your glasses might seem like an impossible task, but there is still hope for that old pair lenses. Online Opticians UK has some very handy and helpful remedies you can use to easily remove scratches from glasses, just follow these quick fix hacks:-
Toothpaste
Don't worry, you won't need to break the bank and buy expensive, specialist toothpaste. All you need is a non-abrasive and non-gel based toothpaste and a cotton ball or soft cotton cloth without lint.
Take a generous dollop of toothpaste and apply it to the scratched area of the glasses and begin rubbing it. Use a gentle circular motion with the cotton ball or cloth. Keep going for a few seconds and you will start to notice a difference straight away.
To finish, simply rinse your eyeglasses in cold water and pat dry with a clean cloth or non-abrasive towel.
This remains the most economical and time efficient method of removing unwanted scratches from glasses without any special tools or solutions.
Baking Soda
Looking for another cheap solution to rub off scratches? Well, baking soda is your best bet.
Found in most kitchens, you can take around one spoonful of baking soda and mix it with half a spoon of water to form a thick paste. Apply this paste onto the glasses surface with scratches and with a cotton ball or soft cotton cloth, rub the area in a smooth circular motion for 30 seconds.
Remember to rinse the glasses under cold water and wipe down with a soft cloth or non-abrasive tea towel. Feel free to repeat this process if the scratches persist.
Vehicle Cleaner Wax
Another good option to mend scratches on glass and plastic lenses is vehicle cleaning wax.
Apply the vehicle wax to the scratched area of the glass and use cotton wool or a soft cotton cloth to rub it in. Continue rubbing until the scratch on the glasses is repaired. The vehicle cleaning wax fills in the scratches and removes them easily.
Brass, Silver Or Metal Polish
A variety of polishes can be used to remove scratches from plastic lenses effectively, including brass, silver or metal polish. Apply a small amount of polished to the scratched area using cotton wool or a soft cotton cloth. Rub it in for a good few minutes, after which you just need to remove the excess polish using a clean cloth. Remember, do not use polish on glass lenses and it can damage any coatings on them.
Glass Etching Cream
Glass etching cream is by far the most effective method to fix scratches on plastic lens glasses, but can be a little more costly.
Readily available, most glass etching creams contain hydrofluoric acid, the key ingredient to do the job on plastic eyeglasses.
Apply a thick coating of glass etching cream on the surfaces of the lenses and let the cream settle for around 5 minutes (don't rub it in). Rinse the cream off with cold water and wipe dry with a clean cotton cloth or towel. If the cream is left on the lenses for more than 5 minutes it can permanently damage them.
It's worth noting that glass etching cream should be avoided if your lenses are made of glass.
Deep and Stubborn Scratches
Remember, these methods are all temporary, quick fixes that may work on most eyeglasses, but are not effective for removing scratches 100% of the time.
If the scratches are particularly deep or stubborn then these remedies are unlikely to be effective. These methods can also be risky, particularly if you don't handle them with care – you could end up causing more damage in the process.
Also bear in mind that harsh chemicals can remove lens coatings, and glass lenses especially are susceptible to damage from scratch fixing hacks. If you are in any doubt, we recommend seeking professional advice.
The Best Solution to Fix Scratches on Glasses
Our glasses are absolutely indispensable, especially if you have a high prescription and caring for them is a vitally important thing to do. If none of the scratch removing hacks work when treating scratches on your glasses then you can always select one of the following options to extend the lifespan of your glasses:
