Scratched glass can be an enormous annoyance and very distracting, whether on a window or a mirror, and particularly if it happens to be on your car windscreen. Luckily, if the scratch is not too deep, it is possible that it can be removed using a very simple polishing method.
How deep is the scratch in your glass? A light scratch is one that is only really visible in bright sunlight; whereas a medium scratch is one that is slightly more visible in normal light conditions. Deep scratches are much more visible and can affect the strength of the glass though; so replacing the glass is likely to be the most sensible option if this happens to be the case. Test the depth of the scratch by dragging the tip of your fingernail across the surface. If your fingernail gets stuck on the scratch it is probably to deep to be removed by the method about to be described here.
Removing scratches from glass will require you to use a compound with which to buff the surface. You can choose from the following: whitening toothpaste, car wax, cutting compound or a mixture blended from an equal measure of vinegar and mustard powder. Jewellers rouge is also a really good, if slightly more expensive, option.
The glass surface will need a thorough wash before you start, or you may end up making it worse with even more scratches. You will then need to smear a good quantity of the polishing compound that you are using onto the affected area. Take a clean, dry cloth and start to buff in a round motion. Be prepared, you will need to use some serious elbow grease at this stage and it may take a while, but when you think you've put in the necessary work, give the glass a good wash down. Dry the glass with a clean, lint-free towel.
Can you still see the scratch in the glass? If you can, sorry, it's back to more polishing until you get the desired result. It is possible to reduce the effort required at this stage if you have access to an electrical polishing machine. However, you must be extremely careful not to buff too much, or you will end up with structurally unsound glass or even more annoying distortions. Please ensure you wear the appropriate safety gear.
It will take some elbow grease on your part, but you should be left with nice, clear glass that is unscratched or at least with the scratches much less visible.
How deep is the scratch in your glass? A light scratch is one that is only really visible in bright sunlight; whereas a medium scratch is one that is slightly more visible in normal light conditions. Deep scratches are much more visible and can affect the strength of the glass though; so replacing the glass is likely to be the most sensible option if this happens to be the case. Test the depth of the scratch by dragging the tip of your fingernail across the surface. If your fingernail gets stuck on the scratch it is probably to deep to be removed by the method about to be described here.
Removing scratches from glass will require you to use a compound with which to buff the surface. You can choose from the following: whitening toothpaste, car wax, cutting compound or a mixture blended from an equal measure of vinegar and mustard powder. Jewellers rouge is also a really good, if slightly more expensive, option.
The glass surface will need a thorough wash before you start, or you may end up making it worse with even more scratches. You will then need to smear a good quantity of the polishing compound that you are using onto the affected area. Take a clean, dry cloth and start to buff in a round motion. Be prepared, you will need to use some serious elbow grease at this stage and it may take a while, but when you think you've put in the necessary work, give the glass a good wash down. Dry the glass with a clean, lint-free towel.
Can you still see the scratch in the glass? If you can, sorry, it's back to more polishing until you get the desired result. It is possible to reduce the effort required at this stage if you have access to an electrical polishing machine. However, you must be extremely careful not to buff too much, or you will end up with structurally unsound glass or even more annoying distortions. Please ensure you wear the appropriate safety gear.
It will take some elbow grease on your part, but you should be left with nice, clear glass that is unscratched or at least with the scratches much less visible.