Are your windows marred with unsightly scratches? Are you worried they’ll start to crack or break? Knowing how to repair glass scratches is an important part of maintaining your home. However, knowing which methods to use can be difficult. Likewise, identifying which scratches may need professional intervention is an important skill.
In this article, we’ve compiled everything you need to know about scratched glass. How you can identify the damage, all the best repair techniques and advice for when you need a professional.
For personalised support, contact our team at Eltham Glass today.
Identifying Scratches and Cracks
While glass is a necessary addition to any home, it can easily become scratched or damaged over time. Hail, high winds and sudden impacts can all affect your glass and cause scratches or cracks.
If left untreated, scratched glass can slowly weaken the integrity of your window causing cracks and even breakage. To identify the types of repairs you may need, you’ll need to understand the different types of scratches.
Superficial
Superficial scratches can often be mistaken as smudging or scuffing. They are minor scratches that often cannot be felt. You may only notice these scratches under very specific lighting conditions or angles.
Surface
Surface scratches are more visible than superficial scratches. You can often feel the damage to the glass under your hand. However, these scratches are not usually severe.
While DIY glass repairs can be attempted on these scratches, they are often resistant. Professional repairs or replacement may be needed to repair this damage.
Sub-Surface
Sub-surface scratches are much more visible than any other type. You can often see them with no issues. These scratches can weaken your glass over time as they act as open wounds. Additional pressure can cause these scratches to expand or deepen, causing cracking.
If your windows have deep visible scratches they should be repaired professionally. Depending on the severity, they could be dangerous to handle and are more prone to breakage.
Scratched Glass Repairs
There are several different repair solutions you may be able to try at home. However, it is important to consider the type of scratch and glass you are attempting to treat before repairs. Complex or deep scratches and cracking should be overseen by a professional to reduce risks.
Baking Soda Solutions
As with many household repair and cleaning remedies, baking soda has a lot to offer. Take a portion of baking soda and mix it with an equal portion of water. Mix these until you have made a paste.
You can then dip a cleaning cloth into the mixture before gently scrubbing the glass in a circular motion. You can continue to apply paste until you can no longer see any scratches. However, deeper scratches such as surface and sub-surface scratches, will likely be resistant to home repairs.
Toothpaste Repairs
Toothpaste can be used in a similar way to baking soda paste. Using white toothpaste and rubbing it into the scratches with a cloth can help to repair your glass. Remember to rub in a circular motion to ensure an even spread and gentle application.
Once you can no longer see the scratches, wipe away the paste with a clean cloth.
Nail Polish Filling
You can also use a clear nail polish to help cover and disguise scratches. By carefully applying your polish directly to the scratch you can fill it. This can help to cover the scratches without interfering with the glass.
Once you’ve applied your nail polish leave it to dry. If you have accidentally applied nail polish around the scratch, use nail polish remover once it has dried to clean it up.
Polish it Away
You can also use metal polishes to work away the scratches. Apply a small amount of polish to a cloth and rub gently across the glass. Use the same circular motions as in the above repairs.
Metal polishes are often more heavy-duty than other solutions and can help remove scratches. However, applying too much or scrubbing too hard could result in further damage to your window.
Most DIY glass repair solutions only really work on superficial scratches. Attempting to apply these solutions to deeper scratches will most likely show far less or ineffective results.
Risks of DIY Solutions
Depending on your scratches, DIY solutions may not be effective. If you have a deep, visible scratch on your windows it’s recommended that you seek professional advice for repairs.
Applying too much pressure to the wrong kind of scratch could result in cracking or even shattered glass. This could cause risks to the integrity of your home as well as personal safety.
If your glass has visible scratches often the best course of action is to replace the panel in question. This is often safer as well as cheaper in the long wrong. Constant repair attempts can be time-consuming and ineffective. Likewise, constant repairing can also weaken your glass. This can make it more likely to crack and break at inappropriate times.
Ready to Repair Your Glass?
If you’re worried about the integrity of your glass, contact our team at Eltham Glass today. We pride ourselves on offering the right support for all your glass needs.
Our experienced team of qualified glaziers can replace and repair your glass quickly and efficiently. Whether they be windows, shower divides or even glass fencing we’re the team for you.
