How to Repair Scratches on Glass Furniture
Glass furniture and mirrors will eventually get small wear and tear scratches from use. While most scratches will not structurally affect the furniture, it does create a cosmetic flaw. Most light scratches can be minimized or buffed out if they are less than .004 inches in depth. Deep scratches, or those that a fingernail can be inserted into, can be minimized to some extent but will not fully disappear. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Glass cleaner
- Lint free towel
- Lamb's wool polishing pad
- Cerium oxide
- Electric buffing machine
- Water
- Ammonia
- Spray bottle
- Paper towel
- Goggles
- Dust mask
- Rubber gloves
- White toothpaste
- Clear nail polish
Instructions
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1
Clean the glass surface thoroughly by wiping it with glass cleaner and a clean, lint free towel. Let the surface dry completely.
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2
Remove the glass portion of the furniture, if possible. Lay it on a flat surface to lessen the risk of cracking the glass.
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3
Polish the scratched glass surface with a lamb's wool polishing pad and cerium oxide. Do not put heavy pressure on the glass surface as this may cause the glass to crack. Use an electric buffer for areas that are easy to reach; otherwise buff by hand. Only buff the scratch and not the entire glass surface.
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4
Mix 2 cups water with 1/2 ounce of liquid ammonia in a spray bottle. Spray the area that was buffed and wipe with a clean paper towel to remove buffing dust.
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5
Repeat Steps 3 and 4 if the scratch is not minimized in appearance. Deep scratches may not disappear completely.
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Tips & Warnings
Wear goggles and a dust mask while buffing the glass table. Wear rubber gloves and goggles when working with ammonia as it is a hazardous material.
Cerium oxide is also known as jewelers rouge and is available at jewelry or craft stores. Use plain white toothpaste if jewelers rouge is not available.
Apply clear nail polish over buffed areas that have a dull appearance.
