How to Polish Polycarbonate Lenses With a Deep Scratch
Prescription eyeglasses made out of polycarbonate are lightweight, causing less strain on the nose when worn, but are more prone to scratches than lenses made from glass. A deep scratch in a polycarbonate lens can be polished, or "buffed," thereby removing it from the lens surface. Supplies from an eyeglass store as well as supplies found around the home are necessary.
Things You'll Need
- Lens cleaning spray
- Nonabrasive disposable cloths
- Abrasive plastic polish
- Medium-grit buffing pad
Instructions
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1
Spray the side of the polycarbonate lens that is scratched with lens cleaning spray. Wipe the lens with a nonabrasive disposable cloth to remove dust and dirt from the surface. Dispose of the cloth after it has been used.
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2
Apply a dab of abrasive plastic polish to the edge of another nonabrasive disposable cloth. Place the edge of the cloth to the side of the scratch, against the lens. Push the cloth over the length of the scratch to leave polish on the lens. Lift the cloth off the lens once the other side of the scratch has been covered with polish.
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3
Place the buffing side of a medium-grit buffing pad to the side of the scratch, against the lens. Rotate the buffing pad in a slow, clockwise direction as you push it along the length of the scratch.
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4
Reverse the direction of the buffing pad, while continuing its rotation, and return to where you started. Continue to do this procedure with the buffing pad for two minutes before removing the pad from the lens.
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5
Inspect the lens to determine if the scratch can still be seen. If so, repeat the procedure with the plastic polish, the nonabrasive disposable cloth used earlier and the buffing pad.
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6
Spray the lens with the lens cleaning spray and wipe it dry with a dry side of the nonabrasive disposable cloth. Dispose of the cloth in the trash.
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Tips & Warnings
Work gloves can protect your hands if the buffing pad slips while in use.
