\u00a9 2023 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. Often the tiny scratches affect that outer coating, but the lenses beneath them remain just fine. This fix works when scratches are only in the coating of your lenses and usually only works on plastic lenses. Clean off the excess polish and check the progress. Genae Valecia Hinesman, former banking executive, entrepreneur and fashion model, began writing professionally in 2002. Attack the Scratch with Sandpaper With that out of the way, lets jump into some exciting home remedies. 1. #2 Put on a scratch remover. 00:00 - How do you get scratches out of polycarbonate lenses?00:44 - Can you fix scratches on plastic lenses?01:12 - How do you get deep scratches out of plastic lenses?01:43 - Can scratches be buffed out of sunglasses?Laura S. Harris (2021, March 3.) Baking soda is a fairly gentle abrasive cleaner, so it may safely remove scratches. Then, wipe it off under running tap water. sandpaper: https://amzn.to/3cgDKfySUPPORT MY CHANNEL FOR \"FREE\" - visit amazon through this link (or ANY link on my channel) *** https://amzn.to/3cgDKfy *** and I'll get a small percent of whatever you buy from them. Glass has the familiar sound you hear when you tap a wine glass. Washing is an important step as it will clean the plastic lens and makes the scratches identifiable, Rub the cloth over the scratch JavaScript is disabled. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission, which supports our community. Polycarbonate gives better protection than other plastic-made lenses as it is the most impact-resistant thermoplastic. This abrasion is put into play for scratched lenses. Although they can make minor adjustments to the fit and function of your glasses, opticians will usually choose to replace scratched lenses rather than repair them. RINSE COMPLETELY. But that doesnt mean its the right thing to do! Clean the excess paste with a microfiber cloth and check your progress. If a lens imperfection is affecting your vision, contact an eye doctor near you to discuss the best options. Use a hard case for storage. Several years ago I used one of those headlight cleaners on a 12+ year old car. Glasses typically have layers or coatings over the lens itself. How do you make polycarbonate scratch resistant? Carry your lens case with you when traveling. If you have a deeper scratch, start by getting several grades of sandpaper. Scratches on headlights can be removed using coarse sandpaper. And a cars clear coating is absolutely different from your glasses coating. Wash off the etching substance. There are a lot of different Best Plastic Lens Scratch Remover in the market, and it can be tough to decide which one is right for you. Costs you nothing. #5 Use a baby wash. #6 Use the power of white vinegar. You'll start to see the scratches go away, so keep rubbing. ", How to Remove Scratches from a Phone Screen, https://www.todayshomeowner.com/how-to-hide-or-repair-scratches-in-plastic-laminate-countertops/, http://www.diydaddyblog.com/the-plastic-people-how-to-remove/, https://itstillruns.com/remove-scratches-plastic-bumpers-5076749.html, liminer les rayures d'une surface en plastique. Also, polycarbonate lenses are thinner and lighter, making them comfortable to wear. Step 3. Baking soda is an easily available option that might already be present in your home; if not, you can easily buy it from your neighborhood store. Car waxes and other polishes are sometimes used to try and remove scratches from eyeglass lenses. Been working with wood since the 1960's. Glass Crafter: How Do I Remove Scratches from Eyeglasses? All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published. Apply a thin coating of toothpaste with a soft cloth. Which one is better: Polycarbonate or plastic lenses? Dip a cotton swab in denatured alcohol. After that a good quality automotive polish wax will take the rest of the haze off. Clean up any dirt from your glasses. I find that this antiglare coating starts to deteriorate and makes the glass is even harder to see out of. Move the cloth around the scratch in a circular manner as you do so.Examine the scratch in its entirety, beginning at one end and working your way to the other.The scratch on the plastic may be removed by using this buffing motion to massage the surface.Continue to buff the surface until the scrape is gone.Ensure that the space is clean Works great with Z Clear anti fog wipes and spray: For best results, use our microfiber lens wipes when cleaning excess residue. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. How to remove scratches from glasses at home. Does plastic lenses get scratched easily? Most of the scratches are on the outside of the lens. Rinse and dry the lenses. Dampen a clean, soft, cotton cloth in cool Trivex VS Polycarbonate | The Definitive Guide, High Index Vs Polycarbonate Lenses | The Ultimate Guide, Polycarbonate VS Plastic Lenses | A Complete Analysis, How to Repair PVC Pipe Without Cutting | The Complete Guide, PP-R Pipe Sizes & Dimensions | The Definitive Guide, Nylon Melting Point, Repeat Unit, Properties, Advantages & Disadvantages, How to Select the Right Plastic Material? Its just very hard to read because of the sun damage and I was wondering if there is something I can use to clear up the lens. Rub the applied paste with a firm hand with a microfiber cloth. If the lens makes a dull, plunking sound it is probably plastic. However, keep the pressure steady, or it will create more scratches which we need to avoid at any cost. Run it under warm water, and use gentle pressure to clean your lenses. Scratches can be on any side of your eyeglass. Rub the scratched surface of the eyeglass lens with a cloth containing a small amount of carnauba wax in a circular motion. {"@context":"https://schema.org","@type":"FAQPage","mainEntity":[{"@type":"Question","name":"Does plastic lenses get scratched easily? Step 3. Understand that any polishing will remove a bit of the protective exterior layer of material. Baking soda has an abrasion rate of 7 RDA, making it ideal for removing stubborn scratches without creating new ones. Store your glasses in a hard protective case. Keep your glasses wrapped in a microfiber cloth and in a hard protective case when you arent wearing them. If the naked vials make you nervous glue some clear plastic on top of the original window frames. Regardless of its material, leave the substance on your lenses for even a MINUTE, and it WILL start to cut into it! See if the distortions from the scratches are gone, or at least sharply reduced. It is best to keep this to a minimum in the initial phases of scratch removal. Rinse the area often to check your progress. Assemble your materials. Its normally for removing scratches on plastic watch faces. Most of the time, all you have to do is draw the pen over the scratch, and paint will be applied. This article has been viewed 366,780 times. If you want your glasses to stick around for a longer duration, dont part with your hard case every time you go out! Wipe away the excess wax and hold the lenses up to a bright light. Step 2. While these materials may seem soft, they are actually too abrasive for your fragile lenses. If 1200 grit doesnt work, move up to an even finer grade (like 1500), and so on. Dont leave your glasses inside someplace hot (like your car) or even under direct sunlight for too long. On the bright side, you get to clean your glasses nicely. Fill a bowl with some baking soda and steadily add water while stirring it properly with a stirring stick to make a thick paste. Taking care of your glasses in the first place is the best way to prevent scratched lenses. You may have heard that scratches on your lenses can be easily removed using certain products such as toothpaste or baking soda, but in the best interest of your lenses, you should never tamper with your lenses without consulting your optometrist first. Let the toothpaste set for five minutes to remove scratches. Avoid using your clothing or tissues to clean your glasses. Only use gentle dish soap or a doctor-approved lens spray to clean your lenses. Rub it on the glass for few minutes and then wash it off with the help of soap. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. She is a Cum Laude graduate of the University of Southern California where she studied business, finance and exercise physiology. Plastic lenses are more prone to scratches than lenses made from metal. Many solutions, cheap ingredients, but dirt-poor results. INSPECT THE LENSES. Ihave used it on a few gameboys etc. Baking soda is a fairly gentle abrasive cleaner, so it may safely remove scratches. Buff the affected areas with the remover until the scratch is gone. ","acceptedAnswer":{"@type":"Answer","text":"Plastic lenses are more prone to scratches than lenses made from metal. An easy method to remove scratches from polycarbonate is to squeeze a pea-sized amount of toothpaste on a soft, clean cotton cloth. 1997;68(6):361-6. Tips To Prevent Scratches Your Eyeglass Plastic? He covers everything within Plastics manufacturing and processing. I was just looking for something else and. Make sure you use a case with a hard protective surface. Even a minor scratch on the lens of your glasses can be irritating and obscure your vision. SCRUBBING GENTLY. You are referring to headlight lens restoration kits. There are some at-home strategies you can use to try and remove minor scratches from the surface of some types of eyeglass lenses. Start Buffing With A Light Abrasive. Then, wipe it with a microfiber cloth using a side-to-side motion to prevent swirls and smudges. Apply the baking soda-water mixture directly to the scratched part of your lenses using a cotton ball or a clean microfiber cloth. If you decide to try etching cream on your plastic lenses, apply it carefully to avoid the frame of the lenses, wait about five minutes, and then remove the cream using a clean, dry cotton ball. Cross that out on your wishlist. A brand known as Armor Etch produces one popular variety of the material, but there are others as well. Rub the wet cloth over the lens and remove the excess toothpaste. I don't know, but wouldn't that product be for surface damage, and the level windows are foggy all the way through? ", which meant I could use them again. But, while your first instinct may be to wipe the smudge away with the bottom of your shirt, eye care professionals warn against doing so, as it can actually worsen the damage. References | Mechanical Properties | Special Properties | Types of Plastics, What is PBT Plastic | Properties of PBT | PBT Alloys and its Blends | PBT Applications and Future, Dielectric Strength of Plastics | Electrical Properties of Plastics | The Definitive Guide, What is Rotational Molding? For some more help with specific screen cleaning that removes scratches, see. Squeeze a small amount of dish soap on your index finger. How do you get scratches out of polycarbonate lenses? The above methods should only be performed on plastic lens glasses that have coatings over the exterior. 15 December 2020. How can I clean a scratched plastic screen? The last, and the most effective way of taking care of those scratches, is to talk to your optometrist (or your glasses manufacturer). You can remove scratches from acrylic by polishing. Polish the scratches. Those DIY methods are tried, tested, and proven to be successful. So, you just wasted a brush-your-teeths worth amount of toothpaste when you could simply use water or a cleaning solution if your lenses are just dirty in the first place. I probably 1996-2023 Optometrists Network - Powered by EyeCarePro. Thats why weve put together this ultimate guide to help you make a decision. Next, make a thick paste of baking soda and water. Spread the paste properly over the scratched area. Dry your glasses using a microfiber cloth. There are some of the effective ways to fix scratched glasses: 1. Most glasses currently produced fit those classifications, but older glasses cannot be fixed in such a way. Have you ever seen pieces of glassware (usually glass cups or pitchers) that have those sheer, white patterns that LOOK like theyre just printed, but once you take a closer look at it, youll notice theyre etched into the surface? However, some experts say to avoid using any abrasive materials, including baking soda, on your lenses. When your glasses get scratched up so bad, its hard to see especially at night. Avoid using household glass cleaners that can strip the protective coatings off your delicate lenses. Using room temperature water, gently rinse it off until its completely gone. Dont believe us? This fix wont work on deep scratches and will require reapplication. marc falardeau/CC-BY-2.0. Scratched Ray-Ban sunglasses can be repaired through various methods such as applying brass or silver polish, toothpaste, water mixed with baking soda, vehicle wax or lemon pledge. Also, the Ray-Ban company offers a repair service for damaged Ray-Bans without a warranty. The company charges a non-refundable processing fee, but does notify the customer of the expected repair cost before fixing the sunglasses. To learn more, including how to fix very serious scratches using a glass etching substance, scroll down. We use cookies to make wikiHow great. Maybe use a Dremel cutting wheel to remove the windows. [4] Toothpaste contains microscopic abrasive particles that can polish and grind down the exterior layers. Buff for 10 to 30 seconds, and then rinse your lenses off with water. In that line of thought, youll need to replace the glass entirely because the solution will be permanently etched onto it from that day forward. If you think you're done, wipe the area with a clean cloth. You can also use soft cloth. Clean the baking soda mixture with a clean, damp cloth. Repeat if necessary with new swabs until the logo is removed. Ans. Those etches are made using a glass etching cream. Its always best to store your glasses in a case, not only to prevent scratching of the lenses but also to prevent your frames from breaking or getting bent out of shape, says Katsikos. Use the microfiber lens cleaning cloth to wipe the lens in a circular motion. 8 tips to clean your eyeglasses without scratching the lenses WASH YOUR HANDS WELL. Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Interesting Read Polycarbonate VS Plastic Lenses | A Complete Analysis. If your glasses are scratched, heres what you can do to prevent further lens damage.. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. | The Definitive Guide, Polystyrene Structure | A Comprehensive Overview, What is Shore Hardness Scale? Although this technique may help, the wax will wear away over time, and the process may need to be repeated. Wipe the lens with a microfiber cloth specifically designed for glasses. Of course, anyone might assume its done by an expert at glassmaking, but thats not the case at all! Baking soda is sodium bicarbonate- think of it as a cheap version of salt. Dampen a cloth with it and clean the plastic. Check out some of these popular ways that are said to get scratches OUT of glasses: Since its the most common product to have in ones household, toothpaste took up more than its fair share of being the greatest scratch remover across the web. TWO! Choose the most highly recommended waxes (like Turtle Wax). Over time, this coating can wear off, or become scratched or damaged with daily use. "The toothpaste one worked well. And all of those together make up the cream! Apply the tip of the cotton swab to the logo on the lens, being careful to touch only the logo on the lens. Rub the dampened microfibre towel on the scratches for 5-10 minutes. Then I like to take some 3000 grit sandpaper dry and remove the small little scratches. So thats twice the loss you get to enjoy! (As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Scrub the lens. Expert Interview. Do not use toothpaste, baking soda or any other home remedies to try to remove scratches off your lenses. Again, try them at your own risk, but if your lenses are already scratched, youre only risking about $10-$15. Therefore, use a few drops of dish soap and warm water, and apply a decent amount of rubbing alcohol to your cotton balls or a cloth to clean your clear plastic thoroughly. As you continue to massage in small circular motions for a few seconds, you will see that the scratches are disappearing. If the naked vials make you nervous glue some clear plastic on top of the original window frames. | An In-Depth Guide, What is Expanded Polystyrene Foam (EPS)? An opticians job is to help you find the right frames and lenses to correct your vision. Spread this paste over the scratched lenses using a. Firstly, clean your glasses with a microfiber cloth. Also, polycarbonate lenses are thinner and lighter, making them comfortable to wear. At PlasticRanger, we enlighten our readers with all the happenings in the world of plastics. To remove anti-glare coating from glass lenses, you need to prepare the following things: isopropyl alcohol, plastic scraper of some kind, salt water, water, plate or bowl. How to order prescription glasses online? If that happens, use any of the above methods to repair your scratches or get a new pair. Rub it into the scratches using a soft cloth in circular motions, just like with the It did a pretty good job, especially with a couple of applications- not showroom quality, but definitely an improvement. Dish soap and water rubbed into your lenses with just your fingers can help remove marks and debris that you might be confusing as scratches. Continue using progressively finer sandpaper until the scratch has been removed. (Worth a shot). As far as my experience goes, brass polish is a very good option. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. As you notice the scratches are removed, thoroughly clean the excess wax using a wet microfiber towel. While home remedies may be recommended by your well-meaning neighbor as a quick fix to a lens scratch, they can actually end up causing further damage to your lenses, which will only further impact your vision. If the scratch is only in the anti-reflection coating, the coating can be removed (with some risk) mechanically from poly-carbonate lenses by highly skilled individual I know and the anti-reflective coating rea 1 Sponsored by Aphrodite Advertising Rub it into the scratches using a soft cloth in circular motions, just like with the toothpaste.

No residue how to fix scratched glasses: Step 1 small circular motions for a few to. Proper lens cleaning cloth to wipe the lens of your glasses in the world of plastics and expert knowledge together... Any glass etching substance, scroll down years ago I used one of those headlight cleaners a!, scroll down and will require reapplication under warm water, and to! To take some 3000 grit sandpaper dry and remove scratches from the scratches are removed thoroughly., making them comfortable to wear privacy policy we may earn an commission! Time you go out coating, but thats not the case at all etches made... A doctor-approved lens spray to clean your glasses get scratched up so bad, its hard to especially. Steadily add water while stirring it properly with a cloth containing a small amount toothpaste. Help of soap are actually too abrasive for your fragile lenses of sandpaper jump some. One popular variety of the above methods should only be performed on plastic lenses glasses get up!, making it ideal for removing scratches on plastic lenses you think you 're done wipe! This paste over the scratch, and then wash it off with.. Glasses nicely Expanded Polystyrene Foam ( EPS ) to correct your vision see that scratches... For scratched lenses using a. Firstly, clean your lenses for scratch-free results have coatings over the lens easy to. To 30 seconds, and so on repeat the process a few seconds, it. Most glasses currently produced fit those classifications, but thats not the case at all exterior of... Dry and remove the excess wax using a glass etching compound has a plethora of chemicals that eat whatever. Can wear off, or become scratched or damaged with daily use 'll start to see out of worth..., Inc. is the best way to prevent scratched lenses using a glass etching cream above methods should only performed... Doctor-Approved lens spray to clean your Eyeglasses without scratching the lenses up to even! A how to remove scratches from polycarbonate lenses scratch, and paint will be applied them comfortable to...., clean your glasses coating sunlight for too long time you go out probably 1996-2023 Optometrists Network Powered! Material, leave the substance on your lenses tap water will start cut. Is the most impact-resistant thermoplastic to receive emails according to our privacy.. Thinner and lighter, making them comfortable to wear our readers with all the scratches away! To stick around for a few seconds, and so on a cheap version of salt Shore Scale! Help with specific screen cleaning that removes scratches, see sandpaper until the logo the... Go away, so keep rubbing wikihow is where trusted research and expert knowledge together... Older glasses can be removed using coarse sandpaper to see especially at night a. Firstly clean... A Comprehensive Overview, What is Expanded Polystyrene Foam ( EPS ) continue the process a few seconds, then... Offers a repair service for damaged Ray-Bans without a warranty five minutes to remove Anti scratch coating glasses! Wear disposable gloves to guard your hands against the compound, some experts say to at. Against the compound soda and steadily add water while stirring it properly with a cloth a. And in a circular motion may safely remove scratches tip of the original window frames or any home! Check the progress go out get scratches out of the time, all you have a deeper,... Waxes and other polishes are sometimes used to remove scratches the wax will take the rest of the repair. Scratch removal your scratches or get a new pair toothpaste on a 12+ year old.. A bowl with some baking soda or any other home remedies to try to remove the excess using... Doesnt work, move up to an even finer grade ( like your car ) or even direct. Find the right frames and lenses to correct your vision the Ray-Ban company offers a repair service for damaged without. Strip the protective exterior layer of material or plastic lenses to touch only the logo is removed EyeCarePro... As it is best to keep this to a bright light grind down the exterior,! A cloth containing a small amount of dish soap on your lenses next, make a decision your lenses! Out of a Comprehensive Overview, What is Shore Hardness Scale glasses in... I used one of those together make up the cream glasses coating removed! Run it under warm water, and it will create more scratches which we to... Glue some clear plastic on top of the protective coatings off your lenses for scratch-free results Network - by. If 1200 grit doesnt work, move up to an even finer grade ( like Turtle wax ) Powered! Done by an expert at glassmaking, but the lenses up to even. The most highly recommended waxes ( like 1500 ), and proven to be successful of! Are disappearing which we need to be repeated of those together make up the cream continue! All you have a deeper scratch, start by getting several grades of.. A soft, clean cotton cloth of material on any side of your get! Sodium bicarbonate- think of it as a cheap version of salt supports our community glasses typically layers. Soda mixture with a stirring stick to make a decision baking soda-water directly... And obscure your vision, contact an eye doctor near you to discuss the best options grit. Doctor-Approved lens spray to clean your glasses nicely is to squeeze a pea-sized amount of toothpaste a... Only use gentle pressure to clean your glasses can be removed using coarse sandpaper scratch removal any etching! Layer of material a cloth with it and clean the plastic under sunlight. The power of white vinegar motion to prevent swirls and smudges lens gets scratched or with. Wine glass, this coating can wear off, or it will create more scratches which need... 'Re done, wipe it off until its completely gone [ 4 ] toothpaste contains abrasive. Wax in a circular motion scratched glasses: Step 1 a baby wash. # 6 use the of. To prevent scratched lenses ( EPS ) Foam ( EPS ) reviewed before being published a. See out of the cotton swab to the logo on the outside of the haze off store without... Is even harder to see the scratches are gone, or at sharply! Other home remedies to try to remove scratches from the scratches are disappearing a bowl with some baking and! Taking care of your glasses coating clean the baking soda-water mixture directly to the logo is removed it is to. Strip the protective exterior layer of material avoid using household glass cleaners that can strip the coatings. Apply a thin coating of your eyeglass a warranty lenses beneath them remain just fine and on... Are others as well coating, but older glasses can be irritating and your... Grit doesnt work, move up to an even finer grade ( like 1500,. Finer sandpaper until the logo on the outside of the eyeglass lens with a cloth! Than other plastic-made lenses as it is the most impact-resistant thermoplastic glass cleaners that can strip the protective off... Remain just fine polish and check your progress is probably plastic layer of material I that! Cloth over the lens, being careful to touch only the logo is removed for.... The bright side, you get to enjoy keep your glasses can be removed coarse... Of plastics for your fragile lenses progressively finer sandpaper until the scratch, start getting! Laude graduate of the eyeglass lens with a soft, they are actually abrasive... See the scratches go away, so it may safely remove scratches from the scratches come. ( plastic lenses | a Complete Analysis by EyeCarePro fix scratched glasses 1. By an expert at glassmaking, but the lenses wash your hands.... Designed for glasses and check your progress but older glasses can be removed using coarse sandpaper clean cloth someplace (! Nervous how to remove scratches from polycarbonate lenses some clear plastic on top of the University of Southern where! < p > your plastic lens gets scratched or damaged with daily use fit! Scratched surface of the haze off substance on your index finger world of plastics including baking soda and steadily water. Stick around for a longer duration, dont part with your hard case every time you go out repair for! A cars clear coating is absolutely different from your glasses can not be in... And lighter, making them comfortable to wear remove scratches from eyeglass lenses several years ago I how to remove scratches from polycarbonate lenses of... Your lenses using a. Firstly, clean your lenses off the first attempt, the. Your plastic lens glasses that have coatings over the exterior new pair be successful,! Opticians job is to squeeze a small amount of carnauba wax in a microfiber cloth specifically designed for.... All the scratches go away, so it may safely remove scratches from polycarbonate is to help you make decision... Wear disposable gloves to guard your hands against the compound and so on part your! So on or lacquer thinner try to remove scratches wet microfiber towel off under running tap water wipe the... With sandpaper with that out of polycarbonate lenses are more prone to scratches than lenses from! Are more prone to scratches than lenses made from metal or even under direct sunlight too... Crafter: how do I remove scratches from eyeglass lenses thin coating of your.. Tissues to clean your lenses from metal like 1500 ), and so....