Here at Eternal Tools, we often get asked for a glass scratch remover and many of you wish to know how to remove scratches from glass and gemstones. Read on and we'll tell you about some of the options available for removing scratches from glass.
Please note: The tools and processes mentioned in this article do not apply to glass scratch repair for tempered glass or windshields. These will require replacement or specialist advice as the glass may crack or distort the view (as in the case of a windshield)
For glass scratch removal from fused glass, engraved glass, blown glass, household glass objects, watch glass or jewellery pieces, cabochons and gemstones, here are a few options for removing those unwanted marks and scratches from your glass.
CAUTION. We recommend always trying out the following tools on a rough piece of glass or stone before using any of these options to remove your scratch. They are abrasives and can cause distortion to your material.
Option 1
Diamond Polishing Paste
Diamond paste is an excellent abrasive for removing scratches, and is our preferred method. If used well diamond polishing paste will bring the surface of your material back to its original state.
Diamond paste is measured in Microns (µ)
The depth of the scratch will determine what grade of paste to use. A very deep scratch for instance will require a coarser paste to begin with followed by finer pastes thereafter until the desired effect of surface finish is achieved.
Ideally, it is best to have a couple of grades in your workshop so you can begin to remove the scratch with the coarser one; e.g 6 microns; and then fine polish the scratch back to its original state with a very fine one such as a 3 micron or 1 micron. 14 micron paste is excellent for stubborn scratches on the glass of Wood Fire Burning Stoves.
If you use just one grade of paste, let's say a 1 micron, but your scratch is quite deep it will take much, much longer to work its magic, but have patience and it will be removed eventually.
How to Use Diamond Polishing Paste
Use your diamond grinding paste applied to a felt wheel, polishing backing pad or grinding pad, a felt bob, calico wheel or cotton mop (in a rotary tool), wooden peg or a piece of leather or flexible plastic. The latter options are best suited for the removal of scratches on delicate work such as watch glass, gemstones, cabochons, antique glass or glass engraved pieces. Otherwise, a felt bob in a rotary tool will be sufficient.
Our diamond polishing paste is ready to use, no need to mix it with any lubricant and it comes in a handy 5g syringe, so nice and easy to apply.
Step 1
Attach a mounted felt bob into your rotary drill (unless you choose to use a piece of leather, plastic or pegwood - this can be a better option when using the very fine diamond polishing paste (0.25 micron or 1 micron) otherwise it may absorb into the felt bob.
Step 2
Apply a small dab of paste to your felt bob, wooden peg or piece of leather making sure to use a coarser paste for a deep scratch and a finer paste for hairline scratches.
Step 3
Working through a couple of different grades is often the best way to remove your scratch.
Start off with a coarser one and then polish up with a finer grade until the scratch in your material is no longer visible.
Start your rotary tool on its lowest setting and speed up as you feel necessary.
If you choose to use a piece of leather, dab a little of the diamond paste onto the leather and work into the material, again working through the grades as you go until the scratch is no more! This method will require some elbow grease!
Option 2
Cerium Oxide
Cerium oxide glass polish is a powder that needs to be mixed with warm water to a paste in order to use it.
The mineral powder is used for marks, blemishes and bright polishing of glass surfaces so if your scratch or mark can be felt with your fingernail then you will need to use diamond paste instead.
How to Use Cerium Oxide Polish
Mix the cerium oxide into a paste using water and either apply by hand using a cloth or sponge and plenty of elbow grease, or for best results use a rotary tool or electric polisher with the cerium oxide on a felt bob or wheel at a slow speed.
Keep applying the paste to the felt bob or felt wheel as it dries out. You can also moisten the felt wheel beforehand with warm water.
To make the paste:
Mix 2 x parts cerium oxide with 1 x part warm water.
If you want a more aggressive paste, mix with only a little water to form a creamy paste. If you are looking to only polish the glass surface, then mix with more water to a thin slurry.
Option 3
EVE Diapol Diamond Polishers
They come in 3 colours/grades:
- Green: Reducing, removing and shaping (Medium) approx. 35 microns
- Grey: Smoothing and pre-polish (Fine) approx. 4-8 microns
- Pink: High Lustre polishing(Extra Fine) approx. 1-2 microns
Make sure to use our recommended screw mandrel with your wheel and knife edge shaped polishers and the 3mm Pin Mandrel with the Pointed Pin shape. They are specifically designed to be used with these. Other mandrels may cause the polisher to split or fly off when in use. Use at a recommended speed of 7,000-10,000 RPM.
Clean and remove any foreign materials and refresh the diamond abrasive with a Diamond Dresser. This will ensure a sharper, clean cutting edge each time.
Option 4
The other alternative is to use a rubber silicone polisher on a mandrel fixed into your Dremel or another rotary hand drill. Be aware, these polishers will grind material away and should only be used on very light marks. As we mentioned before, if your scratch or mark can be felt with your fingernail then you will need to use diamond paste instead.
Mini Rubber Silicone Polishers
Here's what you'll need:
- A rotary tool such as a Dremel (an adjustable chuck might be needed to hold the shank of the mounted felt bob)
- Rubber silicone polishers in varying grades - possibly wheel or knife edge shape if you want to polish a large area of scratches. The cylinder and bullet will localise your polishing. A mixed bag of each shape might be a good idea.
- Screw mandrel (for use with the wheel and knife edge shaped polishers)
- Taper mandrel (for use with the cylinder and bullet shaped polishers)
Step 1
Attach your silicone polisher to the relevant mandrel and place it in your drill.
Step 2
Applying little pressure make sure not to exceed 7,000 - 10,000 RPM.
Step 3
Work your way through the grades i.e. begin by using a black polisher (medium grade) for instance then follow that with a blue (fine) and then a pink (extra fine) until you've achieved the finish you desire and the mark in the glass is no longer visible.
Helpful note: These EVE silicone polishers are commonly used to polish metals for your jewellery work as well as add depth to glass engraving and polish cabochons. However, they are also useful for numerous jobs around the home such as removing paint from door handles, hinges and fixtures and fittings.
