Noah Sinclair
Scratches on phone screens are a common issue that can range from surface-level damage to severe cracks. While there are several DIY methods for removing scratches, many can worsen the damage. For instance, abrasive substances like baking soda, corn starch powder, and sandpaper should be avoided as they can deepen scratches. Instead, for glass screens, a cerium oxide glass polish is recommended. This can be purchased as a soluble powder or pre-mixed form. For plastic screens, toothpaste can be used to buff out scratches. Simply apply a small amount of toothpaste to a soft cloth or cotton swab and gently rub it over the scratched area in a circular motion.
Removing Scratches from a Glass Phone Screen
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Prevention | Keep your phone in a pouch or bag when in transit to protect it from scratches |
| Scratch Removal Products | Cerium oxide glass polishing powder, Magic Eraser, Turtle Wax, 3M Scratch, and Swirl Remover, Remint Abrasive Compound, Mirka DEROS 350CV, Remint Polishing Compound H, Remint Polishing Pad 77mm, Remint Polishing Pad 80mm |
| Scratch Removal Techniques | Buffing, sanding, polishing |
| Scratch Removal Tools | Soft cloth, toothbrush, sponge, sandpaper, drill grinder, copper pad |
| Scratch Removal Precautions | Avoid abrasive products like baking soda, corn starch powder, baby powder, coconut oil, and petroleum jelly. Seal phone ports with tape to prevent liquid damage. Power down your phone and remove the battery before attempting scratch removal |
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What You'll Learn
Toothpaste on plastic screens
If your phone has a plastic screen, you can try using toothpaste to buff out scratches. Toothpaste is designed to be abrasive, so it can fix a plastic scratch in the same way it cleans teeth. Make sure you use a toothpaste with a pasty texture instead of a gel.
Apply a small amount of toothpaste to a soft cloth, cotton swab, or soft-bristled toothbrush. Gently rub the paste over the scratched area in a circular motion until the scratch fades. Then, wipe the screen clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth. Finish by wiping the screen with a dry microfiber polishing cloth.
While toothpaste can be effective on plastic screens, it is not suitable for glass screens due to its abrasive nature. For glass screens, you may want to use a cerium oxide glass polish.
Other methods for removing scratches from phone screens include using a magic eraser, a white rubber eraser, or a pencil eraser. Simply rub the eraser over the scratch in left-to-right and up-and-down motions for about 60 seconds each. The friction will soften the eraser, and it will fill in the scratch. Be careful not to press too hard.
It is important to note that some methods may worsen scratches or fail to improve them. These include coconut oil, petroleum jelly, and powdered cleansers. Oily substances, such as vegetable oil, can make your phone slippery and clog up your speakers and charging port.
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Cerium oxide polish on glass screens
Cerium oxide is a soft abrasive that can be used to polish glass surfaces and remove scratches. It is suitable for a range of glass surfaces, including automotive, architectural, and household glass. It is important to note that cerium oxide is not just an abrasive—it also smooths out the scratches gradually, removing fine scratches without damaging the surface underneath. This makes it a popular choice for both beginners and experienced users.
When using cerium oxide to polish a glass screen, it is essential to use the correct technique and create the perfect polishing conditions. Firstly, ensure that you have the right concentration of cerium oxide in the polishing mixture. A general guideline recommends a concentration of around 2-10% cerium oxide in the polishing slurry. However, the exact concentration may vary depending on the specific requirements of your project.
Before starting the polishing process, it is crucial to prepare the glass surface by removing any dirt or contaminants. Clean the surface thoroughly and ensure it is free of dust, fingerprints, or oil. Additionally, it is recommended to try the polishing technique on a test piece of glass before working on the main piece. This allows you to adjust the mix, pressure, or speed as needed.
During the polishing process, apply consistent and moderate pressure at a moderate and consistent speed. Excessive pressure or speed can lead to uneven polishing or heat build-up. Maintain a suitable temperature range for the type of glass you are working on, as excessive heat can cause issues such as glass warping.
Finally, it is important to prioritise safety when working with cerium oxide. Wear appropriate protective gear, including gloves and safety glasses, to prevent direct contact with the compound. Ensure proper ventilation in the work area to avoid inhaling cerium oxide particles, and have a first aid kit readily available.
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Magic Erasers
To use a Magic Eraser, simply dampen the sponge and gently rub it against the scratches in a back-and-forth motion for about 60 seconds, then repeat the process by rubbing it up and down for another 60 seconds. The friction generated will soften the eraser, allowing it to fill in the scratch. It is important not to press too hard on the screen to avoid causing further damage.
While Magic Erasers are a convenient option, it is worth noting that they may remove the protective coating on the glass screen. Therefore, it is recommended to use them only on light scratches and consider placing a screen protector over the phone afterward for added protection.
If you don't have access to Magic Erasers, regular erasers, such as the ones attached to pencils, can also be used. The process is similar, and the friction generated will cause the eraser particles to fill in the scratch.
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Car scratch removal creams
Car scratch removers are designed to gently blend light scratches on your car's surface into its finish, making them less visible. These products are meant to mend light, minor scratches that typically occur when the clear coat is damaged, leaving a faint scratch. Scratch removers use extremely fine abrasives to smooth the jagged edges of a scratch and then blend the clear coat together to fill the valley until the scratch is no longer visible. Some heavier-duty scratch removers will even get down into the primer coat and meld the paint back together.
There are many car scratch removal creams available on the market, such as those from top-rated brands like Turtle Wax, Quixx, Meguiar, and Nu Finish. These products can help restore your vehicle's finish to its former glory by removing fine scratches, swirls, oxidation, scuffs, nicks, and other flaws.
When choosing a car scratch removal cream, it's important to keep in mind that they are designed for light, minor scratches. If a scratch is too deep, particularly down to the bare metal, it will likely require a professional fix. One easy way to determine if a scratch remover will work is to run your fingernail across the scratch; if your nail gets caught in the scratch, these products likely won't be effective.
In addition to car scratch removal creams, there are also car scratch remover pens available, such as the one included in the Turtle Wax kit. This pen can be useful for deeper scratches that require more intensive treatment. The kit also includes a wet-sanding process, where you use sandpaper of various grits and a spray lubricant to smooth out the clear coat, followed by the application of a paint-clarifying compound with a microfiber cloth.
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Sanding and polishing
Firstly, it is important to measure the depth of the scratch. This will determine the grit of the abrasive compound to be used, with deeper scratches requiring a coarser grit. Cover any critical openings on your phone, such as the speakers and charging port, with tape to protect them from the compound. Choose an abrasive compound designed specifically for phone screens, such as the Remint Abrasive Compound, and apply a small amount to the scratch. Using a suitable sanding tool, gently sand the scratched area until the scratch is removed and you are left with a uniform, matte surface. The sanding time will depend on the depth of the scratch, the glass quality, and the phone model. For deeper scratches, you may need to repeat the sanding step.
Once the scratch is removed, it's time to polish the screen. Use a fine polishing compound, such as the Remint Polishing Compound H, and apply it to the sanded area. Polish the screen with a soft cloth or pad, following the direction provided by the compound's manufacturer. This will restore the shine to your phone screen and make it look like new.
While sanding and polishing can be effective for removing scratches, it is important to note that it may remove the oleophobic coating on your screen, which helps to repel oily residue like fingerprints. As such, it is crucial to be gentle and follow the instructions carefully during the sanding process to avoid removing more material than necessary.
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Frequently asked questions
You can try using a heavy-duty polish such as cerium oxide glass polishing powder. Mix about 100g of the powder with water to create a paste with a creamy consistency. Cover your phone's ports with tape to prevent liquid damage, then gently rub the paste onto the scratch in a circular motion. Finally, wipe the screen with a damp cloth.
No, nail polish is not recommended for removing scratches from glass phone screens. It is not designed for this purpose and may worsen the scratches or damage the screen.
You can try using a Magic Eraser sponge, car scratch removal creams such as Turtle Wax, or a product like Mirka Remint. For minor scratches, toothpaste may be effective, but this is not recommended for glass screens due to its abrasive nature.
To prevent scratches, it is recommended to keep your phone in a protective case or pouch when not in use. You can also use a screen protector, which can help to shield your screen from scratches and other damage.
