Glass doors are great. They let in a lot of light and they are strong and durable. However, they can be fragile in certain conditions and it can be difficult to keep them in perfect condition. So what can you do when you notice scratches on the glass?
In this article, we share with you different methods to deal with scratches on your glass doors. We also share tips on how to prevent them in the future. So read on to get your glass doors looking pristine again.
Different Types of Scratches
The first thing you need to do is to determine the type of scratch on the glass. Scratches vary in severity and may require different approaches to fix them. Minor scratches are the most common types of scratches on glass. They are only on the surface and are often quite short.
Moderate scratches start to cut into the glass and are often longer. They are more noticeable than minor scratches and trickier to fix. The last category is major scratches. These are deep and can affect the durability of the glass. Fixing major scratches can be difficult, but it is important to do it not only for aesthetic reasons but for safety, too.
Cleaning The Glass First
Before you use any of the methods included in this article, you need to ensure your glass door is thoroughly cleaned. This will prevent dirt or other small particles from interfering with the repair process.
If the scratch is on the outside of the door, you can use a garden hose to spray debris off the glass. This will get all sharp particles off and stop them from damaging the glass when you clean it with a clean rag.
If you are using a cleaning product, ensure it is mild because a harsh product may leave a residue that will interfere with the products used for scratch removal.
Eight Methods to Fix Scratches on a Glass Door
Below, you will find different methods for getting scratches out of your glass door. You might be wondering why there are so many different methods. It is because scratches differ. Even minor scratches are not all the same and you may need to try different methods to solve the problem.
Method One: Toothpaste
For this method, you need a soft cloth and some toothpaste. It is better to use whitening toothpaste because it is more abrasive. Start by applying some paste on a dry cloth. Use a circular motion to buff the scratches. The method works by removing a thin layer of glass from the damaged area.
Rinse the glass with warm water and let it dry. Most light scratches will be removed by the first attempt. However, if you still see the scratch, repeat the process. If you still have a visible scratch after the second attempt, you will need to move on to one of the other methods.
This short video demonstrates how to use this method to remove small scratches.
Method Two: Baking soda
Using multifunctional baking soda to make a glass polish is the next method you can try. Start by mixing equal parts of water and baking soda to get a paste. Some people recommend adding a little toothpaste to the mix, so you can try that, too.
Apply the paste on clean glass using a circular motion and a clean cloth. Using a microfiber cloth will give you the best results. Leave the solution for several minutes before rinsing it with warm water and a soft cloth.
Method Three: Nail polish
If you have clear polish for the nails in the house, you can use it to conceal small scratches on your glass door. Apply a thin layer of clear nail polish on the scratch and leave it to dry for at least one hour.
Why nail polish? It is because one of the ingredients in nail polish is silicone, which can hide the flaws by filling in the grooves without damaging or fading the glass. When the nail polish has dried, use a cotton bud dipped in nail polish remover to remove any excess polish, and finish by cleaning the glass door.
Method Four: Liquid Pumice Soap
Liquid pumice soap is a powerful cleaner and it is more abrasive than toothpaste or baking soda. Apply the soap on the scratch with a dry cloth and rub in a circular motion. Rinse and check if the scratch has disappeared.
Method Five: Steel wool
Scratches on the surface layer of the glass can be removed with fine-grade steel wool. You need to be very careful using this method because any rust from the steel wool can damage the surface and create more scratches. Therefore, you should only use new steel wool for scratch removal from glass.
Method Six: Sanders and Buffers
If none of the methods above has done the trick, you can try a buffing compound called cerium oxide. You can use this compound with a cotton cloth or a circular sander to remove scratches. Because you are working with an abrasive chemical, you need to use rubber gloves and protective glasses when applying this method to your glass door.
Wet the area you are repairing first with a damp cloth as this will prevent the compound from drying. If the compound dries, it can scratch the glass. Polish the area for several minutes with the compound. When finished, remove debris and dust by cleaning the glass with a dishwashing liquid and a soft brush. Repeat the process if required.
Method Seven: Ammonia
This method requires caution and you need to wear rubber gloves, protective glasses, and a facemask. The facemask will prevent inhaling ammonia and damage to your teeth. Once kitted in your protective gear, measure 2 ounces of ammonia and mix it with 2 quarts of water. Wash the glass with a soft sponge and dry using a lint-free cloth.
Check the result and repeat the process if needed. Only repeat it once because if after two goes the scratches are still there, it means they are too severe for DIY repair methods and you need to call in a professional.
Method Eight: Window Repair Kit
You can find a range of repair kits for windows online and in most hardware stores. The kit will include a metal polish solution, which has been specially formulated to repair scratched glass surfaces. Ensure that you follow the instructions that come with the kit to avoid distortions or new damage to your glass door.
When to Call a Professional?
It is easy to repair minor and many moderate scratches yourself. However, if you have a major scratch on your glass door, you might want to get a professional in. Attempting to repair a major scratch yourself can result in more damage. For example, you can distort the glass and it may become irreparable and you will have to replace the glass.
Common Reasons For Scratches
It is natural for minor scratches to appear on glass doors. This is because glass gets scratched easily, for example, by minor particles that have built up on the surface. When the glass is cleaned, the particles are rubbed against the glass and this causes minor scratches over time.
There are several causes for moderate and major scratches. Your glass door may get scratched by sharp objects such as silverware, keys, or furniture as people pass through the door.
How to Avoid Scratches on Glass Doors
Unfortunately, it is almost impossible to avoid some scratches appearing on your glass doors over time but there are some things you can do. For example, cleaning the glass regularly will not only keep it sparkling but will prevent small scratches from forming through particle build-up.
Only use cleaning products that are suitable for glass surfaces. Choose less abrasive cleaning materials and only use soft cloths. Using rough paper towels or napkins, for example, can result in microdamage and make the glass more vulnerable to scratches.
Lint-free microfiber cloths are best for glass doors and you can use them to clean your cellular phone, your laptop screen, and tabletops, too. Opt for cleaning products that are safe for glass or you can make a cleaning solution with white vinegar, rubbing alcohol, and water.
Here is how to prepare the mix: Use 0.5 cups of vinegar and 0.5 cups of alcohol with 4 cups of water and you have a non-abrasive glass cleaner.
Summary
If you have scratches on your glass door, it is possible to remove most minor scratches with DIY methods. Always start by cleaning the glass thoroughly to avoid further damage to the glass from dust and dirt particles.
When your glass is clean and dry, work through the methods described to treat the scratched area. If none of the methods work, the scratch is too severe for home repairs and you should call in a glass repair professional.
We hope the methods we have shared in this article have solved your problem. If there is anything you would like to ask about getting scratches off glass doors, write your questions in the comments section.
