How to remove scratches on glasses
If your lens is scratched, there is no need to throw it away. There are many ways to remove scratches without causing further damage. Many of these methods require nothing more than the ingredients found at home.
Use a soft cotton or wool cloth with a little non-abrasive toothpaste to quickly rub the scratches on the lens. Rub the lens gently, move the fabric in a small circle. Continue this movement for about ten seconds. Rinse with cold water and dry.
For very stubborn scratches, you may have to repeat the process. Continue until the scratches are completely gone. If you have a scratch-resistant coating on your glasses, you may have to rub it first. This will not damage the lens, but will make scratches more difficult.
Baking soda can also be used in this way. Make baking soda and water thick paste. Then, apply a paste with soft cotton or wool cloth and rub it gently in a circular motion. Rinse and dry the lens. Again, the process may have to be repeated for deep or persistent scratches.
Scratches on plastic glasses can be fixed using Armor Etch, a compound for etching glass. Active ingredients, hydrofluoric acid, removes the outer layer of plastic lenses. This should not be used on glass, because it can damage the lens even more. For a plastic cup, simply place a thick layer of compound on each side of the lens. Let the glasses rest for five minutes. Rinse and dry. Do not rub the compound on the lens. Armor Etch will remove any outer layer and scratches.
Other commercial products that function well for removing scratches from glasses are candles for vehicle cleaning. Although it is often used to polish cars, it can also fill and remove scratches on glass and plastic lenses. Apply with a soft cloth, clean and gently rub until the scratches have been removed. You might need to use some cloth, because the wax attaches easily to the fabric.
Windshield repellent can also be used to remove scratches on the glasses. They have the added advantage of expelling dirt and moisture, and preventing foggy glasses during temperature changes. Simply apply with a soft cloth and gently polish for a few seconds. This treatment is best for superficial spots and may not be effective for deep and penetrating scratches.
Brass enamel removes scratches from plastic lenses, but should not be used on glass. Apply with a cotton cloth and polish for a few minutes. Rinsing is not necessary. Simply use a clean cloth to remove the remaining paint from the glasses. Silver enamel can also be used in the same way.
These methods will eliminate scratches on the glasses, but must be used with caution. Be sure to wear gloves and read all manufacturer's operating instructions before using one of these products. Never use an abrasive solution on the glass, or you risk causing severe damage to the lens.