Advice from experienced watchmakers on how to remove scratches from watch glass yourself

A watch is a stylish accessory that is used every day. During active use, their glass becomes covered with scratches. As a result, it loses its transparency and the visibility of the dial deteriorates.

Read the article about how to remove scratches from watch glass (mineral, organic, plastic, sapphire) using improvised means and special compounds.

How to remove scuff marks at home?

If the scratches are shallow, you can get rid of them using improvised means.. The procedure for removing them is not complicated, so you can do it on your own. If the damage is serious, use specialized glass polishing compounds.

Paste GOI

GOI paste is a universal polishing composition that is designed to combat scratches, abrasions and other defects. If they are minor, use paste number 3. To remove deep damage, purchase paste number 4.

Procedure:

1. Apply a small amount of paste to a cotton pad or flannel cloth.
2. Glass is processed with it. The movements should be circular.
3. When the surface becomes smooth, apply mineral oil to it and rub it thoroughly.
4. Residues of substances are removed with any liquid containing alcohol.

GOI paste is not only effective, but also a budget-friendly product.Its average price is 100 rubles, and one package of 100 g will last for a long time.

Toothpaste

You can remove shallow scratches with toothpaste or tooth powder. The paste is used in its pure form, and the powder is diluted with water to the consistency of a thick paste.

Mode of application:

• clean the surface of visible dirt, go over it with a cotton pad soaked in alcohol;
• the paste is applied to flannel material and scratches are rubbed with it, the glass is polished carefully, without exerting excessive pressure;
• wait for the composition to dry, remove its remains with vegetable oil;
• Polish the surface with a clean paper towel.

Sometimes you can find advice on mixing toothpaste with soda. Supposedly this combination will give the best effect. You shouldn't do this. Baking soda is an abrasive that can leave behind microscopic scratches. Immediately after polishing, they will be invisible, but as soon as dirt gets into them, all defects will become obvious.

Special formulations

There are many glass polishing products available on the market. When choosing, you need to pay attention to the following points:

1. Consistency. Pastes and gels are quite dense, so they are used to remove deep damage. Sprays and liquids are designed to combat surface defects.
2. Grain. To grout glass on watches, it is recommended to use fine-grained compounds. This allows for fine processing.
3. Auxiliary components. If the product often gets dirty, use polishes supplemented with an antistatic agent. There are products that provide a water-repellent effect.If the polish contains silicone, then after its use a thin film will form on the surface, acting as additional protection from mechanical damage.
4. Price. It is not recommended to buy very cheap products. It is better to opt for mid-price products.
5. Equipment. If the product is supplemented with napkins and sponges, then it is more convenient to use.
6. Scope of application. Before purchasing the composition, you need to study its label. There are products designed to care for glass and plastic surfaces. There are also restorative, universal and protective compositions. There is no need to choose the last type, since it will not help deal with scratches.

Top 3 effective means for removing scratches from glass:

Polish Hi-Gear HG 5640

This is a product for restoring the transparency of glass., removes minor abrasions and scratches. After its use, a thin film is formed on the surface, which prevents it from becoming dirty. Price 405 rubles per 0.12 l.

Doctor Wax DW 5673

The product is designed to remove scratches and restore lost transparency. Additional effects: water-repellent and dirt-repellent. Price - from 450 rubles.

Willson for headlights and clear plastic

This is a silicone based restorative polish.. It masks scratches and makes the glass transparent. The kit includes a napkin for surface treatment. The price of a 0.07 liter package is 1,300 rubles.

Before using the polish, the can of liquid must be shaken thoroughly.

Features of removal depending on the type of watch glass material

Features of processing different types of glass:

1. Mineral. This is not the cheapest glass.Therefore, it is not recommended to remove scratches from it with abrasive substances. Experts advise using a grinding machine. Flannel or microfiber is used as a nozzle, and diamond paste is used as a polish. The disk is moved from the edge of the device to its center. The average processing time is 20 minutes. To achieve optimal results, the procedure is repeated.
2. Plastic. It's easy to polish. Such a surface can be treated with any composition. The main thing is not to use acetone during pre-cleaning. Its use will lead to clouding of the glass, which will make it impossible to restore its transparency.
3. Sapphire. It is the most expensive, but also the most reliable. It is installed on elite models. It is made not from the mineral itself, but from sapphire fiber. The material is quite durable and wear-resistant. It is not recommended to remove scratches from it yourself, as there is a high risk of damaging an expensive product. It is better to entrust a watch with sapphire crystal to a professional. In the workshop it will be cleaned using cold grinding.
4. Organic. This glass is the cheapest. It is found in most models. You can clean it with toothpaste and even fine-grit sandpaper.

The video will tell you which watch glass to choose - sapphire, mineral or plastic:

Contacting specialists

If the watch is expensive or the scratch on it is deep, then it is better to entrust it to professionals. The final cost consists of several factors. The cleaning method and type of material play a decisive role.

• plastic polishing – 1300 rubles;
• cleaning of mineral glass – 1000 rubles;
• cleaning the sapphire base – from 1500 rubles.

The cost of the service must be clarified on the spot, after inspection of the product by a specialist. You can find a specialist by looking at an ad on the Internet. Before leaving your watch in the workshop, you need to study the reviews of customers who have already used the service of this organization.

Helpful information

Tips for removing scratches from watch glass:

1. To make it more convenient to work with a grinding machine, the glass is removed from the watch. If this is not possible, remove the strap and secure them in a vice or clamps.

   The spacers should hold the glass on the sides without touching the main surface.

2. You need to use a grinding machine with caution, remembering that it heats up the glass. To prevent it from bursting during processing, it is moistened with water.

   This method of dealing with scratches is suitable when the watch is dismountable or waterproof.

3. When working with any liquids, you need to ensure that they do not leak inside. Water or oil ingress may cause serious damage.
4. Even the most expensive means cannot cope with a deep crack. In this case, it is better to replace the glass.
5. Do not attempt to clean glass with sandpaper. If there are no other options, then use fine-grain sandpaper, marked P2500.

If you are interested in how to remove small and deep scratches from various surfaces and objects, take a look at this chapter.

Video on the topic of the article

This video will show you how to restore a scratched watch glass:

Conclusion

Scratched watches do not need to be thrown away immediately. You can try to revive them using available means. If the desired effect cannot be achieved, use specialized compounds or contact a specialist.