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Watches are more than just timekeeping devices; they are often treasured pieces of jewelry and can represent significant personal investments. Over time, it’s not uncommon for watch screens to accumulate scratches, which can detract from their appearance and readability.
Fortunately, there are several methods you can employ to remove these marks and restore your watch screen to its former glory.
Key Takeaway
- Identify Crystal Type: Determine if your watch crystal is acrylic, mineral glass, or sapphire to choose the appropriate repair method.
- Acrylic Screens:
- Use a plastic cleaner polish or toothpaste as a mild abrasive.
- Buff the scratch with a polishing cloth in a circular motion.
- Rinse and dry after the treatment.
- Mineral Glass Screens:
- Apply diamond paste and polish firmly with a soft cloth.
- Rinse and dry after polishing and repeat for deep scratches.
- Repair Facts:
- Toothpaste can remove light scratches by leveling the surface.
- Deep scratches may need multiple treatments or professional repair.
- No chemical can remove scratches, but polishing with abrasives can.
Understanding the Type of Watch Crystal
Before attempting to remove scratches, it’s important to identify the type of crystal your watch has. Watch crystals are commonly made from one of three materials:
- Acrylic: Easily scratched but also the simplest to fix.
- Mineral glass: More resistant to scratching but harder to repair.
- Sapphire crystal: Extremely resistant to scratches but very difficult to remove them if they occur.
The techniques described in this article will focus on acrylic and mineral glass, as these are the most practical to repair at home.
Step-by-Step Process to Remove Scratches from Acrylic Watch Screen
Materials Needed
- Microfiber cloth
- Watch polishing cloth
- Plastic cleaner polish or a professional-grade scratch remover
- Toothpaste (a non-gel, non-abrasive, and non-whitening variety)
Instructions
- Clean the Surface: Begin by wiping the watch screen with a microfiber cloth to remove any dust or debris.
- Apply Polish: For acrylic screens, apply a small amount of plastic cleaner polish onto the screen.
- Buff the Scratch: Using a soft polishing cloth, gently buff the scratch in a circular motion. Apply consistent pressure and continue for a few minutes.
- Wipe and Inspect: Wipe away excess polish with a clean section of the cloth and inspect the screen. Repeat the process if necessary.
- Toothpaste Method: If you don’t have a professional polish, a small amount of toothpaste can be used as a mild abrasive. Apply a small amount onto the screen, and gently rub it over the scratch using a circular motion with a cotton swab or your finger.
- Rinse and Dry: After using toothpaste, rinse the screen with slightly damp cloth and dry with a fresh microfiber cloth.
How to Remove Scratches from Your Watch Crystal
Mineral Glass Crystal Repair
For mineral glass, the process is slightly different, as the material is harder than acrylic.
Materials Needed
- Diamond paste
- Soft cloth
- Water
Instructions
- Apply Diamond Paste: Diamond paste is a fine abrasive which can polish the scratches out of mineral glass. Apply a small amount to the scratch.
- Polish the Scratch: Firmly rub the paste into the scratch in a circular motion with a soft cloth.
- Rinse and Dry: After several minutes of polishing, rinse the glass with water and dry with a clean cloth.
- Repeat if Necessary: Deep scratches may require multiple applications.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you fix a scratched watch screen?
Yes, many light scratches can be fixed using polishing techniques appropriate for the material of the watch crystal.
How does toothpaste remove scratches from watch glass?
Toothpaste acts as a mild abrasive, which can smooth out minor scratches by wearing down the edges of the scratch and leveling the glass surface.
How do you remove scratches from a watch at home?
You can remove scratches with a gentle polish made for plastic or glass, such as toothpaste or a product designed specifically for watch crystals.
Is it possible to remove scratches from screen?
Yes, it’s possible to remove minor scratches from screens, especially if they’re acrylic. Deeper scratches in mineral glass or sapphire crystals might require professional help.
How do you permanently remove scratches?
Permanent removal of scratches typically involves buffing or polishing out the scratches with an abrasive substance until they are no longer visible.
How do you remove deep scratches from glass?
Deep scratches in glass can be treated with diamond paste or by a professional who may use specialized techniques and tools.
What chemical removes scratches from glass?
No specific chemical will remove scratches, but specialty polishes that contain finely ground abrasive particles can remove them by polishing the glass.
Does vinegar remove scratches from glass?
Vinegar does not remove scratches. It’s often used as a cleaner, but it won’t polish out scratches from glass.
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