There are two methods for removing scratches from lens. According to GlassCrafter.com, you must fill in the scratch or remove the protective coating from the lens. The coating applied to lens protects the underlying glass or plastic from scratching. Once you remove the coating, you expose the natural lens and the scratches disappear. Waxed based compounds will fill in scratches and essentially conceal them. Either method takes little time or money and can save you the cost of replacement lenses.
Filling in Scratches
Step 1
Apply a small dab of non-abrasive toothpaste, car wax or windshield water repellant to the lens.
Step 2
Buff the lens with a soft cloth. Move the cloth in small circles around the lens, spreading the wax compound over the surface.
Step 3
Change to a clean cloth or fold the old cloth over and continue to buff the lens until the wax compound is disappears.
Removing the Coating
Step 1
Apply a glass-etching compound with hydorfluoric Acid to the lens. Spread a thick layer of the compound over both sides of the lens.
Step 2
Let the hydrofluoric acid sit for five minutes. Do not rub the compound into the lens, but let it sit over the surface.
Step 3
Rinse the lens with warm, running water to remove the material. Dry the lens with a soft cloth.
Things You'll Need
- Wax based compound (toothpaste, car wax or windshield water repellent)
- Soft cloth
- Glass-etching compound
- Water
