Whether glass or plastic, any lens can scratch. Even glasses with anti-scratch coating can get scratches in the coating. Scratches can be removed from glasses as long as they are not too deep. Glass lenses are more difficult to repair than plastic lenses. The following methods should be attempted only on glasses that are expendable, because in certain cases they will make the scratches worse.
Instructions
things you’ll need:
Microfiber cloths
1 Spray an aerosol dust cleaner on scratched plastic lenses and polish them with a cloth. Dust cleaner contains a wax that fills in minor scratches, causing them to “disappear.”
2 Buff out larger scratches on plastic lenses with a metal polish. Dab a small amount of polish on the scratched lens, then polish it with a cloth.
3 Apply glass-etching compound to coated plastic lenses to strip of the anti-scratch coating. Leave the etching solution in place for approximately two to three minutes, then wash the lenses with soap and hot water. Rinse off the soap and dry the glasses with a soft cloth.
4 Squeeze a small dollop of white toothpaste on a soft cloth. Rub the toothpaste on the glass lenses in a circular motion for 10 seconds. Rinse with cold water and dry with a clean cloth.
5 Check the clarity of the lenses. You may need to repeat the treatment.
Tips & Warnings
Do not use etching compound on glass lenses. It will make them cloudy. It can also damage metal frames, so it’s best to remove the lenses before applying.
You can purchase glass-etching compound at craft stores, where it is used to etch glass for craft projects.