Repairing Glassware Scratches
admin | November 20, 2009
Everyone will come across this issue and some point or another. A favoured piece of glassware has been dropped or just mishandled and has picked up some ugly marks and scratches. Most people just chuck the offending item away, or hide it in a dark corner, even though it can be repaired with not much effort at all. You just need the right tools and right knowledge.
1.) Don’t use harsh abrasives to try and rub the scratch out. This may work on wood, but on your favorite whisky glass, you’ll end up with a horrible opaque patch that will look even worse and be even more difficult to remove. Cerium oxide is the very fine abrasive that professionals as this is much kinder to the glass. This can be picked up from most good jewelers.
2.) A polishing wheel is the next thing that you’ll need. This is a kind of buffing pad that can be attached to a drill and in combination with the fine abrasive, will gently buff out the scratch. Make sure you clean the polishing wheel first as any dirt in it will just lead to more scratching. The drill only needs to be used on the slowest speed setting usually as higher speeds can cause damage. Crystal glass is stronger and so can withstand higher spin speeds.
3.) For more serious scratches that cut deep into the glass, you’ll need more than a polishing wheel. Special resin is often used for serious scratches and this can be found at most hardware stores or glassware specialists. You’ll need to ensure that the resin you use has the same refractive index as the glass, otherwise it will stand out like a sore thumb, especially on crystal vases and glassware. When you have laid on the resin, the buffer and abrasive can be used to get a consistent finish and get the glass sparkling.
