How to Get Scratches Out of a Glass Table

How to Get Scratches Out of a Glass Table

A glass table lends itself well to many different styles of décor, offering a timeless quality that enables it to blend in well even as styles change. Looking good does not prevent a glass table from being a practical piece of furniture that can be used for a range of purposes, which can make it subject to unsightly scratches.

With the use of a few items that can commonly be found in the household, you will find it possible to get the scratches out of a glass table to keep it looking like new.

Clean and Prepare

  1. Clear away all items from the table and clean it using a soft, clean cloth and glass cleaner. Leave it to dry if it remains damp.
  2. Once it is dry, closely examine the table under good light to find any scratches you may not have immediately noticed. This will enable you to determine whether the scratches are superficial or deep and to work on all of them at the same time. If a scratch catches your fingernail when you run your finger across it, it can be considered deep and will need to be treated accordingly.
  3. If there are multiple scratches, mark them with a small piece of masking tape so they can easily be found.

Removing Light Scratches

  1. Apply a pea-sized amount of white toothpaste (without any gel) to a soft, damp cloth.
  2. Buff out the scratch with the toothpaste by gently rubbing the cloth onto the minor scratch in a circular motion.
  3. After about 30 seconds, check the result by wiping the glass with a clean, damp cloth.
  4. Repeat the process as necessary until you see the scratch begin to fade.
  5. If you don’t see any difference, sprinkle a pinch of bicarbonate of soda onto the surface before repeating the above process.
  6. Once the scratches are no longer visible, wipe the glass clean.
  7. If the surface appears dull after the treatment is complete, apply a little acetone and buff it until the shine returns.

Alternatively, make a paste by mixing bicarbonate of soda and water and apply this to the scratch before rubbing in a circular motion. Repeat after checking the result at regular intervals.

Removing Deep Scratches

  1. Apply a small amount of metal polish to the scratch using a cloth-sheathed finger and gently rub in a circular motion.
  2. After 30 seconds, wipe the surface clean and check whether the severity of the scratch has reduced.
  3. Continue to repeat this process until the scratch disappears, taking care to avoid damaging the surrounding area.
  4. Once complete, wipe clean with a damp cloth.

Some deeper scratches may not be able to be treated in the same way as minor scratches without creating a depression in the surface. Accordingly, it will be necessary for you to follow one of several different options:

  1. Paint some clear nail varnish along the length of the scratch and the surrounding area. Leave it to settle into the scratch and dry. Once dry, wipe the surface with a small amount of nail varnish remover on a soft cloth to remove it from the surrounding area. Follow this by buffing with a clean cloth.
  2. Apply a small amount of wax furniture polish to the scratch, using a sufficient amount to fill the scratch. Buff it with a clean cloth.
  3. Make use of a dedicated glass repair kit, which are usually designed for the repair of car windscreens. Follow the instructions provided with the kit.

Avoid the Need for Repair

In order to prevent the need to get the scratches out of a glass table, you need to prevent them from happening in the first place.

When your table is in use, it’s best to place a wipe clean table cover or table protector on top to prevent any damage. They offer a low maintenance way to protect the glass table while enhancing the décor.