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How to Remove Scratches from Sunglasses

May 16, 2018

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Do you want to remove scratches from sunglasses that you love? Maybe they’re your favorite pair and you just can’t bear to throw them away.

Or perhaps they suit your face shape perfectly and you don’t think you’ll ever be able to replace them.

Whatever your reason for wanting to remove scratches, there are some practical options that can help.

You may not be able to go back in time and avoid the nick altogether, but you can treat the scratch to make it less visible.

In this article, we’ll walk you through five different ways to remove scratches from sunglasses, so that they look good as new!

#1 – Using Toothpaste to Remove Scratches from Sunglasses

Toothpaste is our first go-to treatment for repairing scratches as it’s something that all of us have in the house.

There’s no need to go out and buy something especially, as you can simply run up to your bathroom and grab a tube.

This makes it perfect for instant repairs that you need to perform quickly.

However, not all types of toothpaste will be suitable for this use. If it’s mint-flavored or whitening, then it’s not going to work very well. Likewise, if it’s abrasive or a gel rather than a paste, then it won’t have the effect we’re looking for.

So, before you get started, ensure that the toothpaste you’re using is non-minty, non-whitening, non-abrasive, and non-gel. Although your teeth love all of these fancy features, your sunglasses won’t appreciate them

Put a little toothpaste on a cotton ball and rub it into the scratch using a circular motion
Do this for around 10 seconds and then rinse off the toothpaste using cool water
If there’s still excess toothpaste on the lenses, then use a lint-free cloth to remove it
Repeat this process until all the scratches on your sunglasses are gone

By following these four simple steps, you can quickly redeem your favorite pair of sunglasses to their former glory.

Just be sure you’re using the right type of toothpaste before getting started, otherwise, this method won’t work at all (and could even make the scratches worse).

#2 – Removing Scratches from Sunglasses with Polish

Another way to remove scratches from sunglasses is to use polish. Specifically, we’re talking about using the type of polish that’s used to clean silver or brass.

You can find it in most furniture stores or DIY warehouses, as well as online via Amazon. If your sunglasses have tinted lenses then you may want to get a type of polish that matches, but otherwise, any type will do.

You’ll also need a cotton ball and lint-free cloth for this method. Be sure to use clean ones to ensure there’s nothing already on them that could make the scratches worse. Synthetic cotton balls also work equally well.

Use the cotton ball to dab a little silver or brass polish on to the scratch
Gently rub it so that the polish is evenly distributed throughout the scratch
Use a lint-free cloth to remove any excess polish from the lens
Keep repeating this process until the scratch is completely gone

Using brass or silver polish is an effective way to remove scratches from sunglasses and extend their wear. Not only does it remove any hint of a scratch, but also leaves your lenses clean and shiny too!

#3 – Using Car Wax to Remove Scratches from Sunglasses

Using car wax is another excellent way to remove scratches from sunglasses. This method actually fills in the scratch (or scratches) rather than just masking their appearance.

For many people, this is a better solution as it creates a finish that’s closer to the original look.

Many of us will have car wax stashed away in the back of a garage somewhere. If you don’t, then it’s available relatively cheaply from any auto parts store or gas station.

You may also need several cloths rather than just one. This is because wax sticks to the fabric very easily, so you may not want to use the same cloth for waxing and cleaning.

Put a little car wax on a soft cloth and rub it into the scratch using circular motions
Using a separate cloth, wipe away any excess wax from the lens
Repeat this process until the scratches on your sunglasses are completely filled in.

By rubbing several layers of car wax into the nicks, you’ll effectively rebuild the lens so that the scratches on your sunglasses are no longer noticeable.

You’ll only need a tiny amount to have your favorite pair of shades looking good as new.

#4 – Removing Scratches from Sunglasses with Furniture Spray

You can also use furniture spray to remove scratches from sunglasses. It works in a similar way to car wax by filling in the scratch, so your plastic lenses appear smooth again.

The spray formula contains small amounts of furniture wax which create a solid residue in the scratch cavity.

However, there is a downside to this method. Using furniture spray to remove the scratch isn’t a reliable long-term solution, since it may only last for a few days.

It may require ‘topping up’ on a regular basis to keep the scratches from reappearing. But if you have furniture spray in your cupboard and don’t want to fork out on car wax or silver polish, then this can be a great short-term solution.

Lightly spray the lenses without getting too much on them
Use a lint-free cloth to rub the lenses in a circular motion to gradually fill in the scratch
Repeat as needed to maintain a scratch-free appearance on your lenses

Using furniture polish is a quick and easy way to remove scratches from sunglasses so that you don’t need to throw them away immediately.

Although it’s not a long-term solution, it may be enough to tide you over a sunny period or until your next payday when you can invest in a new pair (or alternative fix).

#5 – Using Baking Soda to Remove Scratches from Sunglasses

Baking soda is another everyday item that you can use to remove scratches from sunglasses. Although it’s more often used for cooking than repairs, the chemical properties of baking soda make it a particularly versatile option.

By using it to create a paste, you can fill in the scratches rather than just cover them up.

One thing to note is that baking soda creates a white paste, so you’ll probably need to color in the scratch once it’s been repaired. A permanent marker in brown or black should do the job, depending on the color or tint of your lens.

Measure out two-parts baking soda to one part water (2:1) and mix them in a small bowl to create a thick paste
Use a cotton ball to rub a little baking soda paste into the scratch using a circular motion
After about 10 seconds of rubbing, rinse off the paste with cool water
Use a lint-free cloth to wipe away any excess paste from the lens
Repeat as necessary to completely fill in the scratch

The baking soda approach makes good use of an item you’re likely to have in a kitchen cupboard, so you don’t need to buy anything especially.

However, depending on your sunglasses, the color may not be a suitable match so use your judgment to decide what’s appropriate.

If you do opt for baking soda, then it’s important to use cool water when rinsing the lenses. This helps to solidify the paste, whereas warm or hot water may melt it and undo all of your efforts.

How to Remove Scratches from Sunglasses – Summary

So, there are five ways to remove scratches from sunglasses and save your favorite pair from the trash.

Using toothpaste, silver or brass polish, car wax, furniture spray, or baking soda can help you to extend the life of your glasses, even if the scratches are deep.

This way a simple scratch doesn’t need to mean the end of your trusty shades.

If you do decide that they’re beyond repair, then check out our extensive range of stylish sunglasses. We offer a variety of styles, colors, and brands, all with 100% UV protection. Check out the different options here.

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Eyewear Avenue is dedicated to providing the best advice and expertise on optical items. Our dedicated team reviews popular products, newly released items, and the latest scientific research to ensure you always get the most up-to-date information and best customer service.

For more info on polarized sunglasses or other eyewear products, check out our different categories.

Always consult your eye care professional for personalized optical advice. It’s important to have your eyes examined regularly and seek the advice of a specialist in this area before commencing a new treatment.

What works for others may not be suitable for you, so do your due diligence before making any changes to your eye care routine.