Scratches are the most common damage that your exterior window glass can incur. Scratches can be caused by several elements such as tree branches rubbing against the exterior glass. They could be caused by children, pets, or even be the aftermath of recreational activities. Such notorious damages not only ruin the appearance of your exterior glass but they can even hamper window performance, depending upon their size and most importantly, their depth.
While some deep scratches are better left to professionals, minor surface scratches can be fixed by using some effective DIY techniques. If the seals between the panes are not broken or the scratches have not been turned into cracks, you can easily deal with minor surface scratches. However, if you find moisture or condensation built-up between the panes, you will need to get your exterior glass windows professionally services, and if needs be, replaced.
Given below are some tips that can help you deal with scratches on your exterior glass –
Clean the Area
Starting with a clean exterior glass always makes it easier for you to assess what kind of damage you have. A clean glass, free from any dust or debris will also give a far better result when you are trying to fix it using any of the glass repair techniques. Moreover, if you haven’t removed dust or debris, it may cause further damage your glass. This is why it is always necessary to clean the glass surface thoroughly. Use a mild soap and water mixture to wash the exterior glass. Once thoroughly cleaned, allow the surface to dry completely.
The first step is to determine the depth of the scratch. If the scratch can be felt with your fingernail or if you can fit your fingernail down into the scratch, it is deep enough to need professional care. This becomes crucial, especially if the scratch is on a double-glazed or triple-glazed exterior glass. Deep dents for a scratch can lead to major damages which is why they require professional assistance. But if the scratches are minor, some easy tips can make your glass look good as new.
Use a Non-Gel Toothpaste
One of the easiest ways to deal with minor scratches on windows is to use toothpaste. Make sure to use a non-gel toothpaste or a non-pigmented variety; one which is white and powdery. You can use any other type of toothpaste as well as long as it contains baking soda. Before starting with the toothpaste remedy, always remember to clean the exterior glass with a damp cloth. This ensures that unwanted particles do not interfere with your repair. Use a clean, lint-free, micro-fibre cloth to rub a tiny amount of toothpaste on to the scratched area in a circular motion.
Do this for 30 seconds to 1 minute, then wipe away the toothpaste and inspect the area. If the scratch is still noticeable, you may need to repeat the process several times. Once you are happy with the results, wipe off the excess toothpaste and clean the area with a damp cloth to restore its sheen. This method should fix simple everyday scratches quite easily.
Rub Baking Soda
An alternative to toothpaste is to make a thick paste of baking soda and water. Ensure that the container or bowl you are using to mix the paste and the cloth are clean so that you do not end up with any impurities in the mixture that can result in more scratches. Once you have the mixture ready, get a clean soft cloth and wrap it around your first finger and pick a little of the paste. Apply the paste in a circular motion on the scratched area of your exterior glass. Remember to use gentle pressure. Do this for about 30 seconds and if done correctly, you will notice that the scratch will gradually wear off. Once done, clean the exterior glass to remove the excess baking soda.
Apply Clear Nail Polish
If the scratch on your exterior glass requires a more precise application, grabbing a bottle of clear nail polish is your best option. Apply a thin layer of nail polish along the scratch using the applicator brush. Try to just use enough to fill the scratch and avoid using it too much or else the fluid will start dripping everywhere. After applying, let the nail polish dry for an hour so it can set well. Then, wipe the extra nail polish outside of the scratch using a nail polish remover. Use a lint-free cloth to wipe the excess away. You will find that the scratches have vanished from the surface.
Call a Professional
If the scratch is too deep or you are not able to remove it yourself, it is best to get professional help. Sometimes, when the scratch is too deep, even professional tools are unable to fix it and you would need to get the glass replaced altogether.
If you are looking for the best-in-class glass solutions for your exterior glass windows, get in touch with AIS Glass – India’s leading integrated glass manufacturer. We manufacture a range of high-end architectural glass products and are known to offer our customers 360-degree solutions for all their glass needs.
So what are you waiting for? Avail of our end-to-end solutions in glass today!