Engraved and etched glass can look similar but they differ in their style and design. Often engraving takes more time and skill than etching.
Engraved glass is long-lasting and hardy. There are cathedral windows that are over 500 years old and still intact. However, scratches do happen. Sometimes these can be unsightly.
Baking Soda
Baking soda, a white, crystalline solid that’s actually sodium bicarbonate, is the Swiss Army knife of your pantry. It’s great for making cookies and biscuits fluffier, cleaning toilets, freshening the fridge, taming stinky shoes, and more. But baking soda can also help you fix scratched glasses and sunglasses.
First, test the depth of your scratches by running your fingernail across them. If your nail catches in the scratch, it’s too deep to buff out with DIY methods and may require professional glass resurfacing.
To use baking soda, apply a small amount of toothpaste to a soft microfiber cloth and rub it on the scratched surface for 30 seconds or so. The mild abrasives in the toothpaste will smooth out the scratches. It’s important to use a non-gel toothpaste, as some contain whitening agents that can damage your lenses. You can also use metal polish on your glasses, but be careful not to overdo it. Use only a small amount of the polish and rub it gently in a circular motion for a few seconds.
Armour Etch
Glass etching is a great way to add a beautiful, personalized touch to glass items you use everyday. The chemicals in etching cream permanently "etch" the surface of your glass with micro-scratches to give it a frosted appearance. This is a permanent look that lasts for many years and is much more durable than vinyl decals.
However, sometimes etching cream can bleed over the edges of your stencil if it's not applied perfectly or there is a stain on the glass that doesn't come off with regular cleaners (such as glass cleaners advertised as reducing fingerprints). This can create blotchy areas in the etched design and looks less professional.
Standard rubbing alcohol is a great option for cleaning glass but it is bachelor party outfits not strong enough to etch it. You can also try using metal polish but be careful as this is meant to be used on metal and may damage the etching rather than removing it.
Cerium Oxide
Cerium Oxide, also known as ceria, is an effective polishing material for glass that can help lessen or remove scratches and distortions. This material can be used for general glass polishing or as a final step in etch removal processes, such as in mechanized scrubbers and mirror silvering lines.
To use cerium oxide, it is mixed with water to create a polishing slurry. The slurry is then applied to the surface of the glass and agitated using felt pads or wheels. The mechanical action generates heat, which helps to activate the polishing process.
When using this polishing compound, it is advisable to test it out on a small area of the glass to observe its performance and determine which grade works best for the specific application. Keeping track of these results can make it easier to identify the ideal polishing formulas and conditions for future applications. This will save time and money in the long run.
Metal Polish
For more severe scratches that haven’t responded to a light abrasive like baking soda or toothpaste, try using metal polish on the surface. A product that is specifically labeled safe for glass and contains fine abrasives should be used. Wipe the surface clean and apply a small amount of polish to a soft cloth, buffing gently in circular motions until smooth. Repeat as needed, but don’t overdo it, or the polish may scratch the surface.
For more serious scratches on acid-etched glass, it’s usually best to reach for a professional. However, if the damage is not too severe and you are willing to spend a bit more money, there are glass repair kits that contain cerium oxide that may work better than household products. The key is to prioritize prevention, so be sure to use protective pads on your glass surfaces and practice good glass maintenance. With the right care and preventative measures, your home can remain a beautiful haven with pristine glass surfaces!
