How to Remove Scratches From Glass the Easy Way

Updated: May 25, 2023

Avoid glass replacement with these three simple DIY solutions!

Scratches on glass surfaces can be a headache, but they don’t mean your favorite pair of glasses or coffee table is ruined. You can avoid glass replacement with three simple DIY solutions. The first: Brasso. Using Brasso Brass Polish to remove scratches in glass has been a closely guarded secret of watchmakers, door and window installers and glaziers for decades. The second: Baking soda. And the third, albeit one of the slower (but more effective) methods for removing deep scratches in glass, is to use clear nail polish.

Keep on reading for step-by-step directions for three easy DIY solutions to removing scratches from glass—odds are, you’ll have all the supplies you need right at home!

How to Polish Scratches Away with Brasso

Supplies

Directions

Here’s how to remove a scratch with Brasso:

  1. Clean the entire glass and scratch area and allow it to dry.
  2. Apply a dab of Brasso Brass Polish to a soft cloth.
  3. Buff the glass with the cloth and polish, moving in circular motions over the scratches until they are no longer visible.

This method tends to work best for repairing surface scratches rather than deep gouges in the glass.

Baking SodaTMB STUDIO

How to Remove Scratches with Baking Soda

Supplies

Directions

Another method to remove scratches from glass is to use baking soda and water. You essentially create your own glass polishing paste from the two ingredients to remove the scratch.

  1. Start by cleaning the glass so you don’t introduce extra debris into the scratch.
  2. Mix equal parts baking soda and water in a bowl and stir until you get a pudding-like paste.
  3. Rub the paste onto the scratch in a circular motion with a microfiber cloth.
  4. Wipe away the baking soda residue with a clean cloth and lukewarm water.

Woman's hand holding bottle of nail polish. Firming transparent nail polish in female hand.Maria Tebryaeva/Getty Images

How to Use Nail Polish on Scratches

Supplies

Directions

This trick works especially well with mirrors. Here’s how to treat glass scratches with nail polish:

  1. Place your mirror or glass flat on a surface and clean it thoroughly.
  2. Spread clear nail polish into the scratch using the polish applicator brush.
  3. Allow the polish to dry for a couple of hours in order to fill in any scratches in the glass.
  4. Return to the scratch and wipe away any clear nail polish with a lightly dampened microfiber towel dipped in nail polish remover or acetone. Remove the polish around the scratch by gently wiping it until the scratch no longer appears.

The reason this method is so effective is that it essentially uses clear nail polish as a glass filler. In addition, the nail polish remover/acetone will give the glass/mirror a clean shine, so there is no need to come back with glass cleaner.