Removing scratches?

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quintas14

Feeder Fish
MFK Member
Jan 22, 2008
254
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UK
I didn`t know weather to put this in the general section or here, so i chose here because it`s more diy than anything else.

Over time my glass tank has taken on some scratches, mainly due to the wife and child pulling the magnetic cleaner accross it and not stopping for the sound of sand scratching at it.
So none of the scratches are all that bad but i want them out none the less.
The only way i have found to do it is

"Discovering scratches on glass is disappointing, especially when the scratches are in an obvious location on a vehicle windshield, a glass appliance door, a picture window, an entry door, or on a glass curio cabinet, just to name a few. Scratches on glass can occur during cleaning, or they can occur due to a number of other reasons, but in any case, scratches make glass look unsightly, and in certain locations, they can create a hazard for drivers.

If the scratches are light, it is possible to completely remove them using a product commonly used by jewelers. Using a polishing compound commonly referred to as jeweler's rouge, is an inexpensive method to remove light scratches from glass, and they're relatively easy to remove with the right tools. Save yourself the expense of costly replacement glass, and give the following method a try.



Warning

Wear safety glass or goggles as well as rubber work gloves while working with ammonia, and always read product label instructions regarding warnings and precautions on all products containing chemicals. Always work in a well-ventilated area when using ammonia or other products that produce potentially harmful fumes. In addition, use common sense when working outdoors with electrical tools. Keep in mind that electricity and water is a potentially fatal combination.

Necessary Supplies to Remove Scratches

To remove scratches from glass you'll need jeweler's rouge of the appropriate abrasiveness, 2 ounces of ammonia, and approximately 2 quarts of water. You'll also need an electric buffer, a lamb's wool buffing pad with the required backing plate for the pad, an extension cord rated for outdoor use, a bucket, a clean soft sponge, and lint-free paper towels.

If you don't already own an electric buffer, I would suggest purchasing a Porter-Cable® Model 7424 Polisher. This polisher is a good choice for this particular project, and it will come in handy for many other applications. http://www.woodworker.com offers this specific model as well as lamb's wool buffing pads and backing plates.

Procedure


Begin attempting to remove scratches from glass by applying jeweler's rouge to the lamb's wool buffing pad. Polish the scratches between 1,200 and 1,400 RPM, and if they aren't too deep, this should easily remove them. If you're unable to remove deeper scratches, they should at least be considerably less apparent.

After buffing away the scratches on the glass, put on goggles or safety glasses and rubber work gloves, and mix together the water and ammonia. Wash the entire section of glass using a clean soft sponge, and finish by drying the glass with lint-free paper towels."

Has anyone tried this method and found that it works or is there a different way to go about it??

Sorry for the long as hell quotes.. lol
 
ive never tried but scratches in glass are pretty permanent. if you run your finger nail over the scratch and you feel your nail catch the groove of the scratch, youre screwed, it cant be buffed out.
 
There`s one at the bottom that`s a little deep but shouldn`t really be noticed when i get my plants back in (after another £80 on black sand).
There`s really fine ones accross the top, people probably wouldn`t notice them but as you all know if it`s your tank you`ll see them from a mile away..
 
Scratches on glass tanks are pretty permanent. Aycrlic tanks can be buffed out but not glass. But you would be amazed at how quick those scratches seem to disappear once you get water in there.
 
The tank is all setup (about 5 years now for this tank) i`ve just read about trying toothpaste so i`ll try that tomorrow. "Would you like whitening tooth paste sir? Oh yes please!!" I think my arm`ll probably fall of by the time i`m finished but it`s worth a try..
 
i tried the toothpaste thing too, didnt do squat. i think toothpaste only works on scratches sooo fine that you cant see them anyways when the tank is filled.

you just gotta learn to live with scratches on glass, either that or get a whole new tank!
 
Oh well another tank it`ll have to be then........

The wife won`t be happy with that idea and she holds the nookie cards so i`ll live with em. lol :)
 
Well.....at least your CD won't get any cavities! :D
 
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