How to Remove Scratches From Plastic Lens Glasses

Remove Scratches From Plastic Lens Glasses

If you have plastic lenses, you may be able to buff out small scratches yourself using common household products. If any of these remedies leaves your glasses clean and scratch-free, you can avoid professional repairs.

    1. Use wood cleaner to buff plastic lenses. Spray the cleaner on and wipe it off. Then spray a liquid petroleum jelly on the scratched plastic and wipe that off, as well. The petroleum will fill the scratches, making them more noticeable. Repeat the process until you can't see any scratches after you've wiped the petroleum jelly away.
    2. Buff the scratched plastic glasses with brass or silver polish and a soft rag. Rub the polish around on the glasses and wipe any excess off with a clean, soft rag. Repeat until the scratch is gone.
    3. Use the cleaning spray that comes with CD/DVD repair kits. The solution is designed to work on scratched CDs or DVDs, but it will work on scratched plastic eyeglasses, as well. Wipe the solution off with a soft rag.
    4. Dab a non-abrasive toothpaste on the lens. Rub it on the scratch in a circular motion with a cotton ball and rinse it with cool water. If the scratch is deep, you may need to repeat the process a few times.
    5. Make a paste from baking soda and water. Put baking soda in a bowl and mix in small amounts of water until you have a thick paste. Rub the paste on the same way you did the toothpaste, and rinse it off when you think the scratch is gone.
    6. Wax your plastic lenses with vehicle wax. Rub the wax around on the plastic lenses in a circular motion for several minutes, or until you see the scratches disappear. Wipe any excess wax off with a soft cloth or cotton ball.
    7. Spray the scratched lenses with windshield wash designed to repel water. The wash will buff out very small scratches or blemishes. It also repels water and prevents glasses from fogging up.
    8. Try a glass etching abrasive designed for glass art projects. Only do this if you know your glasses do not have an anti-reflective coating. You can buy the abrasive at a hobby or craft store. Use rubber gloves when applying the cleaner to your plastic lenses and wipe off with a soft cloth.
If your glasses are non-reflective, you will ruin them with etching abrasive. At the very least, the glasses will be frosted when you are done with the process. You may need to take these glasses in to a professional to have the scratches fixed if no other home remedies have worked.