5 Easy Ways to Remove Scratches from Watch Glass

1. 5 Easy Ways to Remove Scratches from Watch Glass If you're passionate about watches or simply love to keep your timepiece in top shape, discovering a scratch on the crystal can be quite frustrating. However, there's no need to despair when you notice this imperfection. Before rushing to a professional watch repair shop for a crystal replacement, consider a few DIY solutions. Further, your approach largely depends on the type of crystal your watch has. Try Any of the Following Methods That You Think Work Best Method #1: Microfiber Cloth and Water Step 1: Get a slightly wet, soft microfiber cloth Take a soft, lint-free microfiber cloth and make it a bit damp with water. Ensure the cloth isn't too wet, as excess water can harm the watch. Step 2: Find the scratch Locate the scratch on your watch that you want to deal with. If the face is covered in scratches overall, there is no need to locate it at all. Step 3: Apply light pressure Further, place the damp cloth on the scratched spot and gently press down. Use small circular motions while softly rubbing the cloth against the scratch. Also, be cautious not to press too firmly, else it might cause more damage. Step 4: Keep rubbing Continue rubbing the scratched area for a few minutes. The idea is to make the scratch less visible by gently buffing the surface. Step 5: Check the outcome After a few minutes of rubbing, check your timepiece to see if the scratch looks less noticeable. If the gash is shallow, this technique should help improve its appearance.

2. Check out: How to Remove Scratches From Your Watch Crystal Method #2: Buff It Away Step 1: First, prepare your watch for polishing. To safeguard the metal around the crystal while buffing it, use small pieces of polyimide tape. Each should be about an inch and a half long to cover the metal. Now, overlap the tape pieces to fully protect the metal surrounding the watch crystal. Step 2: ● Once the metal is covered, set the watch aside and set up your buffing setup. ● Attach the hard felt buff to the motor spindle of your polishing motor and put on your safety glasses. ● Start the motor and gently apply a thin layer of the yellow rouge polishing compound to the spinning buffing wheel. ● Further, hold the compound against the turning wheel with medium-light pressure for just two seconds. Step 3: Now, with the crystal protected by the tape, hold it up to the spinning buffing wheel. One must keep his fingers away from the wheel and securely hold the crystal. Press the crystal against the buffing wheel with light to medium pressure and keep it moving to prevent over-polishing one area. Also, ensure to face the crystal directly toward the buffing wheel and change positions to polish each edge equally. If you have a curved crystal, keep it moving along the curve to maintain its shape. Step 4: Take breaks and check your progress regularly so you're not over-polishing a specific section. Once you get the hang of it, you can increase the pressure between the wheel and the crystal to work faster. However, be careful not to let the crystal become too hot to touch while working. Step 5: ● If you don't see any progress in removing the scratches, apply another thin layer of yellow rouge to the felt buffing wheel as before. ● Hold the compound against the wheel for a few seconds. ● Continue polishing and checking your progress, repeating Steps 3 and 4 until the scratches are no longer visible on the crystal's surface.

3. Step 6: ● When you can no longer see any scratches, turn off the polishing motor. ● Further, remove the polyimide tape from the watch crystal. ● Use a soft cleaning cloth to remove any excess polishing compound from the crystal's surface and any remaining adhesive from the watch case. It will give your crystal a beautiful finished shine! Method #3: Polish It Step 1: Find the right polish for the scratch Different watches need different polishes based on their crystal type. Also, the choice of polish depends on your watch's value. Step 2: Gather the necessary tools Before you start, have the following items on hand: ● Your watch ● Painter's tape ● Microfiber cleaning cloth ● Polish ● Detail brush ● Watch strap or bracelet cleaner (for a thorough job!) Step 3: Prepare your watch face for polishing Begin by removing excess dust with a detailed brush before polishing. Protect other watch parts, like the bezel (the top ring around the crystal), as there's a risk of damage during polishing. Apply painter's tape to shield the case and bezel. One must be cautious when taping, focusing on areas near the crystal most prone to damage. To be extra wary, consider removing the watch band or strap to simplify the polishing. Step 4: Begin polishing ● Start by applying a small amount of polish, about the size of a pea, to the crystal's surface. ● It's better to begin with less product and add more later, as using too much can complicate the process. ● Use the microfiber cleaning cloth to gently buff the crystal in a circular motion to evenly distribute the product.

4. ● Apply light pressure and continue cleaning for 2-3 minutes until the scratch gradually disappears. Method #4: Baking Soda Paste Step 1: Make a baking soda paste Combine baking soda with water in a small container until it forms a thick paste. The paste should have a toothpaste-like consistency. Step 2: Apply the paste to the scratches Use a cotton swab or your fingertip to put the baking soda paste directly on the scratched area of the watch. Also, make the paste cover the whole area. Step 3: Gently rub the paste ● With the baking soda paste on, gently rub the scratched area using circular motions. ● Keep the light pressure maintained while rubbing the paste into the scratches. ● Do this for a few minutes. Step 4: Wash off the paste After rubbing the paste into the scratches, rinse the watch under running water. This will remove all traces of the baking soda paste from the surface. Besides, do this only if your watch is waterproof. Step 5: Dry and check ● Use a clean microfiber cloth to thoroughly dry the watch. ● Examine the scratches and see if they have become less visible. ● Repeat the process if necessary. Method 5: Professional Repair Suppose your watch has severe scratches on the crystal that can't be fixed with the methods mentioned earlier. In that case, it's a good idea to think about professional repair. Go to a trusted watchmaker or jeweller known for watch repairs to have the crystal professionally replaced or fixed. Check this one: How to Clean Your Watch

5. Takeaway There is always a way to fix the damage; you only have to know which one works the best. However, if you believe your watch glass is beyond repair, you can take it to a specialist. Don’t forget to take care of your watch so your precious investment doesn’t go to waste so easily.