A mirror is a fragile object, but it is present in every home. If handled carelessly and improperly cared for, they break, crack, become covered with plaque, stains and stains. Scratches and abrasions often appear on the surface. It is not possible to restore a scratched mirror and completely get rid of chips or scratches at home.
But you can disguise defects. The work must be carried out very carefully so that the mirror does not accidentally crack, split or break. Let's take a closer look at how to remove scratches from a mirror at home.
Is it possible to remove scratches completely?
A mirror can become a “highlight” of the interior, giving it lightness and volume. But it requires careful handling and special care. It easily leaves marks from accidental touching or contact with other objects.
The mirror in the bathroom is most susceptible to aggressive influence. Over time, moisture corrodes the deep layers, and it requires restoration even if the glass is intact.
Wash the surface before removing scratches. This way you can better see the nature and extent of the damage.
A typical mirror consists of three layers:
- glass,
- amalgam or metal spraying,
- protective layer.
Most often the top layer is damaged. In this case, the same restoration methods are used as for glass products. If the reflective layer is affected, the defect cannot be completely removed. It can only be disguised. To do this, use improvised means or store-bought formulations.
What can cause amalgam to come off?
First of all, you need to know that amalgam can come off if free air circulation from the inside is disrupted. That is why, if transparent spots appear on a reflective surface, you should think about moving the mirror to some other place.
You also need to know that all mirrors are created under industrial conditions by applying a very thin layer of metal mixed with special substances to the surface. The metal is sprayed in several layers over the entire surface, which is impossible to achieve at home. Therefore, do-it-yourself mirror restoration is carried out in order to improve its overall appearance and make small defects less noticeable.
Vegetable oil, mayonnaise
If you don’t know how to remove a scratch from a mirror, start with vegetable oil. Refined and unrefined will do. You can also use any mayonnaise.
What to do:
- Dampen a microfiber cloth (1/5 teaspoon is enough).
- Rub in vigorously.
- Continue until you are satisfied with the result.
- Remove any residue with clean, dry gauze.
- Treat with any glass polish.
The grease will cope with minor scratches on the mirror. In difficult cases, use other, more effective methods.
Baking soda, talcum powder, or tooth powder
If you can’t remove a scratch on the mirror, there is another way. Prepare a thick paste of soda and water, the consistency of which is close to that of full-fat sour cream. Rub so that there are no lumps left. Take the amount of ingredients based on the amount of work. For a small scratch (up to 5 cm) a tablespoon is enough
Apply the mixture to a cotton pad or microfiber. Rub the damaged area for 30-40 seconds. Then rinse with water and dry with a soft cloth.
Important: do not use powders to clean enamel and porcelain items. "Komet", "Pemolux" leave marks and roughness.
Soda and toothpaste
The method is a continuation of the previous one. It is suitable for deep injuries. Take white paste (not gel). Treatment with this mixture additionally imparts shine to the mirror surface.
How to fix a scratch on a mirror:
- In a saucer or porcelain mortar, mix 1 tsp. soda with 2-3 grams of paste (strip 1-2.5 cm long).
- Take a silver polishing cloth or cotton pad.
- Rub the paste in for 3-5 minutes.
Remove residues with microfiber. If marks remain, repeat the process.
Prevention measures
Caring for a mirror surface should include the following points:
Carrying out regular cleaning using special products or homemade compounds;- exclude exposure to abrasive or other surfaces, including the hard sides of sponges;
- It is advisable to have complex damage and chips repaired by a specialist;
- mirrors do not tolerate constant moisture well, so mirror surfaces that fog up in the bathroom must be wiped dry regularly;
- Rubbing the mirror with shaving foam will help prevent the mirror from fogging.
Any dirt that gets on the mirror must be removed immediately.
Walnut kernel
To remove a scratch or make it invisible, break the nut and remove the kernel. It's good if it's fresh fruit. It is still soft and hides chips well.
Peel off the outer film. This is easy to do by soaking it in hot water for a minute or pouring boiling water over it. Break it in half and process the glass.
Grind the dried nuts into flour and add a drop of olive oil.
Clear nail polish
To get rid of a scratch on a mirror, follow this plan:
- Apply varnish with a kolinsky brush.
- After 1.5 hours (when it is completely dry), take a cotton pad and soak it in nail polish remover. It should be free of oils and additives. Ideally, diluted acetone.
- Skim off any excess. Avoid excessive pressure. Your task is to remove the protruding layer without affecting the part that falls into the groove of the scratch.
- Inspect the surface carefully. If scratches remain, or certain areas require more careful treatment, repeat the process.
After the procedure, wash the product with glass cleaner to smooth out any imperfections.
Something about safety measures
I find it dangerous to place a polisher directly on a table or workbench. When the polishing wheel grips the blade, it flies at 75 miles per hour or more towards the surface of the workbench. Such a pointed rocket can bounce off the workbench and, hitting the wheel again, go directly to the master.
| Marking the shank for drilling or milling a recess for it in the handle. | The screw tip of the drill bit is designed to simply cut into the surface of the handle plate |
Mount the machine on a workbench extension no larger than the motor base. The idea is to ensure that there are no obstacles between the circle and the floor. Some kind of soft mat should be placed under the polishing wheel so that the blade, falling down from the wheel, does not get damaged or, even worse, fly off the wheel towards the operator.
A few years ago I was teaching a friend how to make knives. In a hurry, he set up his polishing machine directly on the workbench. The polishing wheel grabbed the dagger's guard and threw it straight onto the surface of the workbench. Bouncing off the workbench, the dagger again hit the circle, which sent it straight into my friend's hand. The friend did not receive any injuries, but he did not go to work for a long time and spent a lot of money on treating his hand. I know more terrible stories about accidents caused by the polishing wheel, but I won’t tell them here. I will just repeat that, from my point of view, a polishing machine is the most dangerous tool in a cutler's workshop.
Protection should be installed over the circles. The photo shows how I did it.
Even if you've never had anything bounce off the wheel in your face, it's good to have dust and bits of polish flying onto the floor and not at you.
My circle guards are made from 3/4″ plywood, glued and screwed together. I hope that the blade of the knife, wrapped around the wheel, will get stuck in the tree, and not in me. When the wheel works, the protrusion on the front of the protection can be moved lower. The upper part of the machine protection is convenient for storing polishing compounds and other small items.
A scratch on a mirror: how to remove it with silicone sealant?
In addition, prepare a needle, a razor blade, a piece of gauze and glass cleaning spray.
What to do:
- Carefully apply the sealant using a needle or orange stick.
- Wait for it to dry.
- Cut off any protruding residue with a blade.
- Treat with glass spray.
Repair kit for car glass
The top layer of the mirror is made of glass, so most glass care products are suitable for removing scratches. A deep scratch can be made invisible by filling it with transparent material.
A repair kit for auto glass is ideal for this purpose. The transparent composition will make any crack invisible. It works very effectively and easily corrects even significant damage.
Before starting manipulations, carefully read the manufacturer's instructions. Deviations from recommendations can ruin the item.
Cerium oxide against scratches on mirrors
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